🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mitsubishi

Model:

Lancer Evolution VII (Evo 7)

Common Nickname:

Evo 7

Chassis Code:

CT9A

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Performance Sedan / Rally Homologation Special

Target Audience:

Enthusiasts, performance car owners, mechanics, and DIY repairers seeking in-depth technical information for the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VII.

Key Competitors:

Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Ford Focus RS, Peugeot 206 WRC (in rally homologation context), other high-performance AWD turbocharged vehicles of the era.

Vehicle Usp:

Legendary turbocharged 4G63T engine, advanced Active Center Differential (ACD) and Active Yaw Control (AYC) systems, potent performance, rally heritage.

Manual Usp:

Vehicle-specific, factory-authorized repair data, covering all models and repairs A-Z, providing the same level of detail as used by dealership technicians.

📋 Manual Details

Model Years Covered:

2001-2002

Trim Levels Covered:

GSR, RS, RS-Sprint, GT-A (Optional Automatic Transmission)

Geographic Markets Covered:

Japan, Europe, Australia, select other global markets (specifications may vary slightly by region, manual aims for comprehensive coverage)

Estimated Page Count:

1500-2000+ pages (typical for a full workshop manual)

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Workshop Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (Instant Download - typically PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine (4G63T MIVEC), Drivetrain (4WD, ACD, AYC), Transmission (Manual, Automatic), Fuel System, Exhaust System

Chassis:

Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering, Brakes (ABS, Brembo options), Wheels & Tires

Body And Interior:

Body panels, Exterior trim, Interior trim, Seats, Climate Control, Safety Restraints (Airbags)

Electrical And Electronics:

Engine Control Unit (ECU), Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Ignition System, Lighting, Instrumentation, Audio System, Wiring Diagrams

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, Oil changes, Filter replacements, Fluid checks & changes, Spark plug replacement, Belt replacement

Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:

Component testing, Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), Symptom-based troubleshooting, Electrical system diagnostics

Repair And Rebuild:

Engine overhaul (top end, bottom end), Transmission overhaul, Suspension component replacement, Brake caliper rebuild, Turbocharger servicing

Special Procedures:

ACD (Active Center Differential) calibration, AYC (Active Yaw Control) system diagnostics, Timing belt replacement, Turbocharger system diagnostics and repair

Depth:

Comprehensive A-Z coverage, from basic fluid services to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and specifications.

Diagnostics Tools:

References to factory diagnostic tools (e.g., MUT-III) and procedures for reading/clearing fault codes.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format Details:

Typically provided as a high-resolution PDF, allowing for digital searchability and zoom functionality. May be sectionalized for easier navigation.

Quality:

High-resolution scans or digital originals, ensuring clarity of text, diagrams, and illustrations.

Binding:

Not applicable for digital download format. If printed, typically perfect bound or comb-bound for durability.

Paper:

Not applicable for digital download format. If printed, typically on durable, coated paper suitable for workshop environments.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

4G63T MIVEC

Engine Type:

Inline-4, turbocharged, intercooled, DOHC, 16-valve, MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control)

Displacement:

2.0 Liters (1997 cc)

Horsepower:

280 PS (276 bhp / 206 kW) @ 6500 RPM (Japanese domestic market, often underestimated)

Torque:

373 Nm (275 lb-ft) @ 3500 RPM (Japanese domestic market)

Bore X Stroke:

85.0 mm x 88.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

8.8:1

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Sequential Multipoint Injection

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (95 RON or higher recommended for optimal performance)

Turbocharger Type:

Mitsubishi TD05HR-16G (or similar variant), twin-scroll

Timing Belt Replacement Interval:

Every 96,000 km (60,000 miles) or 6 years, whichever comes first (critical item for 4G63T)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed Manual Transmission (with ACD)

Type:

4-speed Automatic Transmission (INVECS-II with Sport Mode, found on GT-A model, with AYC)

Acd Operation:

Active Center Differential (ACD) electronically controls torque split between front and rear axles, offering different tarmac/gravel modes.

Ayc Operation:

Active Yaw Control (AYC) uses a torque-vectoring rear differential to improve cornering stability and responsiveness.

Gear Oil Specification:

API GL-4 or GL-5, SAE 75W-90 (Manual Transmission)

Transmission Fluid Specification:

DIA-Queen ATF-SPII (or equivalent DEXRON III/MERCON type)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4,400 mm (173.2 in)

Width:

1,770 mm (69.7 in)

Height:

1,415 mm (55.7 in)

Wheelbase:

2,600 mm (102.4 in)

Front Track:

1,500 mm (59.1 in)

Rear Track:

1,495 mm (58.9 in)

Curb Weight Manual:

Approx. 1,400 kg (3,086 lbs)

Curb Weight Automatic:

Approx. 1,450 kg (3,197 lbs) (GT-A)

Wheel Size:

17 x 7.5 inch (standard), 17 x 8.0 inch (optional/GSR)

Tire Size Standard:

225/45R17

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5 x 114.3 mm (5 x 4.5 inches)

Offset:

+38 to +45 (typical)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings:

Not comprehensively rated by NHTSA in all categories for this specific model year and region. Early JDM models often lacked extensive crash testing data compared to later global models.

Active Safety:

ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), ACD (Active Center Differential), AYC (Active Yaw Control), MASC (Mitsubishi Active Stability Control - available on some markets/trims)

Passive Safety:

Driver and Passenger Airbags, Side Airbags (optional/market dependent), Reinforced Body Structure (RISE - Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution)

Front Brakes:

Ventilated Discs (often Brembo 4-piston calipers on GSR/RS models)

Rear Brakes:

Ventilated Discs (often Brembo 2-piston calipers on GSR/RS models)

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with CD player, often with premium sound system options. Limited digital connectivity by modern standards.

Stability Control:

ACD and AYC are key electronic driver aids. Stability control (MASC) was less common or absent on many JDM models compared to later international versions.

Connectivity Features:

Basic power accessories, optional heated seats, power mirrors, remote keyless entry.

ECU Features:

ECU controls MIVEC valve timing, turbo boost, fuel injection, and ignition timing. Diagnostic capabilities are built-in, requiring specialized tools for access.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or 6 months, whichever comes first. Under severe driving conditions, reduce interval to 5,000 km (3,000 miles).

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 30,000 km (18,000 miles) or annually. Inspect more frequently.

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 km (9,000 miles) or annually.

Engine Oil Type:

API SJ/SL, ACEA A2/A3, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (Synthetic recommended for performance).

Coolant Type:

Mitsubishi Dia-Coolant (Long Life) or equivalent Ethylene Glycol based coolant with a 50/50 mix of distilled water.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (High-temperature boiling point, e.g., Castrol SRF for track use recommended)

Power Steering Fluid:

Dexron II/III compatible Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)

Common Wear Items:

Clutch wear (due to performance driving), turbocharger seals and lines, exhaust system components, front suspension bushings, front wheel bearings.

Engine Specific Concerns:

Timing belt integrity is paramount; failure leads to catastrophic engine damage. Head gasket issues can arise with sustained high heat and boost if not properly maintained or if modified beyond capacity. Oil starvation can occur during aggressive cornering if oil level is low.

Drivetrain Specific Concerns:

ACD/AYC fluid should be changed per schedule; system failure can impact handling. Manual transmission synchros can wear with aggressive shifting.

📚 Vehicle History

Motorsport Legacy:

Mitsubishi has a storied history in rallying, particularly with the Lancer Evolution series dominating the World Rally Championship (WRC) in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Evolution Lineage:

The Evo 7 is the seventh generation of the iconic Lancer Evolution, representing a significant step forward in technology and performance, building upon the rally-bred DNA of its predecessors.

Development Focus:

The Evo VII focused on enhancing chassis rigidity, improving the electronic control systems (ACD and AYC), and refining the MIVEC engine technology.

Production Years:

2001-2003

Manufacturing Location:

Mizushima Plant, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Performance Accolades:

Consistently praised by automotive media and enthusiasts for its exceptional handling, potent powertrain, and accessible price point for a performance car of its caliber. Often featured in 'best performance cars' lists of its era.

Motorsport Success:

While the Evo VII itself was primarily a homologation special and road-going variant, its direct lineage and technological advancements were born from Mitsubishi's WRC success with previous Evo models.