🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mitsubishi

Model:

Lancer Evolution

Year:

2003

Chassis Code:

CT9A (This is the internal Mitsubishi chassis code for the Evolution VIII, which corresponds to the 2003 model year in most markets).

👋 Introduction

Market Niche:

Performance compact sedan, rally homologation special

Key Rivals:

Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart (lower trims), Ford Focus RS, Honda Civic Type R (later generations)

Performance Focus:

Emphasizes powerful turbocharged engine, advanced AWD system, and driver-focused handling.

Rally Heritage:

Directly derived from Mitsubishi's World Rally Championship (WRC) successes.

Utility For Owner:

Indispensable for DIY maintenance, repairs, diagnostics, and performance tuning.

Utility For Professional:

Provides essential data for professional mechanics and performance shops.

Delivery Advantage:

Instant download, no shipping costs, no waiting for physical media, immediate access.

📋 Manual Details

Engine:

4G63 DOHC Turbocharged (2.0L)

Transmission:

5-speed Manual (F5M4A, typically)

Drivetrain:

All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with Active Center Differential (ACD) and Super Active Yaw Control (AYC)

Suspension:

Front MacPherson struts, Rear multi-link independent suspension

Brakes:

Front: Brembo 4-piston calipers with 13-inch vented discs; Rear: Brembo 2-piston calipers with 12.4-inch vented discs

Electrical System:

12V system, comprehensive wiring diagrams

Body And Chassis:

Crash structure, safety cage, mounting points

Interior:

Dashboard, seats, HVAC, audio system, airbags

Engine Management:

ECU, sensors, actuators, fuel injection, ignition timing

Cooling System:

Radiator, fan, coolant passages, hoses, thermostat

Fuel System:

Fuel pump, injectors, filter, lines, tank, fuel pressure regulator

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, muffler, downpipe

Air Intake System:

Air filter, intake manifold, intercooler, turbocharger piping

Steering System:

Power steering pump, rack and pinion, steering column

Wheel And Tire:

Wheel specifications, tire pressure, rotation, balancing

Diagnosis And Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), common fault finding procedures

Estimated Pages:

Comprehensive (typically 2000+ pages for full factory service manuals of this era, though not explicitly stated in product info, this is standard for a complete factory service manual).

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Digital Format:

PDF

Delivery Format:

ZIP Archive

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine (4G63T), turbocharger, intercooler, cooling, lubrication, fuel, ignition, emissions control, exhaust systems.

Drivetrain:

Transmission (manual), transfer case, ACD, AYC, driveshafts, differentials (front, rear, center), AWD system components.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, wheel bearings.

Brakes:

Brake system hydraulics, ABS, EBD, brake calipers, rotors, pads, lines, parking brake.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack, pump, lines, steering column.

Electrical System:

12V battery, alternator, starter, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), power accessories, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams for all circuits.

Exterior Body:

Body panel removal/installation, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, fenders, grille, mirrors, glass, seals.

Interior Body:

Dashboard, instrument panel, seats, seatbelts, airbags, interior trim, headliner, carpet, HVAC system components, audio system.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil and filter changes, fluid checks and top-ups, filter replacements (air, fuel), spark plug replacement, tire rotation and balancing.

Major Repairs:

Engine overhaul and rebuild (pistons, rings, bearings, seals, gaskets), cylinder head service (valves, guides, springs), turbocharger replacement, transmission repair and overhaul, clutch replacement, brake system overhaul.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting engine performance issues, diagnosing transmission and drivetrain faults, identifying electrical system problems, reading diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).

Technical Specifications:

Torque specifications for all fasteners, engine specifications (compression, timing), fluid capacities and types, electrical system parameters.

Special Tools:

Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repair procedures.

Alignment And Balancing:

Wheel alignment specifications, tire balancing procedures.

Air Conditioning System:

Refrigerant handling (with safety warnings), component testing and replacement.

Depth Of Coverage:

Extremely high. Covers everything from basic preventative maintenance and fluid changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and wiring diagrams.

Detail Level:

Factory level detail, including step-by-step instructions, illustrations, diagrams, torque specifications, and tolerances.

📊 Manual Specifications

PDF Features:

Searchable text, Zoom in/out capability

Printability:

Yes

Source Quality:

Factory

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

4G63T (Evolution VIII variant)

Configuration:

Inline-4, turbocharged, intercooled, DOHC, 16-valve

Displacement:

1997 cc (2.0 Liters)

Horsepower Est:

271 hp @ 6500 rpm (JDM/European spec), 265 hp (USDM spec)

Torque Est:

273 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (JDM/European spec), 262 lb-ft (USDM spec)

Induction:

Multi-point fuel injection (MPI) with electronic throttle control

Turbocharger:

Mitsubishi TD04-13T (common, though slight variations existed)

Fuel Requirement:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane recommended)

Pistons:

Forged pistons

Connecting Rods:

Forged connecting rods

Crankshaft:

Forged steel crankshaft

Cylinder Head:

Aluminum alloy, pent-roof combustion chambers

Valve Train:

Hydraulic lash adjusters, timing belt driven

Cooling Capacity:

Approx. 8.5 Liters (coolant)

Oil Capacity:

Approx. 4.5 Liters (4.7 US Quarts) with filter change

Oil Type Recommendation:

API SG, SH, SJ or higher; ACEA A3/B3 or A3/B4; Viscosity 5W-30 or 10W-40 depending on climate (refer to manual for specific temperature ranges)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed Manual

Optional Transmission:

N/A for the Evolution VIII in 2003.

Drivetrain Management:

Active Center Differential (ACD) with driver-selectable modes (Tarmac, Gravel, Snow), Super Active Yaw Control (AYC) for rear differential torque vectoring.

Manual Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approx. 2.1 Liters (MTF)

Manual Transmission Fluid Type:

API GL-4 or GL-5; recommended: Mitsubishi DiaQueen LSD Gear Oil (or equivalent high-quality synthetic gear oil)

Transfer Case Fluid Capacity:

Approx. 0.7 Liters

Transfer Case Fluid Type:

API GL-4 or GL-5; recommended: Mitsubishi DiaQueen LSD Gear Oil (or equivalent high-quality synthetic gear oil)

Rear Differential Fluid Capacity:

Approx. 1.0 Liters (for AYC-equipped vehicles)

Rear Differential Fluid Type:

API GL-5; recommended: Mitsubishi DiaQueen LSD Gear Oil (or equivalent high-quality synthetic LSD gear oil)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 4,370 mm (172.0 inches)

Width:

Approx. 1,770 mm (69.7 inches)

Height:

Approx. 1,415 mm (55.7 inches)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2,625 mm (103.3 inches)

Track Width Front:

Approx. 1,515 mm (59.6 inches)

Track Width Rear:

Approx. 1,510 mm (59.4 inches)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1,450 - 1,500 kg (3,197 - 3,307 lbs), depending on market and options.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Typically around 1,900 kg (4,189 lbs)

Towing Capacity:

Not specified, generally not recommended for towing due to performance nature.

Trunk Volume:

Approx. 220 Liters (7.8 cubic feet)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings:

Information for the 2003 model year may vary by region. In the US, it was not a high-volume seller and specific NHTSA ratings might not be readily available. Typically designed with safety in mind for its class.

Active Safety:

ABS with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), ACD, AYC

Passive Safety:

Driver and front passenger airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, side-impact door beams, reinforced chassis and roll cage elements.

Brake System Description:

High-performance Brembo braking system with ABS and EBD.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Basic AM/FM/CD stereo system. Likely aftermarket upgrades common.

Driver Assistance Features:

Limited by modern standards. Focus on mechanical systems like ACD and AYC for vehicle dynamics.

Performance Electronics:

Engine control unit (ECU) with programmable parameters (though access for tuning varies), ACD/AYC control modules.

Connectivity Features:

N/A (No integrated Bluetooth, USB, or smartphone integration from factory).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, especially under spirited driving conditions. Refer to manual for severe service intervals.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Recommended every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years. Crucial for preventing catastrophic engine damage.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Typically every 30,000 - 45,000 miles (48,000 - 72,000 km) for performance plugs, consult manual for exact type and interval.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Recommended every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years. AYC fluid may require more frequent changes if performance driving is common.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze (typically 50/50 mix with distilled water). Refer to manual for specific Mitsubishi coolant type (e.g., DiaQueen Super Long Life Coolant).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (high-performance synthetic brake fluid recommended for spirited driving).

Engine Wear:

Ring land failure on pistons (especially if poorly maintained or heavily modified), turbocharger wear, valve stem seals drying out leading to oil consumption.

Ayc System:

Potential for AYC pump failure, sensor issues, or fluid leaks. Requires specialized knowledge and fluid.

Clutch:

Clutch wear is accelerated with aggressive driving. Dual-mass flywheel can also be a point of failure.

Acd System:

Can be sensitive to fluid contamination or electrical faults.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Focus:

Mitsubishi Motors has a strong history in motorsport, particularly rallying, with the Lancer Evolution being its flagship performance model.

Evolution Lineage:

The 2003 model represents the Evolution VIII (CT9A), an evolution of the Evo VII, featuring technological advancements and styling updates. It preceded the Evolution IX.

Production Period:

The Evolution VIII was produced from early 2003 to late 2005.

Manufacturing Location:

Japan

Motorsport Connection:

The Lancer Evolution was developed for WRC homologation and has achieved significant success in various forms of motorsport worldwide.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Press Acclaim:

Consistently lauded by automotive journalists for its performance, handling, and accessible AWD technology.

Motorsport Achievements:

Multiple WRC manufacturer and driver championships, successful in global rally and track racing series.