🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mitsubishi

Model:

Lancer Evolution IV (Evo 4)

Model Code:

CN9A

Body Style:

4-door Sedan

Generation Name:

Fourth Generation

Generation Years:

1996-1998

Chassis Code:

CN9A

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Compact Performance Sedan (World Rally Championship homologation special)

Target Audience:

Enthusiasts, rally fans, performance car owners, DIY mechanics, professional workshops specializing in JDM vehicles.

Key Competitors:

Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Ford Escort RS Cosworth, Lancia Delta Integrale.

Performance Focus:

All-wheel drive, turbocharged engine, advanced suspension, aggressive styling, rally heritage.

Technical Innovation:

Active Yaw Control (AYC) system for enhanced cornering stability.

Value For Owners:

Essential for maintaining the complex mechanical and electronic systems of a high-performance vehicle.

Value For Workshops:

Provides the definitive reference for accurate diagnostics and repairs, crucial for specialized workshops.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Coverage Scope:

Comprehensive Repair and Overhaul

Estimated Page Count:

High (Detailed coverage implies significant page count, estimated 1000+ pages for a full workshop manual)

Manual Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English (Assumed based on typical international market documentation for performance models, original may be Japanese)

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Engine mechanical (including block, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts), lubrication system, cooling system, fuel injection system (ECI-Multi), ignition system, exhaust system, turbocharger system, emission control systems.

Drivetrain Systems:

Manual transmission (5-speed), transfer case, front and rear differentials (Active Yaw Control system detailed), drive shafts, axles, propeller shaft.

Suspension Steering:

Front and rear suspension (McPherson struts front, multi-link rear), steering system (power assisted), wheel alignment specifications.

Braking System:

Front and rear disc brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) operation and components, brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures.

Electrical Electronics:

Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system, ignition system, lighting system, power windows, central locking, wipers and washers, instrument cluster, ECU (Engine Control Unit) and sensor diagnostics, wiring diagrams for all systems.

Body Chassis:

Body structural components, exterior panels, doors, hood, trunk, interior trim, seats, HVAC system (heating, ventilation, air conditioning), body sealing and weatherstripping.

Engine Procedures:

Engine removal and installation, cylinder head overhaul (valve grinding, gasket replacement), piston and connecting rod service, crankshaft and bearing replacement, timing belt replacement, turbocharger rebuild, fuel injector cleaning and replacement, spark plug replacement, oil and filter changes, cooling system flush and fill.

Transmission Procedures:

Transmission fluid change, clutch inspection and replacement, transmission removal and installation, transfer case service, differential service.

Suspension Steering Procedures:

Shock absorber and strut replacement, spring replacement, control arm and ball joint service, power steering pump and rack replacement, wheel bearing replacement, steering column service.

Brake Procedures:

Brake pad and rotor replacement, brake caliper overhaul, brake line replacement, brake fluid bleeding (including ABS system), parking brake adjustment.

Electrical Procedures:

Alternator and starter motor testing and replacement, battery testing and replacement, fuse and relay diagnostics, bulb replacement, wiring harness repair, sensor testing and replacement (e.g., O2 sensor, crank sensor, cam sensor), ECU diagnostics and resetting.

Bodywork Procedures:

Door panel removal, bumper cover replacement, headlight and taillight replacement, interior trim component removal and installation, HVAC system diagnostics and component replacement.

Diagnostic Capabilities:

Advanced diagnostics with detailed troubleshooting guides, symptom-based troubleshooting, electrical system analysis, sensor data interpretation.

Rebuild Procedures:

Complete engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, differential rebuild, turbocharger rebuild, brake system component refurbishment.

Special Tools Required:

References to specific Mitsubishi special tools and procedures for accurate repair and calibration.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

Portable Document Format (PDF)

Searchability:

Searchable text (typical for professionally created PDFs)

Printability:

Printable pages (allows for physical reference)

Image Resolution:

High (Essential for clear diagrams and illustrations)

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital format, not applicable)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital format, not applicable)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

4G63T

Engine Type:

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

Displacement:

2.0 Liters (1997 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

85.0 mm x 88.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

8.5:1

Turbocharger:

Mitsubishi TD05HR-16G (twin-scroll)

Horsepower Ps:

280 PS @ 6,500 rpm (Japanese domestic market, often underrated)

Horsepower Hp:

Approx. 276 hp @ 6,500 rpm

Torque Lb-Ft:

260 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm (Japanese domestic market, often underrated)

Torque Nm:

353 Nm @ 3,000 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (ECI-Multi)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (Premium/High Octane recommended)

Fuel Pump:

High-pressure electric fuel pump

Pistons:

Forged pistons (typically Mahle or similar high-strength material)

Connecting Rods:

Forged connecting rods

Crankshaft:

Forged steel crankshaft

Radiator:

Aluminum, high-capacity radiator

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based coolant (Mitsubishi Super Long Life Coolant or equivalent)

Oil Pan:

Deep oil pan with baffle plate for improved oil control under G-forces

Oil Filter Part Number:

MD097000 (Example common filter for 4G63, check manual for exact fitment)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed Manual Transmission

AWD System:

Full-time All-Wheel Drive with Active Yaw Control (AYC)

Transfer Case:

Mechanical transfer case with viscous coupling center differential

Rear Differential:

AYC-equipped limited-slip rear differential

Optional Transmission:

None (5-speed manual was standard for Evo 4)

Ayc Description:

Electronically controlled hydraulic differential that distributes torque between the rear wheels to improve cornering grip and stability.

Transmission Fluid Type:

API GL-4/GL-5 SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil (Check manual for specific Mitsubishi recommendation)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4,350 mm (171.3 in)

Width:

1,770 mm (69.7 in)

Height:

1,405 mm (55.3 in)

Wheelbase:

2,600 mm (102.4 in)

Front Track:

1,510 mm (59.4 in)

Rear Track:

1,505 mm (59.3 in)

Curb Weight Kg:

1,460 kg (3,219 lbs)

Gross Weight Kg:

Approx. 1,700 kg (3,748 lbs)

Fuel Tank Capacity:

50 Liters (13.2 US gal)

Standard Wheel Size:

16 x 7.0 inches

Standard Tire Size:

205/50R16

Optional Wheel Size:

17 x 7.5 inches (often fitted to GSR models)

Optional Tire Size:

215/45R17 (often fitted to GSR models)

Bolt Pattern:

5 x 114.3 mm (5 x 4.5 inches)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Ratings:

Not extensively tested by modern standards like NHTSA/Euro NCAP for this era, focus was on performance and homologation.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Ayc:

Standard Active Yaw Control (AYC) for enhanced handling and stability.

Limited Slip Differential:

Mechanical Limited Slip Differential (rear, coupled with AYC)

Airbags:

Driver's airbag (standard), Passenger airbag (optional on some trims)

Seatbelts:

3-point inertia reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners

Body Structure:

Reinforced body structure for rigidity and crash safety.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, 4-6 speaker system (upgradeable).

Climate Control:

Manual or automatic climate control (on GSR trim).

Advanced Handling Systems:

AYC, ABS, ACD (Active Center Differential - standard on RS, optional on GSR, torque split between front and rear).

Performance Monitoring:

Driver-selectable AYC mode (Normal/Sport) on some models, Boost gauge in dashboard.

Connectivity Features:

Basic connectivity for the era; typically no integrated Bluetooth or USB. Aftermarket head units are common for modern connectivity.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000-7,500 km (3,000-5,000 miles) or 6 months, whichever comes first. More frequent under hard use.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000-30,000 km (9,000-18,000 miles) or as needed based on inspection.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 30,000-40,000 km (18,000-24,000 miles), depending on plug type (iridium recommended for performance).

Timing Belt Replacement:

Every 90,000-100,000 km (56,000-62,000 miles) or 5-7 years, inspect tensioner and water pump at the same time.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 30,000-50,000 km (18,000-30,000 miles).

Differential Fluid Change:

Every 30,000-50,000 km (18,000-30,000 miles).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 4.5 Liters (4.8 US Quarts) with filter change.

Engine Oil Viscosity:

10W-30 or 10W-40 synthetic oil recommended for optimal performance and protection.

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 7.5 Liters (7.9 US Quarts)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Engine:

Piston ring land failure (if poorly maintained or modified), turbocharger wear, coolant leaks from seals and hoses, potential for head gasket failure under extreme stress.

Drivetrain:

AYC system pump failure, differential wear, clutch wear from aggressive driving.

Suspension:

Worn bushings, shock absorber degradation, premature wheel bearing wear.

Electrical:

Corroded wiring harnesses, faulty sensors (e.g., crank sensor, MAP sensor), AYC pump failure.

📚 Vehicle History

Motorsport Connection:

Directly linked to Mitsubishi's success in the World Rally Championship (WRC).

Predecessor:

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution III (Evo 3)

Successor:

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution V (Evo 5)

Key Developments Over Evo 3:

Larger intercooler, improved turbocharger (TD05HR-16G), helical LSD front differential, redesigned AYC system, wider bodywork, increased chassis rigidity, redesigned headlights and taillights, new dashboard and interior.

Production Years:

August 1996 - August 1998

Production Location:

Mizushima Plant, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan

Trim Levels:

GSR (Galant Super Rally - higher spec, AYC, Recaro seats, climate control, optional ABS, power windows), RS (Rally Sport - more basic, lightweight, often with mechanical LSD front instead of helical, fixed bucket seats, no AC, manual windows, intended for motorsport).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Motorsport Success:

Multiple WRC driver and manufacturer championships won by Lancer Evolutions, solidifying its legendary status.

Enthusiast Reviews:

Consistently highly rated by automotive journalists and enthusiasts for its performance, handling, and rally pedigree.

Homologation Status:

Specifically designed and produced to meet FIA Group A homologation requirements for WRC.