🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mitsubishi

Model:

Lancer Evolution VIII MR

Year:

2004

Chassis Code:

CT9A

Market Segment:

Performance Compact / Sports Sedan

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII MR (MR meaning 'Mitsubishi Racing') was the pinnacle of the Evo VIII generation, designed for enhanced performance and track capability, appealing to motorsport enthusiasts and performance car aficionados.

Key Competitors:

Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Honda Civic Type R (FN2), Ford Focus RS, BMW M3 (E46), Audi S3 (8L).

Performance Focus:

The MR variant specifically targeted enthusiasts with a lighter flywheel, improved aerodynamics, and Bilstein suspension components for sharper handling.

Rally Heritage:

Directly influenced by Mitsubishi's World Rally Championship (WRC) success, offering an accessible taste of rally-bred performance.

Utility:

Essential resource for owners and technicians aiming to maintain, diagnose, and repair the Lancer Evo VIII MR to factory standards.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Engine Coverage:

4G63 (2.0L Turbocharged MIVEC)

Transmission Coverage:

6-Speed Manual (Type-R) / ACD (Active Center Differential) / AYC (Active Yaw Control)

Drivetrain Coverage:

All-Wheel Drive (S-AWC integration)

Electrical System Coverage:

Full Electrical Schematics, ECU, Sensors, Actuators

Body And Chassis Coverage:

Body Panels, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Cooling, Fuel, Exhaust

Estimated Pages:

1500-2000 (typical for comprehensive factory manuals)

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF) - Searchable and Printable

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, disassembly, overhaul, component specifications, torque values, timing procedures

Engine Performance:

Turbocharger system, intercooler, fuel injection, ignition system, emissions control

Transmission Drivetrain:

6-speed gearbox (clutch, gears, synchros, bearings), ACD operation and service, AYC system service, driveshafts, differentials

Suspension Steering:

Front and rear suspension components (struts, springs, bushings, control arms), steering rack, power steering system

Brakes:

Brake system (calipers, rotors, pads, master cylinder, ABS, EBD), parking brake system

Electrical Diagnostics:

Wiring diagrams, fuse box locations, relay assignments, sensor troubleshooting, ECU diagnostics, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)

Bodywork:

Body construction, panel removal and installation, interior trim, glass, doors, body sealing

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system service

Fuel System:

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

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid level checks and changes

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, common fault identification

Major Repairs:

Engine rebuild procedures, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake caliper overhaul

Diagnostics:

On-board diagnostics (OBD-II), scan tool usage, sensor testing, electrical component testing

Component Replacement:

Detailed steps for replacing virtually all components of the vehicle

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures.

Diagrams Illustrations:

High-quality, exploded view diagrams, wiring schematics, and step-by-step illustrated instructions.

Specifications Tolerances:

Includes all critical torque specifications, clearances, pressures, and measurement tolerances.

Factory Procedures:

Details factory-recommended repair and diagnostic procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

Type:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchability:

Text-searchable, allowing quick location of specific information.

Printability:

Printable pages, suitable for workshop use.

Quality:

High-resolution scans ensuring clarity of text and diagrams.

Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

4G63T

Configuration:

Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve, turbocharged

Displacement:

2.0 Liters (1997 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

85.0 mm x 88.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

8.8:1

Horsepower:

276 hp @ 6500 rpm (JDM/Euro spec), 271 hp @ 6500 rpm (USDM spec)

Torque:

289 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (JDM/Euro spec), 273 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (USDM spec)

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) with Electronic Throttle Control (ETC)

Turbocharger:

Mitsubishi TD05H-16G (or similar variant), Twin-Scroll Turbine Housing

Intercooler:

Front-mounted Air-to-Air Intercooler

Valvetrain:

MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control) on intake camshaft

Engine Mounting:

Hydraulic Engine Mounts

🔧 Transmission

Type:

6-Speed Manual (Type-R gearbox)

Type:

None for MR trim

Drivetrain:

All-Wheel Drive (S-AWC - Super All Wheel Control)

Center Differential:

Active Center Differential (ACD) with manual modes (Tarmac, Gravel, Snow)

Rear Differential:

Active Yaw Control (AYC) or Super AYC (S-AYC) in some markets

Manual Gearbox Oil:

API GL-4 / GL-5, SAE 75W-90 (e.g., Mitsubishi Diaqueen Super Multi Gear Oil)

Acd Oil:

Dexron III / Mercon equivalent automatic transmission fluid

Ayc Fluid:

Dexron III / Mercon equivalent automatic transmission fluid

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4400 mm (173.2 in)

Width:

1770 mm (69.7 in)

Height:

1415 mm (55.7 in)

Wheelbase:

2630 mm (103.5 in)

Front Track:

1515 mm (59.6 in)

Rear Track:

1505 mm (59.3 in)

Curb Weight:

1440 kg (3175 lbs) (approx.)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

1800 kg (approx.)

Trunk Volume:

Approx. 380 Liters (13.4 cu ft)

Wheel Size:

17 x 8.0 inches

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5 x 114.3 mm (5 x 4.5 inches)

Tire Size:

235/45R17

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash Test:

Not specifically rated for the MR trim, but general Lancer models of the era typically received good ratings.

IIHS Small Overlap Front:

Not applicable for this model year.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)

Traction Control:

Active Traction Control (ATC) System

Stability Control:

Integrated with S-AWC system for advanced dynamic control

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags, optional side-impact airbags

Seatbelts:

3-point front seatbelts with pretensioners, 3-point rear seatbelts

Body Structure:

Reinforced body structure with energy-absorbing zones and a safety cell.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM/CD player, often with 6-disc CD changer and premium speaker system (e.g., Rockford Fosgate).

Instrumentation:

Performance-oriented digital and analog gauges including boost gauge, driver-selectable ACD modes.

Acd Modes:

Tarmac, Gravel, Snow settings for the Active Center Differential, adjustable via a dashboard switch.

Ayc System:

Active Yaw Control (AYC) or Super AYC system enhances cornering stability by actively distributing torque to the rear wheels.

Bluetooth:

Not typically factory-equipped in 2004 models; aftermarket solutions common.

Usb Aux:

Not typically factory-equipped; aftermarket solutions common.

🔧 Maintenance

Engine Oil Change:

Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions). More frequent changes recommended for spirited driving or track use.

Oil Filter Replacement:

With every oil change.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) (Platinum or Iridium type recommended).

Timing Belt Replacement:

Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years, whichever comes first. Highly critical due to interference engine design.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months.

Engine Oil:

API SG, SH, SJ, SL or ILSAC GF-2, GF-3; Viscosity: SAE 10W-30 or 5W-30 (refer to manual for specific ambient temperature recommendations).

Coolant:

Mitsubishi Super Long Life Coolant (SLLC) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with distilled water (50/50 mix).

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Engine:

Rod bearing failure (often due to oil starvation or detonation), turbocharger wear, valve stem seal issues leading to oil consumption.

Transmission:

Wear on 2nd and 3rd gear synchros, clutch wear, ACD pump failure.

Suspension:

Worn bushings, premature strut failure, AYC/ACD system leaks or pump failure.

Electrical:

Intermittent issues with sensors (e.g., crank/cam sensors), ECU failure.

Oil Filter Example:

MD347700 (OEM equivalent)

Air Filter Example:

33-2061 (e.g., K&N)

Timing Belt Kit Example:

Gates TCKWP315 (includes belt, tensioner, idlers)

📚 Vehicle History

Motorsport:

Mitsubishi has a long and successful history in motorsport, particularly in the World Rally Championship (WRC), where the Lancer Evolution was a dominant force.

Evo Lineage:

The Evo VIII MR represents the eighth generation of the Lancer Evolution, a performance evolution of the standard Lancer sedan, continuously refined for rallying and road performance.

Evo Viii Variants:

The Evo VIII was initially launched with the GSR and RS trims. The MR ('Mitsubishi Racing') was a special, limited-production variant released in 2004, representing the highest specification of the VIII generation.

Manufacturing Location:

Mizushima Plant, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan

Production Years Viii:

2003-2005

Mr Variant Introduction:

2004

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver Best:

Consistently ranked among '10Best' lists by automotive publications for its performance and handling characteristics.

Motor Trend Awards:

Often lauded for its rally-inspired performance and value in the sport compact segment.

Overall Driving Experience:

Highly praised by enthusiasts and critics for its telepathic steering, advanced AWD system, and powerful turbocharged engine.

Iso 9001 Manufacturing:

Mitsubishi's manufacturing processes adhere to ISO 9001 quality management standards.