Market Segment:
Performance Sedan / Rally Homologation Special
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, performance drivers, tuners, professional mechanics, and owners seeking detailed repair and maintenance information.
Key Competitors:
Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Toyota Celica GT-Four, Ford Escort RS Cosworth (during its relevant period).
Vehicle Usp:
Advanced Active Yaw Control (AYC), potent 4G63T engine, sophisticated all-wheel-drive system, rally-bred performance and handling.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides the definitive technical documentation for diagnosing, maintaining, and repairing the Evo IV, essential for preserving its performance and value.
Supported Years:
1996, 1997, 1998
Market Coverage:
Primarily JDM (Japanese Domestic Market), but applicable to global variants with specification notes.
Estimated Page Count:
Comprehensive (Specific count not provided, but typical for factory service manuals is 1000+ pages).
Manual Type:
Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Repair Manual
Language:
English (Likely translated from Japanese original)
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical (4G63 DOHC Turbo), fuel injection, ignition system, lubrication, cooling, emissions control, engine management (ECU).
Drivetrain Systems:
Clutch, manual transmission (5-speed), transfer case, front differential, rear differential (Active Yaw Control - AYC).
Suspension Steering:
Front MacPherson struts, rear multi-link suspension, power steering system, steering linkage.
Braking Systems:
Front and rear disc brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), brake hydraulics.
Electrical Systems:
Charging system (alternator, battery), starting system, lighting, instrumentation, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, body control modules.
Body Chassis:
Body construction, exterior trim, interior trim, doors, windows, seats, climate control (HVAC).
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, brake pad and rotor replacement.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting charts, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) lookup and interpretation, component testing, sensor diagnostics.
Repair Procedures:
Engine component overhaul, transmission rebuild, suspension component replacement, brake system servicing, electrical component repair, body panel repair.
Adjustment Procedures:
Wheel alignment, clutch adjustment, handbrake adjustment, idle speed adjustment.
Depth Of Information:
Comprehensive. Covers from basic maintenance to in-depth mechanical and electrical diagnostics and repair, suitable for professional mechanics and advanced enthusiasts.
Diagnostic Tools:
Includes specifications for special tools required for specific procedures and diagnostics.
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve, Turbocharged
Displacement:
1997 cc (2.0 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
85.0 mm x 88.0 mm
Horsepower Ps Jdm:
280 PS (206 kW) at 6,500 rpm (Factory stated; often underestimated)
Torque Nm Jdm:
35.0 kgf·m (343 N·m) at 5,000 rpm (Factory stated; often underestimated)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with Sequential Injection
Turbocharger:
Mitsubishi TD05HR-16G (twin-scroll)
Intercooler:
Air-to-air front-mounted
Recommended Fuel:
95 RON (Research Octane Number) unleaded gasoline
Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Gear Ratios Approx:
1st: 3.142, 2nd: 2.105, 3rd: 1.428, 4th: 1.034, 5th: 0.766, Reverse: 2.800
Optional Transmission:
N/A (Manual only for Evo IV)
Drivetrain Layout:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with Active Yaw Control (AYC)
AWD System Details:
Viscous coupling center differential, electronic torque split, AYC controlled rear differential.
Transmission Fluid Type:
API GL-4 / GL-5, SAE 75W-90 (Manual Transmission); API GL-5, SAE 80W-90 (Transfer Case/Differentials) - Refer to manual for specific Mitsubishiofficial specifications.
Jncsa Crash Test:
While specific ratings for the 1996-1998 models are not as widely published as modern vehicles, Mitsubishi employed advanced chassis design and structural reinforcements typical of performance vehicles of the era.
Active Safety Systems:
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), AYC (Active Yaw Control) for enhanced cornering stability and traction.
Traction Control:
Included as part of AYC and AWD system functionality.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard.
Seat Belts:
3-point ELR seatbelts with pre-tensioners.
Chassis Reinforcement:
Reinforced chassis for increased rigidity and crashworthiness.
Audio System:
Factory fitted radio/cassette player with optional CD player. Basic speaker setup.
Instrumentation:
Comprehensive driver's information display, including boost gauge, oil pressure, and oil temperature gauges (on some variants).
Driver Assistance Features:
ABS, AYC.
Connectivity Options:
None from factory; aftermarket solutions are common for modern connectivity.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 km or 6 months, whichever comes first (Recommended for high-performance driving).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 20,000 km or 1 year.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 40,000 km (Platinum-tipped spark plugs).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 90,000 km or 5 years.
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 Liters (with filter) of 10W-40 or 5W-40 synthetic engine oil (API SG/SH/SJ or ACEA A3/B3).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based coolant with distilled water (50/50 mix). Mitsubishiprefered coolant or equivalent.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Common Wear Items:
Clutch wear, AYC pump failure, turbocharger wear, front suspension bushings, engine oil leaks (valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket).
Engine Reliability:
Generally robust 4G63T, but requires diligent maintenance. Turbo failure can occur from oil starvation or lack of warm-up/cool-down periods.
Ayc System:
The AYC pump can be a weak point; regular fluid changes are crucial. Electronic control unit for AYC can also fail.
Motorsport Connection:
Directly derived from Mitsubishi's highly successful WRC (World Rally Championship) program. The Evo line is a homologation special.
Predecessor:
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution III (Evo III)
Successor:
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution V (Evo V)
Key Advancements From Evo Iii:
Significantly revised exterior styling, introduction of Active Yaw Control (AYC), enlarged intercooler, revised ECU, introduction of RS and GSR trims.
Production Years:
August 1996 – August 1998
Manufacturing Location:
Mizushima Plant, Kurashiki, Japan
Production Volume Estimate:
Estimated around 10,000 units globally (highly sought after).
Motorsport Success:
The Lancer Evolution platform has a legendary motorsport heritage, particularly in WRC, which significantly boosted its desirability and recognition.
Critical Acclaim:
Widely acclaimed by automotive journalists and enthusiasts for its performance, handling, and technological innovation in its era.
Performance Benchmark:
Considered a benchmark for performance sedans and AWD sports cars upon its release.
