🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mitsubishi

Model:

Lancer Evolution VIII

Year:

2004

Chassis Code:

CT9A

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII (often referred to as the 'Evo VIII') was positioned as a high-performance, homologation special rally-bred sports sedan, competing in the enthusiast segment against vehicles like the Subaru Impreza WRX STI and later the Subaru WRX STI.

Competitive Analysis:

The Evo VIII distinguished itself with its advanced all-wheel-drive system (ACD, AYC), powerful turbocharged engine, and aggressive styling. Its direct focus on track performance and rally heritage set it apart from more mainstream performance sedans.

Key Features:

Iconic 4G63T engine, Active Center Differential (ACD), Super Active Yaw Control (SAYC), Brembo braking system, Lightweight chassis, Rally-inspired aerodynamics, Driver-focused cockpit.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Engine, Transmission (Manual & Automatic), Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Electrical System, HVAC, Body & Exterior, Interior, Diagnostic Procedures, Wiring Diagrams, Troubleshooting

Page Count:

Approximately 2000+ pages (typical for a comprehensive workshop manual)

Manual Type:

Workshop Repair & Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF - assumed, common for sales listings)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

4G63T DOHC Turbocharged Inline-4 Engine, Fuel Injection System, Ignition System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Exhaust System, Turbocharger System, Emissions Control System

Drivetrain Systems:

All-Wheel Drive (AWD) System, Active Center Differential (ACD), Super Active Yaw Control (SAYC), Front Limited Slip Differential (LSD), Rear Limited Slip Differential (LSD)

Suspension Steering:

Front MacPherson Strut, Rear Multi-Link Suspension, Power Assisted Steering System, Steering Column, Wheel Alignment Specifications

Braking Systems:

Front Brembo 4-Piston Calipers, Rear Brembo 2-Piston Calipers, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Fluid Specifications

Electrical Systems:

Engine Control Unit (ECU), Body Control Module (BCM), Power Distribution, Lighting, Instrumentation, Audio System, Power Accessories, Wiring Harness Schematics

Engine Repair:

Engine Overhaul, Piston & Connecting Rod Installation, Cylinder Head Removal & Installation, Camshaft Timing, Valve Clearance Adjustment, Turbocharger Rebuild & Replacement, Fuel Injector Testing & Replacement

Transmission Drivetrain Repair:

Manual Transmission Removal & Installation, Clutch Replacement, ACD System Servicing, AYC Pump Servicing, Differential Service

Suspension Steering Repair:

Shock Absorber & Spring Replacement, Control Arm Bushing Replacement, Power Steering Pump & Rack Replacement

Brake Repair:

Brake Pad & Rotor Replacement, Caliper Rebuild & Replacement, Brake Bleeding Procedures, ABS Component Testing

Electrical Diagnostics:

Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Retrieval & Interpretation, Sensor Testing, Actuator Testing, Wiring Continuity Checks, Component Replacement Procedures

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive diagnostic procedures, detailed disassembly and reassembly instructions, torque specifications, electrical schematics, special tool requirements, troubleshooting flowcharts

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Print Quality:

High-resolution, designed for clear printing of diagrams and text

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

4G63T

Engine Type:

DOHC 16-valve turbocharged inline-4, cast-iron block, aluminum cylinder head

Displacement:

2.0 Liters (1997 cc)

Horsepower Hp:

271 hp @ 6500 rpm (US Spec)

Torque Lb-Ft:

273 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (US Spec)

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) with Electronic Fuel Control (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)

Turbocharger Model:

Mitsubishi TD05HR-16G 8cm2

Intercooler Type:

Front-Mounted Air-to-Air Intercooler

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

6-speed Manual Transmission

Transmission Type:

N/A (US market Evo VIII was primarily manual)

Drivetrain Layout:

All-Wheel Drive (AWD)

Differential Control:

Active Center Differential (ACD) with driver-selectable modes (Tarmac, Gravel, Snow), Super Active Yaw Control (SAYC) with rear differential

📐 Dimensions

Length:

176.0 inches (4470 mm)

Width:

69.7 inches (1770 mm)

Height:

57.7 inches (1465 mm)

Wheelbase:

104.3 inches (2650 mm)

Curb Weight Lbs:

3274 lbs (1485 kg)

Gross Weight Rating Lbs:

4209 lbs (1909 kg)

Cargo Volume Cu Ft:

13.1 cu ft (approximate)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Driver:

5-Star (for models equipped with side airbags)

NHTSA Frontal Passenger:

4-Star

IIHS Side Impact:

Good (for models equipped with side airbags)

ABS:

Standard

Ebd:

Standard

Traction Control:

Standard (integrated with AWD system)

Airbags Front:

Driver and Front Passenger Airbags

Airbags Side:

Optional (Side Airbag Package available)

Seatbelts:

3-point front and rear seatbelts with pre-tensioners

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Basic AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional premium audio system (e.g., Rockford Fosgate).

Display Type:

Digital clock and basic display; no integrated navigation or touchscreen on standard models.

Driver Assistance Features:

ABS, EBD, Traction Control (integrated with AWD system). No advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like adaptive cruise control or lane keeping assist.

Connectivity Features:

Limited to audio system inputs (e.g., CD changer port); no Bluetooth or USB connectivity.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval Miles:

3,750 miles or 6 months (severe duty) / 7,500 miles or 12 months (normal duty)

Engine Oil Filter Replacement:

Replace at every oil change

Air Filter Replacement Miles:

15,000 miles

Spark Plug Replacement Miles:

60,000 miles (iridium type recommended)

Timing Belt Replacement Miles:

60,000 miles (critical maintenance item due to interference engine design)

Engine Oil Type:

API SG, SH, SJ or SL; SAE 5W-30 (synthetic recommended)

Coolant Type:

Mitsubishi DiaQueen Super Long Life Coolant (or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid

Transmission Fluid Type Manual:

API GL-4 or GL-5; SAE 75W-90 (specific Mitsubishi recommendations should be checked)

Known Issues Engine:

Head gasket failures (especially with aggressive modifications), turbocharger wear, piston ring issues (less common but possible with high mileage/abuse).

Known Issues Drivetrain:

ACD pump failure, wear in the AYC system, clutch wear (dependent on driving style).

Known Issues Suspension:

Front control arm bushings, rear sway bar end links.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Mitsubishi Motors has a long and storied history in motorsport, particularly in the World Rally Championship (WRC), where the Lancer Evolution series achieved significant success. This racing pedigree heavily influenced the development of the production models.

Model Evolution Overview:

The Evolution VIII was part of the ninth generation of the Lancer Evolution, introduced in 2003. It represented a significant upgrade over the Evo VII, focusing on enhanced handling, improved engine response, and refined aerodynamics.

Us Introduction Year:

2003 (for the 2003 model year)

Production Period:

2003-2005

Manufacturing Location:

Japan

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Motor Trend Award:

MotorTrend Sport Compact of the Year 2004

General Reception:

Highly acclaimed by automotive journalists and enthusiasts for its performance, handling, and rally-inspired technology. Often cited as one of the most capable performance cars of its era.