Segment:
Performance Compact Sedan / Rally Homologation Special
Reputation:
Renowned for its rally heritage, sophisticated All-Wheel Control (AWC) system, and potent turbocharged engine.
Key Competitors:
Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Honda Civic Type R, Ford Focus RS
Powertrain Highlights:
4G63T 2.0L DOHC MIVEC Turbocharged Engine, Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with Active Center Differential (ACD)
Chassis Highlights:
Reinforced chassis, performance-tuned suspension, Brembo brakes
Manual Value Proposition:
Essential for owners and independent mechanics seeking accurate, factory-level repair and maintenance information.
Applicable Years:
2003, 2004, 2005
Trim Levels Covered:
GSR, MR, RS (all variants)
Estimated Page Count:
Approximately 2000+ pages (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals)
Type:
Factory Service Repair Manual
Format:
Digital (PDF/e-book format implied by description)
Powertrain:
Engine (4G63T turbo), Fuel System, Ignition System, Exhaust System, Cooling System, Lubrication System
Drivetrain:
Transmission (Manual, SST), Transfer Case, Driveshafts, Differentials (Front, Rear, ACD)
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Braking System (ABS)
Electrical:
Wiring Diagrams, Lighting, Instruments, Audio System, Power Accessories, ECU/ECM Diagnosis, SRS (Airbag) System
Body:
Exterior Body Panels, Interior Trim, Seats, HVAC System, Body Sealing
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Inspection/Replacement
Repair:
Engine Rebuilds, Transmission Overhaul, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake Service, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Guides, DTC Code Explanations, Symptom-Based Diagnosis, Electrical Circuit Testing
Installation:
Component Removal and Installation Procedures, Accessory Installation Guides
Depth:
Comprehensive (covering basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including specialized systems like ACD)
Engine Type:
Inline 4-Cylinder, DOHC, 16-Valve, turbocharged and intercooled
Displacement:
1997 cc (2.0 Liters)
Horsepower Hp:
271 hp @ 6500 RPM (US Spec)
Torque Lb Ft:
273 lb-ft @ 3500 RPM (US Spec)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI) with Electronic Throttle Control (ETC)
Fuel Type Required:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)
ECM Type:
Mitsubishi Electronic Control Module (ECM)
Ignition System:
Electronic Ignition (Distributorless Ignition System - DIS)
Coolant Type:
Mitsubishi Super Long Life Coolant (or equivalent ethylene glycol-based antifreeze) - typically blue or green
Oil Capacity Quarts:
4.7 US Quarts (with filter change)
Recommended Oil Viscosity:
5W-30 (API SN or higher)
Turbo Model:
MHI TD05HA-15G 8cm^2
Type Standard:
6-Speed Manual Transmission (Getrag 6-Speed)
Type Optional:
6-Speed Sequential Sportivo Transmission (SST) - Available on select MR models in later production years, but primarily manual for EVO 8.
AWD System:
Mitsubishi All-Wheel Control (AWC) with Active Center Differential (ACD) and Super Active Yaw Control (S-AYC) on rear differential (for GSR/MR)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-3 or GL-4, SAE 75W-85 (Mitsubishi DiaQueen Super Multi Gear Oil recommended)
Transfer Case Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 (Mitsubishi DiaQueen Super Multi Gear Oil recommended)
Manual Transmission Capacity:
2.0 Liters (2.1 US Quarts)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
5-Star
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
5-Star
NHTSA Side Impact Front Passenger:
4-Star
Braking System:
Front: 320mm Ventilated Discs with 4-piston Brembo Calipers; Rear: 300mm Ventilated Discs with 2-piston Brembo Calipers
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
Traction Control:
Active Traction Control (ATC)
Airbags:
Driver and Front Passenger Airbags, Optional Side Airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point ELR seat belts with pretensioners and force limiters
Body Structure:
Reinforced RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) body structure
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM CD Player with 6 speakers (upgrades available on MR trim)
Climate Control:
Manual or Automatic Climate Control (depending on trim level)
Acd System:
Active Center Differential (ACD) electronically controls torque split between front and rear axles for optimal traction.
S Ayc System:
Super Active Yaw Control (S-AYC) on rear differential (GSR/MR trims) actively manages torque to rear wheels for improved cornering stability and agility.
Oem Connectivity:
Limited by era; primarily analog systems. Aftermarket solutions common for modern connectivity.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles or 6 months (severe driving) or 7,500 miles or 12 months (normal driving), refer to manual for specifics.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (depending on plug type, platinum/iridium recommended)
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000 - 90,000 miles or 6-7 years (CRITICAL for the 4G63T, refer to manual for exact interval and procedure)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (refer to manual for specific type and viscosity)
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron III/Mercon ATF or equivalent
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 7.5 Liters (7.9 US Quarts)
Engine Issues:
Potential for head gasket failure under extreme heat/abuse, turbocharger wear, oil consumption at higher mileage.
Drivetrain Issues:
ACD pump failure, rear differential wear (S-AYC), clutch wear with aggressive driving.
Electrical Issues:
Occasional issues with SRS system components, window regulators, and central locking.
Importance Of Timing Belt:
The 4G63T is an 'interference' engine; a broken timing belt will cause catastrophic valve-to-piston damage. Strict adherence to the replacement schedule is paramount.
Mitsubishi Motorsport:
Built on Mitsubishi's extensive WRC (World Rally Championship) pedigree.
Lancer Evolution Lineage:
Eighth generation of the iconic Lancer Evolution series, bridging the gap between the JDM-centric earlier models and the globally recognized EVO X.
Ct9A Development:
Introduced significant chassis stiffening, improved aerodynamics, and the advanced ACD system, offering a more refined yet potent driving experience compared to predecessors.
Production Period:
2003-2005
Manufacturing Location:
Japan
