Segment:
Performance Sedan / Rally Homologation Special
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, professional mechanics, DIY repairers of Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII.
Key Rivals:
Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Ford Focus RS, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VII/IX.
Vehicle Attributes:
Iconic rally-bred performance, advanced all-wheel-drive system (AYC/ACD), potent turbocharged engine, sharp handling, aerodynamic body kit.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides comprehensive, accurate, and factory-level repair and maintenance information, essential for preserving the performance and longevity of the Evo 8.
Primary Market:
Global (English Language)
Region Specific Variants:
Covers common specifications for major markets (e.g., JDM, USDM, EUDM) with notes on key differences.
Estimated Page Count:
1000+
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual
Powertrain:
Engine, Fuel System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Exhaust System, Clutch, Manual Transmission (Getrag 5-speed), Transfer Case, Drive Shafts, Front Differential, Rear Differential (AYC/ACD controlled).
Chassis:
Suspension (Front MacPherson Strut, Rear Multi-link), Steering System (Power Assisted Rack and Pinion), Brakes (Front Brembo 4-piston, Rear Brembo 2-piston, ABS), Wheels and Tires.
Electrical:
Body Electrical Systems, Powertrain Control Module (ECM), Ignition System, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting, Instrumentation, Audio System, HVAC Controls, Power Windows/Locks, ECU/TCU/ACD/AYC Control Units.
Body:
Exterior Body Panels, Interior Trim, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Bumpers, Glass, Sealing.
Maintenance:
Routine inspections, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake, clutch, differential, transfer case), filter replacements, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement.
Repair And Overhaul:
Engine teardown and rebuild, transmission overhaul, clutch replacement, brake caliper/rotor replacement, suspension component replacement, steering rack repair, electrical component diagnosis and replacement.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides based on symptoms, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), electrical schematics, diagnostic tool usage (MUT-III). Specific diagnostic procedures for ACD/AYC systems.
Special Procedures:
Timing belt replacement (if applicable to specific engine variant), turbocharger inspection and replacement, AYC/ACD system calibration, alignment procedures, ECU flashing/programming.
Depth:
Comprehensive. Covers from basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic trees and specifications.
Engine Type:
DOHC 16-valve Inline-4, turbocharged, intercooled
Displacement:
1997 cc (2.0 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
85.0 mm x 88.0 mm
Horsepower Ps:
265–280 PS (depending on market/spec)
Horsepower Hp:
261–276 hp (depending on market/spec)
Torque Lb-Ft:
257-260 lb-ft (depending on market/spec)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with Sequential Port Injection
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane Recommended)
Turbocharger:
MHI TD05HR-16G (often referred to as 'Big 16G')
Engine Block Material:
Cast Iron
Cylinder Head Material:
Aluminum Alloy
Valvetrain:
DOHC, Belt-driven cams with hydraulic lifters
Type:
6-Speed Manual (Getrag Type)
Drivetrain:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with Active Center Differential (ACD) and Active Yaw Control (AYC) (rear differential).
Gear Ratios:
Specific ratios detailed in manual, variable by model/market.
Transmission Fluid:
Refer to manual for specific GL-4 or GL-5 specification, viscosity depends on temperature and application.
Transfer Case Fluid:
Refer to manual for specific specifications (often similar to transmission fluid).
Rear Differential Fluid:
Refer to manual for specific LSD/AYC specifications.
Length:
Approx. 4,415 mm (173.8 in)
Width:
Approx. 1,770 mm (69.7 in)
Height:
Approx. 1,415 mm (55.7 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2,625 mm (103.3 in)
Track Width Front:
Approx. 1,510 mm (59.4 in)
Track Width Rear:
Approx. 1,510 mm (59.4 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1,450–1,500 kg (3,197–3,307 lb)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Refer to vehicle placard; typically around 1,800 kg.
Trunk Volume:
Approx. 10.8 cu ft (306 L)
Wheel Size:
17x8.5 inch (standard), 17x7.5 inch (JDM variants)
Bolt Pattern:
5x114.3 mm (5x4.5 inches)
Tire Size:
235/45R17 (standard)
NHTSA Front Impact:
4-star (driver), 5-star (passenger) for 2004 models in US testing.
IIHS Small Overlap Front:
Not rated (vehicle not tested in this category)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
Traction Control:
Standard Active Stability Control (ASC)
AWD System:
Driver-selectable modes for ACD (Tarmac, Gravel, Snow)
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags, side airbags (optional/market dependent)
Seatbelts:
3-point height-adjustable front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters, 3-point rear seatbelts.
Body Structure:
Reinforced chassis and safety cell, designed for rally homologation.
Head Unit:
Factory AM/FM/CD player, typically with basic digital display. Aftermarket units very common.
Speakers:
4-6 speaker system, depending on trim level.
Launch Control:
Not factory equipped, but a common aftermarket addition.
Climate Control:
Manual or Automatic Climate Control (market dependent).
Auxiliary Input:
Rarely standard, common aftermarket addition.
Bluetooth:
Not standard. Common aftermarket integration.
Engine Oil Change:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (severe use).
Engine Oil Filter:
Replace with every oil change.
Air Filter:
Inspect every 7,500 miles, replace as needed (more frequently in dusty conditions).
Spark Plugs:
Replace at 30,000–60,000 miles depending on plug type (e.g., iridium). Refer to manual for specific plug part numbers and gap.
Timing Belt:
Replace every 60,000 miles or 5 years. Critical component – failure can cause catastrophic engine damage.
Coolant Exchange:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 15,000 miles or 1 year.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 miles (manual transmission). Refer to manual for specific fluid type.
Differential Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 miles for front and rear differentials. Refer to manual for specific fluid types for ACD/AYC.
Engine Oil:
API SG, SH, or SJ; SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended for most climates. Refer to manual for specific viscosity charts and capacities.
Coolant:
Mitsubishi Genuine Super Long Life Coolant (SLLC) or equivalent ethylene glycol based coolant with appropriate corrosion inhibitors. Capacity approx. 7.5 L.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Clutch Fluid:
DOT 3 (typically shares reservoir with brake fluid).
Engine:
Turbocharger seal failure (oil burning), valve stem seals, head gasket issues (especially with aggressive tuning), connecting rod failure on heavily modified engines.
Transmission:
Gear grinding (especially 5th gear), clutch wear, synchro issues on high-mileage or abused transmissions.
AWD System:
ACD pump failure, AYC pump failure, solenoid issues, fluid leaks in the ACD/AYC system.
Suspension And Steering:
Worn bushings, premature strut/shock absorber wear, power steering pump leaks, steering rack wear.
Electrical:
Corroded grounds, failing power window motors, ECU capacitor degradation.
Rally Roots:
Directly linked to Mitsubishi's highly successful World Rally Championship (WRC) program.
Predecessors:
Lancer Evolution I-VII
Successors:
Lancer Evolution IX
Key Evolution From Evo 7:
Revised turbocharger, updated suspension geometry, stronger gearbox, revised ACD/AYC tuning, homologation for WRC Group A regulations.
Manufacturing Location:
Mizushima Plant, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan
Production Volume:
Estimated ~30,000 units worldwide (across various trims like GSR, MR, RS).
Road And Track:
Named one of the '10 Great Sports Sedans' by Road & Track in 2004.
Motorsport Achievements:
The Evo 8 platform formed the basis for successful WRC and rallycross cars during its era.
General Reputation:
Highly acclaimed for its performance, handling, and rally-bred capabilities.
Homologation:
Homologated for various motorsport series, particularly WRC Group A.
