Positioning:
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IV (Evo IV) was a high-performance homologation special, designed for rallying and street use, known for its advanced all-wheel-drive system and potent turbocharged engine.
Competitors:
Primary competitors included the Subaru Impreza WRX STi, Ford Escort RS Cosworth, and Lancia Delta Integrale during its era.
Features:
4G63T engine, AYC system, advanced suspension geometry, aerodynamic enhancements, potent braking system, rally-bred chassis.
Engine:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, exhaust, emissions control, engine management (ECU), forced induction (turbocharger).
Transmission:
Manual transmission (W5M33), driveline, clutch, transfer case, Active Yaw Control (AYC) system.
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system, ABS, parking brake, brake component diagnosis and repair.
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension components, steering system, power steering, wheel alignment.
Electrical:
Complete electrical system, wiring diagrams, starter, alternator, battery, lighting, instruments, power accessories, body electronics.
Body Chassis:
Body structure, exterior panels, interior trim, doors, glass, HVAC system, chassis components, collision repair information.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures, symptom-based troubleshooting, fault code interpretation.
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair procedures for all major vehicle components, including engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, suspension replacement, brake service, electrical repairs.
Diagnostics:
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-I/II) information, diagnostic tool usage, sensor testing, actuator testing.
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, fluid capacities, electrical component specifications.
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced diagnostics and tuning information.
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, turbocharged, intercooled, DOHC, 16-valve
Displacement:
1997 cc (2.0 Liters)
Horsepower:
280 PS (206 kW; 276 hp) (JDM & European markets, often under-reported in some markets)
Torque:
352 Nm (259 lb-ft) at 3000 RPM (JDM & European markets)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Multi-point fuel injection
Fuel Type:
Unleaded premium gasoline (95-98 RON)
Turbocharger:
Mitsubishi TD05HR-16G twin-scroll turbocharger with intercooler
Type:
5-speed manual transmission
Transmission Code:
W5M33-2-PPSP
Type:
N/A (Manual transmission only)
Drivetrain:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with Active Yaw Control (AYC)
Differentials:
Helical limited-slip front differential, mechanical limited-slip rear differential, AYC rear differential.
Crash Test Ratings:
No standardized global crash test ratings available for this era of homologation specials; designed to FIA safety standards for rallying.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Ayc:
Standard Active Yaw Control (AYC) system for enhanced handling and traction.
Airbags:
Driver's airbag, optional passenger airbag
Seatbelts:
3-point ELR seatbelts with pretensioners
Body Structure:
Reinforced chassis and safety cell design for structural integrity.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player.
Handling Systems:
Active Yaw Control (AYC), viscous coupling center differential, limited-slip front and rear differentials.
Electronics:
Basic automotive electronics for the era; focus on performance and mechanical systems rather than advanced electronic aids.
Oil Change:
Every 5,000 - 10,000 km (3,000 - 6,000 miles) or 6 months, depending on driving conditions.
Air Filter:
Inspect every 10,000 km, replace as needed or every 20,000 - 30,000 km.
Spark Plugs:
Replace every 40,000 - 60,000 km, depending on plug type (platinum/iridium recommended).
Timing Belt:
Replace every 80,000 - 100,000 km or 5-7 years. Crucial for 4G63T engine to prevent catastrophic failure.
Engine Oil:
API SG/SH or higher, Viscosity 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended. Synthetic oil highly recommended for performance driving.
Coolant:
Mitsubishi Super Long Life Coolant (SLLC) or equivalent, a 50/50 mix of ethylene glycol and distilled water.
Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4 or GL-5, SAE 75W-90 gear oil. DIA-QUEEN MSA52067 (for AYC differential).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Common Problems:
Ringland failure (especially with increased boost/tuning), turbocharger wear/failure, AYC pump failure, clutch wear, cam seal leaks, exhaust manifold cracking.
Heritage:
Mitsubishi has a strong rally heritage, with the Lancer platform being the basis for their World Rally Championship (WRC) efforts. The Evolution series directly translated rally technology to production cars.
Evolution:
The Evo IV was a significant step forward from the Evo III, introducing the AYC system, revised aerodynamics, and an updated chassis. It was the first Evolution model to feature a 280 PS engine output in Japan, a gentleman's agreement among Japanese manufacturers.
Production Years:
1996-1998
Manufacturing Location:
Japan
Variants:
GSR (standard AWD with AYC), RS (lighter, homologation special with mechanical diffs).
Rally Success:
While the Evo IV itself wasn't homologated for long, its design and technologies were heavily influenced by Mitsubishi's WRC success with earlier Lancer Evolutions and paved the way for later championship-winning models.
Performance Reviews:
Consistently praised by automotive journalists for its exceptional handling, acceleration, and driver engagement. Often cited as a benchmark for performance sedans.
