My main question:
Is the Uni-body from the Evo (VIII) the same as the regular Lancer (03-05)?
My Research:
I've done some and found that the Evo is a little longer, wider, and has a wheelbase the same. But this can be due to controll arms, body panels, drive shafts and so on. What I'm really wondering is are the Base Uni-bodies the same? I know that the Evo has the aluminum roof and that's part of the Uni-body but I'm less worried about that. I also realize that the front clips may be a little different. But those are mod-able too.
I'm wondering this because my Evo is a little totaled at the moment... Passenger side B-pillar smashed in pretty good, both front and rear doors absolutely crushed, front quarter panel dead, and the roof is buckled a little. The undercarriage seems to be just fine, the floor-pan is unharmed as well, and the engine and drive-line work as good as ever.
I have all the time I want to do what I need to do. I just need to find out what that is. My thoughts on options are:
A) Find a wrecked Evo with no passenger side damage and cut out the roof and passenger side of the Uni-body and mate it to mine.
B) Buy a used Lancer and strip it to the Uni-body and steal it =P
C) Just buy another Evo and swap over my Engine and Driveline
While option A would be the least expensive money-wise, it's definitely the most expensive time-wise. Not to mention I would have to do a lot of paint stripping, weld prepping, and metal cutting. Also would have to prep and repaint it after words. Option C is the most expensive money-wise but it's also the most likely to actually work well and would take up the least time. But I have a lot of time, and not an infinite amount of money so I'd rather spend more time than money if I can. Option B is fairly time consuming, but it's not all that expensive compared to option C. The only problem with B is: Will it work?! Haha...
Pictures in case you're interested. This is what it would look like if YOU were T-boned by a car going about 30...
