Hi guys

Been lurking the site for a few days now
Scored a new job with bugger all travel so I can finally get my dream car. A Ralliart or a VR-X in the TJ Series shape. (even the missus likes!)

I did a search but couldn't find a noob section (if there is I def failed! lol)

Things I've figured out thanks to Google,
Magna VR-X 3.5 litre that does approx 163kW
Ralliart 3.5 litre that does approx 180kW

Questions- do they have all round electric windows, ABS, LSD?
Am I correct in saying both models has 2.5inch straight thru exhaust

Now are there many common problems to the TJ series?
IE- is there anything that I should be looking out for?

Correct in assuming some common performance upgrades are:
CAI, Barrys Mods, a cat back exhaust upgrade

Any help much appreciated!

...so I can finally get my dream car. A Ralliart or a VR-X in the TJ Series shape...Nice choice of cars. :thumbsup:


...Questions- do they have all round electric windows, ABS, LSD?
Am I correct in saying both models has 2.5inch straight thru exhaust...I believe all Ralliarts have 4 dr Elec. Windows & ABS.
Manual Ralliart's have LSD.
Auto/Tippy Ralliart's have TCL.
I don't know about the exhaust - All I've been able to find is that a VRX has a "High-Flow Rear Muffler" and a Ralliart has "Stainless Steel Headers/Extractors" and a "High Flow Exhaust".

Hi guysBeen lurking the site for a few days now
Scored a new job with bugger all travel so I can finally get my dream car. A Ralliart or a VR-X in the TJ Series shape. (even the missus likes!)
Score! Ralliart ftw, theres actually one going for $22k somewhere on here atm, real nice car too.


I did a search but couldn't find a noob section (if there is I def failed! lol)
I don't believe that exists lol


Questions- do they have all round electric windows, ABS, LSD?
Both have all round electrics, ABS, LSD I think both the manual Ralliart and VRX have, think TCL was an option on the auto VRX but standard on the auto Ralliart...not 100% on that last bit though.



Now are there many common problems to the TJ series?
Only one I know of is the seal along the bottom of the windscreen which tends to wear with time, and there isn't really a cheap replacement for it, but most of the guys who've made an attempted on here to fix that up have succeeded, so ask them about that.

Only ralliart has the LSD. I think the exhaust piping is closer to 2.25" at its smallest point. They both have a straight through rear muffler, ralliart gains extra power through higher compression, extractors and different cams.

Only MANUAL ralliarts has the LSD.

:D

nice cars and can be found for a very reasonable price now days

Thanks for the great responses already.

Next questions:
General servicing: oil flush at around 5000km I've read in a few places

Like to hear from some current owners if possible, any hassles, regrets or pleasures!

(Alas no VR-Xs for sale in Tassie, that I can go take for test drive)

Things I've figured out thanks to Google,
Magna VR-X 3.5 litre that does approx 163kW
Ralliart 3.5 litre that does approx 180kW

Questions- do they have all round electric windows, ABS, LSD?
Am I correct in saying both models has 2.5inch straight thru exhaust

Now are there many common problems to the TJ series?
IE- is there anything that I should be looking out for?

Correct in assuming some common performance upgrades are:
CAI, Barrys Mods, a cat back exhaust upgrade

Any help much appreciated!
Correct with engine power outputs.

VR-X and Ralliarts both have all round electric windows in the TJ model and both have ABS in manual and auto. Only the manual Ralliarts got the LSD. Both would have closer to 2.3" exhaust with high flow mufflers. Ralliarts got a full stainless system with custom extractors.

Common problems on TJs - look for front and rear windscreen seals. Auto boxes can be troublesome too. That's about it.

Performance? - Leave the stock airbox and leave the exhaust. Go straight to cams or forced induction. If you just want a bit more noise get a straight through 2.5" system.


Thanks for the great responses already.

Next questions:
General servicing: oil flush at around 5000km I've read in a few places

Like to hear from some current owners if possible, any hassles, regrets or pleasures!

(Alas no VR-Xs for sale in Tassie, that I can go take for test drive)

General servicing - I change my oil every 5000 - 7500kms. Probably overkill for the type of car it is but I don't care. And I only use quiality oils like Motul. Gearbox oil probably every 20,000kms, again probably overkill.

Hassles, regrets or pleasures? -

Hassles, not a real lot. Probably head room cause of the sunroof.
Regrets, Spending so much money on the exhaust, extractors and tune. Should of gone straight to cams.
Pleasures, Driving it. It's such a great car to drive. Comfortable and fast and handles like a car half its size. Also listening to the exhaust when you punch it, then the burble on the overun.

I was looking for a Ralliart, but ended up with a VRX with some Ralliart bits on it. The reason was around $5g difference. The Ralliart "best bits" from a few people I spoke to are the larger brakes (these are awsome I have them) and the suspension (easy enough to mod yourself). Personally I also think the Ralliart seats are better as well. I'm happy with mine, but it's a choice only you can make for yourself.

Thanks for the great responses already.

Next questions:
General servicing: oil flush at around 5000km I've read in a few places

Like to hear from some current owners if possible, any hassles, regrets or pleasures!

(Alas no VR-Xs for sale in Tassie, that I can go take for test drive)

where are you from in tassy?

there is a black series 1 TJ VRX for sale at launceston mitsubishi on invermay road..

also, across the road at motors used cars im 99% sure there is a red TJ Ralliart..

both autos..

i had a ralliart.. was a good, reliable car.. i had it serviced every 7,500kms for an oil change and the filter etc etc was changed every 15,000kms (every alternate).. i just kept it to the schedule in the book and didnt have any dramas..

had a few things done under warranty, but i was picky as all hell.. rear windscreen is a common one (seal perishes and screen rattles), the plastic bits under the front windscreen/wipers (the rubber on that perished), rear spoiler as it filled up with water/brake light wouldnt work, had the horn replaced twice.. the sunroof rattled (lubed it up and it was fine).. but i think that was about it.. nothing MAJOR..

chances are if u get one now it will be out of warranty anyway and may even have had all this stuff done already..

but id definatley look out for a ralliart.. so many reasons..
-limited numbers built
-a **** load of car for your money
-seats are fantastic
-plenty of power yet good economy
-looks good :shock:
-good stock sound system (14 speaker eclipse) etc etc

every second day i wish i hadnt of sold mine.. :cry:

I drove mine yesterday cause the EVO was getting a headunit put in it and man I miss it. :cry: It just drives so nice and the brakes are fantastic. It's not put to shame power wise either, plenty of grunt there - I can keep up with VZ SS Autos in it in a straight line, and I'm faster in the twisty stuff. Wish I didn't have to sell mine. :cry:

again thanks for the awesome, detailed replies.

Disciple cheers :) for the cams upgrade, not mechanically minded. If I can't get Ralliart like yours, do I just contact a Misti dealer to get the Ralliart cams?, prob with better valve springs.

How would an auto Ralliart run? its only done 40,000kms. Price is typically too high.
I'm in Hobart, took my Crapmry to Motors (and a few others) and asked if any VR-X/Ralliart in stock and they said no. Internet car search engines agreed with me, thanks for the heads up Ringa :)

Other things I've learnt
TJ II VR-X's in general got a computer and cams upgrade, and exhaust too I think.
Ralliart got all that ^ plus another ECU upgrade, high lift cams and increased compression rate.

Other things I've learnt
TJ II VR-X's in general got a computer and cams upgrade, and exhaust too I think.
Ralliart got all that ^ plus another ECU upgrade, high lift cams and increased compression rate.

All VRX's right from the start (2000) have the same computer, cams and exhaust and as a result the same power

Ralliart didnt "Get" any of the above cause all those items were changed or modified in the ralliart.... ecu is probably the same item though but the tune is different.. cams were upgraded, increased compression and extractors added to the exhaust system

vrx or ralliart mate you'll be happy...in my opinion the two best magnas of all time

The tj sports model also had the same power, interior and suspension as the VRX just without the body kit. Has the same mags as the VRX for Series 1. Series 2 VRXs got 17 inch mags.

why are so many nice cars coming up NOW? :(

Reads like a tax writeoff?

http://www.carsales.com.au/used-cars/private/MITSUBISHI/MAGNA/details.aspx?PriceMin=15000&__Nne=20&PriceMax=20000&__N=0+55+245+393+412+738+749+502+494+834+285+257&seot=0&State=All%20States&silo=1003&state_id=0&distance=25&Cr=1&__sid=114B868BDA5C&R=1621828&__Ns=pCar_PrivateSpecialFlag_Int32|1||pCar_ImageCo unt_Int32|1||pCar_LastModifiedDate_DateTime|1&trecs=209

why are so many nice cars coming up NOW? :(

Reads like a tax writeoff?

http://www.carsales.com.au/used-cars/private/MITSUBISHI/MAGNA/details.aspx?PriceMin=15000&__Nne=20&PriceMax=20000&__N=0+55+245+393+412+738+749+502+494+834+285+257&seot=0&State=All%20States&silo=1003&state_id=0&distance=25&Cr=1&__sid=114B868BDA5C&R=1621828&__Ns=pCar_PrivateSpecialFlag_Int32|1||pCar_ImageCo unt_Int32|1||pCar_LastModifiedDate_DateTime|1&trecs=209
He wants way too much money for it. Without sounding like a dick, you can have mine for $2k more.

As for your question about cams: Best to probably ring RPW www.rpw.com.au and speak to Dave. They have cams already made up to suit whatever power level you're chasing.

Auto Ralliarts would run great I'd assume. Ringaart had one and was very pleased with it. Having only 40k on the clock I doubt the car has seen too much abuse, but like I said, Always be weary of the auto boxes as they aren't the strongest.

Yeah I know Disciple, just pointing that car out, once I get my new job settled and some money complied- approx $20k, I betcha there'll be zilch :(
Then all money will get siphoned towards the wedding

Thanks for the cams link too (its down for maintenance at mo)

I have tippy RalliArt and got to regrets nor any disappoints (well excepts for the wear and tear). Other than that, car goes strong and having it at 42K on the clock.

ok peoples
test drove a Ralliart yesterday, bloody loved it, will prob buy if I can sell my Camry for $10k.
Anyhoo I noticed when I accelerated (and I loved doing that) it made bit of a whirring noise but not really loud tho, only noticed when I turned off the stereo system.
I wasn't pounding the accel/spinning wheels just normal driving, everytime I pressed accel it made the noise, mighta been similar to like a fan belt noise. Didn't get louder or softer, same level noise when accel.
It's done 67.000kms, could it be timing belt?
The owner had extractors put in and 'they knock a fraction when giving a squirt as the mechanic still hasn't got alligned right' could that be it. (not mech minded sorry!)

I didn't ask the owner about and am wondering whether its a Ralliart thing?

Either way before I (hopefully) buy her I'll be getting RAC tested.

cheers :)

ok peoples
test drove a Ralliart yesterday, bloody loved it, will prob buy if I can sell my Camry for $10k.
Anyhoo I noticed when I accelerated (and I loved doing that) it made bit of a whirring noise but not really loud tho, only noticed when I turned off the stereo system.
I wasn't pounding the accel/spinning wheels just normal driving, everytime I pressed accel it made the noise, mighta been similar to like a fan belt noise. Didn't get louder or softer, same level noise when accel.
It's done 67.000kms, could it be timing belt?
The owner had extractors put in and 'they knock a fraction when giving a squirt as the mechanic still hasn't got alligned right' could that be it. (not mech minded sorry!)

I didn't ask the owner about and am wondering whether its a Ralliart thing?

Either way before I (hopefully) buy her I'll be getting RAC tested.

cheers :)
Is it auto or manual?

Auto - sounds like it could be the box or a belt of some kind.

Manual - belt of some kind. Extractors knocking I haven't heard of. Maybe they weren't installed properly?

sorry was a Manual.

The extractors are slightly out of line, been back a few times but not resolved.

sorry was a Manual.

The extractors are slightly out of line, been back a few times but not resolved.

Does he have the original manifolds? If so, I'd put those back on.

Yeah he has them, + another front bar (currently has the front spoiler off to save breaking it)

http://www.carsales.com.au/used-cars/private/MITSUBISHI/RALLIART_MAGNA/details.aspx?__sid=10FF48A58CF8&Cr=0&__Ns=pCar_PrivateSpecialFlag_Int32|1||pCar_ImageCo unt_Int32|1||pCar_LastModifiedDate_DateTime|1&State=Tasmania&distance=25&silo=1003&seot=0&__Nne=20&Model=RALLIART%20MAGNA&R=822505&__N=4294964597+84+4294961424+834+285+257&Make=MITSUBISHI&state_id=84&trecs=1

^^^^ manual ralliart woo!

thats the one I drove ;)

EDIT- anybody own a 'car cover' that would fit over a Ralli?
(can't build a carport due to council regs FFS)

arent car covers supposed to be bad?

I dunno.., it'd have to be better than having it sitting uncovered I'd reckon?

Anyone got any hi-resolution pics of a silver Ralli?
(So I can stick on computers background)

I dunno.., it'd have to be better than having it sitting uncovered I'd reckon?

as long as it has a good coat of wax on it it will be fine..

i would never ever put a car cover on my car, wouldnt dirt get under it and if it blew around and moved it would scratch the paint wouldnt it?

ok peoples
test drove a Ralliart yesterday, bloody loved it, will prob buy if I can sell my Camry for $10k.
Anyhoo I noticed when I accelerated (and I loved doing that) it made bit of a whirring noise but not really loud tho, only noticed when I turned off the stereo system.
I wasn't pounding the accel/spinning wheels just normal driving, everytime I pressed accel it made the noise, mighta been similar to like a fan belt noise. Didn't get louder or softer, same level noise when accel.
It's done 67.000kms, could it be timing belt?
The owner had extractors put in and 'they knock a fraction when giving a squirt as the mechanic still hasn't got alligned right' could that be it. (not mech minded sorry!)

I didn't ask the owner about and am wondering whether its a Ralliart thing?

Either way before I (hopefully) buy her I'll be getting RAC tested.

cheers :)

Sounds like you will be plenty happy. If you get this ralliart, dont waste your'e money on an exhaust upgrade. it will not be neccessary the way the car is and from my experience will not gain any more from it. Not that i have a ralllliart, but i have a few mods. I would put money into the intake .side of things first ..intake manifold or bigger cams and then exhaust down the track. good luck

every second day i wish i hadnt of sold mine.. :cry:

Everyday im glad you did!:D

hehe...had to say that!

there is also a manual Ralliart in Pewter colour up for grabs down south for $19990.....60000km....very tidy looking.....

EDIT: missed MISSbishi's post...thats the ralliart i was mentioning!

Anyhoo I noticed when I accelerated (and I loved doing that) it made bit of a whirring noise but not really loud tho, only noticed when I turned off the stereo system.
I wasn't pounding the accel/spinning wheels just normal driving, everytime I pressed accel it made the noise, mighta been similar to like a fan belt noise. Didn't get louder or softer, same level noise when accel.
It's done 67.000kms, could it be timing belt?
The owner had extractors put in and 'they knock a fraction when giving a squirt as the mechanic still hasn't got alligned right' could that be it. (not mech minded sorry!)


Was the engine still cold when you heard this noise? In my Ex TJ Verada I had a whirring/ticking noise when the engine was cold and my mechanic said it was probably the hydraulic tappets. He suggested bleeding them and the noise went away. My Verada had done 120,000km. Not sure if this is your problem but worth a mention.