how to definitively tell a MR from a standard evo or other special edition evo? Anyone know how to tell?

regarding the evo viii and iv

 

i think all that stuff can be added after-the-fact. isnt there something such as 6-sp vs 5-sp? or somethign that would be MUCH harder or more unlikely to be swapped?

 

The MR is a 6 speed not a 5. There is MR badging on the outside and near the shifter inside. Stock they have BBS wheels, not enkei, aluminum roof, bilstein shocks and only come in Weightless white, Graphite Grey, Silver (VIII) and I Rally Red, WW, GG and I believe black for the IX. Beware however with the IX the SE model looks like an MR.

 

The headlight and taillight housing in the MR is black which helps differentiate it from other models. I believe the VIII MR housing was flat black and the IX MR housing is chrome black but that maybe JDM specifically. The BBS rims were used on both the SE and MR but the SE had red stitching interior. Safest bet is the 6-speed.