Segment:
Performance Compact Sedan / Rally Homologation Special
Key Competitors:
Subaru WRX STI, Ford Focus RS (European market), Audi S3.
Performance Focus:
Renowned for its advanced all-wheel-drive system (S-AYC), powerful turbocharged engine, and direct steering, making it a dominant force in motorsport and a highly sought-after performance car.
Mr Variant Distinction:
The MR (Mitsubishi Racing) designation typically signifies a more focused, performance-oriented variant, often with enhancements to the drivetrain, suspension, and lightweighting.
Engine:
4G63T DOHC Turbocharged Inline-4, including internal components, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, and emissions control.
Transmission:
6-speed manual transmission (Gearsport RS), drivetrain, clutch system, viscous coupling (VC), active yaw control (AYC) and super active yaw control (S-AYC) differentials.
Brakes:
Front Brembo 4-piston calipers, rear Brembo 2-piston calipers, ABS system, hydraulic system, parking brake.
Suspension:
Front MacPherson struts, rear multi-link suspension, springs, shock absorbers, anti-roll bars, alignment specifications.
Steering:
Power-assisted rack and pinion, steering column, linkage.
Electrical:
Engine control module (ECM), body control module (BCM), charging system, starting system, lighting, instruments, audio system, power windows, power locks, security system.
Body:
Exterior panels, interior trim, doors, windows, seats, HVAC system, body sealing, structural repairs.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and replacements, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting charts, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based diagnostics, wiring diagrams, component testing procedures.
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake system repair, electrical component repair, body panel repair.
Installation:
Component replacement procedures, torque specifications for all fasteners, reassembly sequences.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering all aspects from basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and specifications.
PDF Quality:
Very High Quality Factory Service Manual. Likely searchable text with clear diagrams and illustrations.
Printability:
Designed for high-quality printing of individual pages or sections.
Binding For Print:
N/A (Digital PDF, but designed for easy printing and binding by user)
Recommended Paper For Print:
N/A (Digital PDF)
Engine Type:
DOHC, 16-valve, turbocharged, intercooled inline-4
Displacement:
2.0 Liters (1997 cc)
Horsepower:
Approx. 271 hp @ 6500 rpm (JDM/Euro Spec), US Spec varies slightly.
Torque:
Approx. 273 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (JDM/Euro Spec), US Spec varies slightly.
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with a high-flow fuel pump and injectors.
Forced Induction:
Mitsubishi TD05H-16G Turbocharger (or similar variant) with intercooler.
ECU Type:
Factory ECU with advanced tuning capabilities for motorsport.
Type:
6-speed Manual Transmission (Gearsport RS)
Type:
N/A (Manual transmission was standard for Evolution models)
Drivetrain:
Advanced All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system with Active Yaw Control (AYC) or Super Active Yaw Control (S-AYC) for precise torque distribution and cornering enhancement.
Transfer Case:
Integrated with transmission, featuring viscous coupling.
Differentials:
Front: Helical limited-slip differential (LSD). Rear: Active Yaw Control (AYC) or Super Active Yaw Control (S-AYC) torque-vectoring differential.
Length:
Approx. 4490 mm (176.8 in)
Width:
Approx. 1770 mm (69.7 in)
Height:
Approx. 1415 mm (55.7 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2630 mm (103.5 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1450-1500 kg (3197-3307 lbs), depending on specification.
NHTSA Front Impact:
Not directly comparable to modern standards, but known for robust structure. Manual will detail structural integrity.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD).
Traction Control:
Active All-Wheel Drive system functions as a form of traction control.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags. Side airbags may be optional on certain trims/markets.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners.
Chassis Design:
Reinforced body structure for rigidity and crashworthiness.
Audio System:
Factory CD player with AM/FM radio. Upgraded Rockford Fosgate audio system was an option on some trims.
Dashboard Controls:
Driver-focused dashboard with essential controls and performance monitoring gauges (boost gauge, G-meter on some models).
ABS Ebd:
Integrated ABS and EBD for enhanced braking control.
Ayc S Ayc:
Pioneering Active Yaw Control (AYC) system enhances vehicle stability and agility by actively controlling torque distribution to the rear wheels.
Original Connectivity:
Limited to basic audio system features. No modern Bluetooth or smartphone integration from the factory.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months, depending on driving conditions (severe vs. normal). Manual will specify exact intervals and oil types.
Timing Belt:
Crucial: The 4G63T uses a timing belt, typically requiring replacement around 60,000 miles or 5 years. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage. Manual will have precise interval and procedure.
Spark Plugs:
Recommended replacement every 30,000-60,000 miles, depending on type (copper vs. platinum/iridium). Manual will list exact specs and gap.
Engine Oil:
Refer to manual for specific API service classification and viscosity grade (e.g., 5W-30, 10W-40). Often requires synthetic oil for performance applications.
Coolant:
Mitsubishi DiaQueen Super Long Life Coolant (or equivalent with proper silicate/organic acid technology composition) with a 50/50 mix of coolant and distilled water.
Transmission Fluid:
Manual: API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil (specific viscosity grade in manual). AYC/S-AYC differential fluid will have its own specific requirements, often a specialized Mitsubishi fluid.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid (refer to manual for precise type). High-performance drivers may opt for higher temperature rated fluid.
Engine:
Cracked cylinder heads (especially under high boost/heat), piston ring land failure, rod bearing failure. Manual will detail proper maintenance to mitigate these.
Drivetrain:
AYC/S-AYC pump failure, differential wear with aggressive driving. Manual covers inspection and service.
Turbocharger:
Oil starvation leading to turbo failure, especially if oil changes are neglected or if the engine is shut off immediately after hard driving without allowing the turbo to cool.
Motorsport Legacy:
Mitsubishi has a deep-rooted motorsport heritage, particularly in the World Rally Championship (WRC), where the Lancer Evolution was a dominant force.
Evolution Series:
The Lancer Evolution series began in 1992 as a homologation special for rally racing. The Evo VIII (CT9A) represented a significant evolution in technology and performance over its predecessors.
Manufacturing Location:
Japan
Production Years For Evo Viii:
2003-2005
