🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mitsubishi

Model:

3000GT / GTO

Codename:

Z16A (AWD), Z15A (FWD)

Chassis Codes:

Z16A, Z15A

👋 Introduction

Category:

Sports Car / Grand Tourer

Segment Positioning:

High-performance, technology-forward GT aimed at competing with European exotics

Key Competitors:

Nissan 300ZX (Z32), Toyota Supra (Mk IV), Mazda RX-7 (FD), Porsche 968, Chevrolet Corvette

Aerodynamics:

Active aerodynamic front air dam and rear spoiler (on some models)

All Wheel Drive:

Advanced Active All-Wheel Drive (AWC) system for enhanced traction and handling

Four Wheel Steering:

Active Electronic Control Four Wheel Steering (AWS) for improved agility and stability

Suspension:

Electronic Controlled Suspension (ECS) allowing driver adjustment of damping rates

Engine Options:

Powerful 3.0L V6 engine, available in naturally aspirated and twin-turbocharged variants

📋 Manual Details

Years Covered:

1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001

Regions Covered:

All markets (North America, Japan, Europe, Australia)

Estimated Page Count:

Over 2000 pages (estimated for comprehensive coverage)

Manual Type:

Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual

Language:

English

File Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

6G72 DOHC Twin-Turbo (6AAT, 6G72), Naturally Aspirated variants

Engine Management:

ECI-Multi, ECU diagnostics, sensor testing, emissions control

Fuel System:

Fuel injection, fuel pump, injectors, fuel pressure regulation, fuel tank

Cooling System:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, coolant flow, pressure testing

Exhaust System:

Catalytic converters, mufflers, exhaust manifold, sensors (O2)

Transmission Manual:

5-speed and 6-speed manual transmissions, clutch system, driveline components

Transmission Automatic:

4-speed automatic transmission, torque converter, valve body, electronic control

Drivetrain AWD:

Active All-Wheel Drive (AWC), transfer case, viscous coupling, differentials

Suspension:

MacPherson strut front, multi-link rear, ECS (Electronic Controlled Suspension) system

Steering:

Power assisted rack and pinion, AWS (Active Electronic Control Four Wheel Steering) system

Brakes Front:

Ventilated discs, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), brake calipers

Brakes Rear:

Ventilated discs, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), brake calipers

Electrical System:

12V electrical system, battery, alternator, starter, fuses, relays

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive electrical wiring schematics for all systems

Body Interior:

Interior trim removal and installation, seats, dashboard, climate control

Body Exterior:

Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, glass, aerodynamics

Safety Systems:

Airbags (driver, passenger), seat belts, SRS system

General Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, tire rotations, spark plug replacement

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults, symptom analysis

Engine Repair:

Engine disassembly, reassembly, component inspection, timing belt replacement, head gasket repair

Transmission Repair:

Transmission removal and installation, internal component repair, clutch replacement, automatic transmission service

Brake System Repair:

Brake pad replacement, rotor replacement, caliper servicing, brake line bleeding, ABS system diagnostics

Suspension And Steering Repair:

Component replacement (shocks, struts, ball joints, tie rods), wheel alignment, AWS system calibration

Electrical Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting electrical faults using wiring diagrams, component testing

Body And Chassis Repair:

Body panel repair and replacement, chassis alignment, rust prevention

Depth Of Information:

Comprehensive from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

Digital Download (PDF)

Searchability:

Fully searchable text (OCR)

Readability:

High-resolution scans for clear diagrams and text

Digital Format:

No physical binding; digital access

Digital Format:

N/A

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

6G72

Engine Configuration:

V6, SOHC (early naturally aspirated), DOHC Twin-Turbo (most popular)

Displacement:

2972 cc (3.0 Liters)

Horsepower Naturally Aspirated:

222 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)

Torque Naturally Aspirated:

205 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (approx.)

Horsepower Twin Turbo:

300 hp @ 6000 rpm (NA-spec), 320 hp @ 6000 rpm (US-spec early), 320 hp @ 6000 rpm (US-spec later, some models 286 hp)

Torque Twin Turbo:

307 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (NA-spec), 315 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm (US-spec early), 315 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm (US-spec later, some models 297 lb-ft)

Performance Ecr:

Engine Control Relay

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point Electronic Fuel Injection (ECI-Multi)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Premium Gasoline (91+ octane recommended)

Cooling Capacity:

Approx. 8.0 Liters

🔧 Transmission

Manual Transmission:

5-speed manual (standard on most models), 6-speed Getrag manual (optional on some later AWD models)

Automatic Transmission:

4-speed automatic (available on most models)

AWD Transmission Integration:

Integrated with Active All-Wheel Drive system

Automatic Fluid Type:

Diamond ATF SP-III or equivalent

Manual Fluid Type:

API GL-4 or GL-5, SAE 75W-90 gear oil

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4656 mm (183.3 in)

Width:

1840 mm (72.4 in)

Height:

1250 mm (49.2 in) (Twin-Turbo), 1275 mm (50.2 in) (NA)

Wheelbase:

2500 mm (98.4 in)

Curb Weight Naturally Aspirated:

Approx. 1540 kg (3395 lbs)

Curb Weight Twin Turbo:

Approx. 1650 kg (3638 lbs)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Crash Test Results:

Varies by year and specific test; generally considered safe for its era, but lacking modern driver aids.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Awc:

Standard Active All-Wheel Drive (AWC) for enhanced stability

Aws:

Optional Active Electronic Control Four Wheel Steering (AWS)

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags (standard from 1991 onwards)

Seatbelts:

Three-point seatbelts with pre-tensioners

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Premium Mitsubishi AM/FM CD/Cassette stereo system with amplifier

Cruise Control:

Standard electronic cruise control

Telematics:

No integrated telematics or Bluetooth for early models; later models may have aftermarket integrations.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first), or 7,500 miles for synthetic oil

Timing Belt Replacement:

Every 60,000 miles or 5 years (critical for 6G72 engine)

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 60,000 miles (platinum tipped)

Engine Oil Type:

10W-30 or 10W-40 API SJ/SL/SM certified (synthetic recommended for turbocharged engines)

Coolant Type:

Mitsubishi Super Long Life Coolant (LLC) or equivalent (ethylene glycol-based, phosphate-free)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Common Problems:

ECU failures (especially early models), active aero system malfunctions, ECS sensor issues, alternator failures, oil leaks from valve covers and oil cooler lines, sticky fuel injectors (turbo models), transmission synchro issues (manual).

📚 Vehicle History

Parent Company:

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation

First Generation:

1990-2001 (JS platform)

Facelifts And Updates:

Significant refresh for 1994 model year with revised styling, interior, and performance enhancements (e.g., larger turbos, increased power, new AWD system).

Market Names:

Sold as Mitsubishi 3000GT in North America, Australia, and some other markets; sold as Mitsubishi GTO in Japan.

Production Years:

1990-2001

Manufacturing Location:

Japan

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver Ten Best:

Listed on Car and Driver's Ten Best list for 1991 and 1992

Automobile Magazine All Stars:

Named Automobile Magazine's All-Star Sports Car for 1991