Project A73 Lancer, Modding the 1st Gen Lancer (1973-1978) Options

[jnry3]

After getting frustrated with browsing the internet for info on this car, I've decided to start a topic that will hopefully aid me in building my dream car - a 1973 Lancer GSR (a.k.a. A73 Lancer, "L-type").

Concept: I want to build an "old-school cool" car that'll beat the hell out of most 4-bangers in existence without spending so much. Back in its days, the 1600 GSR was able to beat a 2600 Porsche 911 in rallying (WRC). I want to bring those days back. B)

Experience: I was able to drive an A75 Lancer once (same generation as the A73), and until now, I can't forget about it. It only had a 1400 engine, 4 gears, and 20+ years of neglect (it wasn't mine, and the guy who owned it NEVER appreciated this car). It was fast and responsive. Surely, the car I drive is faster (1999 Lancer GLXi 1600) just because it's got 30 more horsepower. I miss driving that car... :crying:

I've read around that some folks have pulled off this project in some parts of the world, and frankly, I envy them. I'd highly appreciate for any info, feedback, comment... just anything about the A73. :thumbsup:

[MidNightRacing]

Concept: I want to build an "old-school cool" car that'll beat the hell out of most 4-bangers in existence without spending so much.

Well that would be kind of hard im my opinion. keeping cost low and being able to beat most 4 "bangers". First off the car is fairly old so youd have to go with a complete motor/trans rebuild (if your going to use the same motor n trans) when you do that you should get performance work done to it so thats even more $$

[jnry3]

Well that would be kind of hard im my opinion. keeping cost low and being able to beat most 4 "bangers". First off the car is fairly old so you'd have to go with a complete motor/trans rebuild...
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I agree that the cost won't be as "low", but it'll be relatively lower (I think...) than getting, say, a '99 model and modding it up.

My officemate was able to pull off a 4G63 swap on his 1989 Lancer, and it cost him around US$2,000 (Php100,000). Sure, it'll be a lot of geek work, but I'm sure it can be done, and all without costing as much as buying a brand new car. :grin:

[jnry3]

I've done some spec research months ago, and would like to just post it here so that it'll be easier for the others to find... :innocent:

Lancer GSR Coupe 1st Generation Specifications

General
Code: LA (LB/LC are later variants)
Chassis Code: A73 (A74/A75)

Dimensions
Length: 3990 mm
Width: 1530 mm
Track Front: 1300 mm
Track Rear: 1270 mm
Wheelbase: 2340 mm
Ground Clear: 165 mm
Kerb Weight: 865 kg

Engine
Code: 4G32
Type: S-4, SOHC, 2 valves/cyl
Displacement: 1597 cc
Compression: 9.50:1
Aspiration: Normal
Coolant: Water
Cat Converter: Yes
Max Output: 100 bhp @ 6300 rpm
Max Torque: 97 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Performance
Power-weight: 112.36 bhp/ton
Top Speed: 165 km/h
1/4 Mile Time: 16.4 seconds

Chassis
Engine Loc: Front
Engine Align: Longitudinal
Steering: Recirculating Ball
Turning Radius: 4.8 m
Susp Front: MacPherson Strut, Coil Spring
Susp Rear: Leaf Spring
Brakes Front: Disc
Brakes Rear: Drum
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Drive: Rear-wheel drive
Top gear ratio: 0.85
Final drive: 3.91

Gear Ratios (based on Celeste 2000)
1st: 3.369
2nd: 2.035
3rd: 1.36
4th: 1
5th: 0.856
Final: 3.909

Attached File(s)

 Dscn2381.jpg ( 30.53K ) Number of downloads: 731
 Dscn2382.jpg ( 35.1K ) Number of downloads: 652
 Lancer_1974_Safari_Winner.jpg ( 34.54K ) Number of downloads: 604

 

[jnry3]

While doing my research, I learned online that you can swap in a VR-4 Galant's 4G63 in place of the 4G32. Anyone here ever did this before, or at least know someone who did? I might do this in 2 years, perhaps earlier... :D

[jnry3]

New goal: Beat a Civic SiR in all aspects (except aesthetics). :haha:

[gevo]

Im not sure if your interested but i have the japanese television commercial of this year lancer(i think)if ud like to see it pm me ur email address and ill send it to you :)

[jnry3]

Thanks, gevo! Great find!

In case anyone here wants a copy of the 15-second ad (4-door A73 Lancer), send me a PM.

[araam]

:clap: :D ,hi there,the car & model you are refering to was a very strong model in its days,yes it can be modified.infact mitsubishi mototr sport had put in a 4g63 engine from a galant model with a 5speed g/box.infact the rally car you have shown in the email is the one that had this modification done and won the world rally championship in its days.try & see if there is anyone in this forum who comes from kenya,e.a or australia where these cars did very well in their time.somebody must have some parts for these 4g63 engines.best of luck,regards araam

[ColtLancer]

:clap:  :D ,hi there,the car  & model you are refering to was a very strong model in its days,yes it can be modified.infact mitsubishi mototr sport had put in a 4g63 engine from a galant model with a 5speed g/box.infact the rally car you have shown in the email is the one that had this modification done and won the world rally championship in its days.try & see if there is anyone in this forum who comes from kenya,e.a or australia where these cars did very well in their time.somebody must have some parts for these 4g63 engines.best of luck,regards araam
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U don mean there's a 4g63 in the 1970's safari rally rite? :blink:

[ColtLancer]

:clap:  :D ,hi there,the car  & model you are refering to was a very strong model in its days,yes it can be modified.infact mitsubishi mototr sport had put in a 4g63 engine from a galant model with a 5speed g/box.infact the rally car you have shown in the email is the one that had this modification done and won the world rally championship in its days.try & see if there is anyone in this forum who comes from kenya,e.a or australia where these cars did very well in their time.somebody must have some parts for these 4g63 engines.best of luck,regards araam
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U don mean there's a 4g63 in the 1970's safari rally rite? :blink:

[ColtLancer]

I put a G15b Cyclone engine in my A75 though :P

[jnry3]

I put a G15b Cyclone engine in my A75 though  :P
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I ENVY YOU, ColtLancer!!! :haha: :crying:

...4G15B Cyclone? What's the power rating of that engine? Why didn't you go for a 4G63 or a 4G92 (is the latter even possible...)?

How do you drive your A75? How's the ride? Any advice?

I'll add two pics from a car show that happened sometime last year here in Manila... B)

Attached File(s)

 76ShowLancer01.JPG ( 448.51K ) Number of downloads: 493
 76ShowLancer02.JPG ( 612.03K ) Number of downloads: 517

 

[ColtLancer]

Hmm, the ride could be better yeah. What you expect from a 29 year old car?
G15B power rating is 105 hp i think.

I once asked whether i can fit a 4g63 engine to a mechanic. He said ' I could fit a skyline engine for ya if you got 15, 000 bucks' .

Anyway, in Malaysia the allowed engine capacity upgrade without 'hassle' will be either 25% higher or lower than stock (1238cc). So yeah i opted for not a so drastic change.

If you're gonna go to 4g63.. first get a bloody good mechanic. Shop with him to get a good cond 4g63. Then solve the engine mounting problem with a car mod professional(e.g Hotbits, Speedworks, Powezone etc etc). Next up is brakes upgrade , then transmission including the backwheel differential. Yeah you need a custom made extractor as well coz the 4g63 is not positioned in-line ioriginally.

After all that, the hard part(for me at least) is getting the approval from the authorities. Bribe them if your car don pass the test(if that's possible).

So should set you back 12,000. Alot hmm? Look at it this way, It's way cheaper than getting a new car. In addition ur A75 feels new again. Plus it can drift! woo hoo

[jnry3]

Performance-wise, how is it? Accelerates fast? Turns quick?

Suppose you run alongside a Miata or a stock Civic... can you outrun them? If I'm not mistaken, your car's got close to a 200-kg advantage...

Pardon me for all the questions... hehe... just a bit excited. :D I just want to make sure as well that my plan (of beating a Civic SiR) will work. :devil:

[ColtLancer]

Sorry man haven't got the chance to go head-to-head with a civic. Not a racer heheh. But yeah, my car which previously had 4 gears really leave tyre marks if im not careful with the clutch.
0-60mph is about 8.6 seconds during that time.

Now have changed to 5 gear transmission. Slower but defnitiely quieter.
0-60 about 9.6 seconds.

Come on, Colt Lancer handling is superb. You don't need to ask this question unless you're getting a power steering <_<

[jnry3]

Sorry man haven't got the chance to go head-to-head with a civic. Not a racer heheh. But yeah, my car which previously had 4 gears really leave tyre marks if im not careful with the clutch.
0-60mph is about 8.6 seconds during that time.

Now have changed to 5 gear transmission. Slower but defnitiely quieter.
0-60 about 9.6 seconds.

Come on, Colt Lancer handling is superb. You don't need to ask this question unless you're getting a power steering  <_<
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Hmm... a stock 1992 Honda Civic Si's 0-60 is at 8.5s... power at 125hp on a ~950kg body... my theory's getting somewhere! :haha:

I guess throwing around ~850kg would be thrilling... 1040kg on my Lancer '99 ain't fun... :mellow:

[ColtLancer]

Could get better time if i port and polish the head and get a custom made 4-2-1 extractor :D

[jnry3]

:blink: I SAW IT WITH MY TWO EYES!!! There was a 4-door Lancer A75 in a car shop near our place with a red-top 4G63 (1st Gen, right?)! Too bad I wasn't able to meet the owner...

Damn... that was just wicked... :crying:

[ColtLancer]

lucky u are in the philipines. try www.oldschoolmitsu.com.