🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mitsubishi

Model:

3000GT

Model Code:

Z16A (DOHC), Z15A (DOHC Twin-Turbo)

Year:

1991

Chassis Code:

Z16A (NA), Z15A (TT)

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The 1991 Mitsubishi 3000GT (GTO in Japan) was a groundbreaking sports coupe, positioned as a technologically advanced grand tourer aimed at competing with established European and American performance cars. It was known for its sleek styling and sophisticated features.

Design Philosophy:

A technologically advanced GT car designed to showcase Mitsubishi's engineering prowess, blending performance with comfort and sophisticated features.

Competitive Analysis:

Key competitors included the Nissan 300ZX (Z32), Toyota Supra (MK3/MK4), Mazda RX-7 (FC/FD), Chevrolet Corvette (C4), Porsche 944, and various European performance coupes. The 3000GT stood out with features like Active Aerodynamics and All-Wheel Steering.

Key Features:

Available in naturally aspirated (NA) and twin-turbocharged (TT) variants. Featured advanced technologies for its era, including Mitsubishi's ECS (Electronic Control Suspension), AWS (Active Wheel Steering), and for the Twin-Turbo, ECS-T (Electronic Control Suspension - Twin-Turbo) and active aerodynamics (active front air dam, active rear spoiler, pop-up side air vents).

Active Aerodynamics:

The advanced active aerodynamics system on the Twin-Turbo model automatically adjusted the front air dam, rear spoiler, and side air vents based on vehicle speed and conditions to optimize drag and downforce.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Engine Mechanical, Engine Fuel & Emssions, Engine Control System, Transmission (Manual & Automatic), Transfer Case, Front Axle, Rear Axle, Driveshafts, Differential, Steering, Suspension (Front & Rear), Brakes (Front & Rear), ABS, Body Electrical System, HVAC, Climate Control, Wiring Diagrams, Body & Trim, Exterior Components, Interior Components, Technical Data, Specifications, Troubleshooting, Diagnostic Procedures

Page Count:

Likely over 1500 pages (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals)

Manual Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine, Fuel System, Emission Control, Engine Management (ECU), Ignition System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Intake System, Exhaust System, Drivetrain, Transmission (MT/AT), Clutch, Transfer Case, Axles, Differential, Steering System, Power Steering, Suspension System (Front/Rear), Shock Absorbers, Springs, Brakes (Hydraulic/Disc), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electrical System (12V), Lighting, Instrumentation, Audio System, Power Accessories, Body Control Modules, HVAC System, Air Conditioning, Fuel Tank & Lines, Emission Control Devices (EVAP, EGR), Turbocharger System (if applicable)

Drivetrain Details:

Detailed coverage of the viscous coupling center differential, rear limited-slip differential (on TT), transfer case operation, and axle components for both AWD and RWD configurations (though AWD was standard in most markets for the 3000GT).

Climate Control System:

Detailed diagnosis and repair of the automatic climate control system, including A/C compressor, condenser, evaporator, refrigerant circuits, blend door actuators, and control modules.

Body And Trim:

Detailed instructions for removal, installation, and adjustment of body panels, bumpers, doors, windows, interior trim pieces, and headliner.

Procedures Included:

Routine Maintenance (oil change, filter replacement, spark plugs), Tune-up Procedures, Engine Diagnosis and Repair (overhaul, timing belt replacement, cylinder head repair), Fuel System Service (injector cleaning, fuel pump replacement), Emission Control System Diagnosis and Repair, Drivetrain Service (clutch replacement, transmission overhaul, differential service), Suspension and Steering Component Replacement and Alignment, Brake System Service (pad/rotor replacement, caliper overhaul, ABS troubleshooting), Electrical System Diagnosis and Repair (wiring harness repair, component testing), HVAC System Service (recharge, leak detection, component replacement), Body Panel Repair and Adjustment, Interior Trim Removal and Installation, Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) interpretation and resolution, Component Removal and Installation, Torque Specifications, Exploded Views, Component Testing Procedures

Diagnostic Procedures:

Includes step-by-step diagnostic flowcharts for common faults, troubleshooting guides based on symptoms, and specific component testing methods.

Engine Rebuild Procedures:

Complete engine overhaul procedures, including piston ring replacement, bearing replacement, cylinder honing, valve seal replacement, and cylinder head resurfacing.

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to in-depth engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced electrical diagnostics and body repair.

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive and detailed color-coded wiring diagrams for all electrical systems, including engine control, lighting, accessories, and sensors.

Torque Specifications:

Precise torque specifications for all fasteners across engine, transmission, chassis, and body components are provided.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format), Searchable Text, Hyperlinked Sections

Searchability:

Searchable text within the PDF allows for quick location of specific topics and procedures.

File Size:

Typically large due to the number of high-resolution diagrams and detailed text (e.g., 50MB to 200MB+).

Print Quality:

High-resolution scans with clear text and detailed diagrams, suitable for printing.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine:

6G72 3.0L SOHC V6 (NA) and DOHC Twin-Turbo V6

Na Engine Horsepower:

222 hp @ 6000 rpm

Na Engine Torque:

205 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm

Tt Engine Horsepower:

300 hp @ 6000 rpm

Tt Engine Torque:

307 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm

Fuel System:

Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Engine Management:

Mitsubishi Electronic Control Unit (ECU) with diagnostics

Ignition System:

Distributorless ignition system (DIS) with ignition coils per cylinder (on later models, early might have distributor). Fully sequential ignition and injection on TT models.

Turbocharger System:

Twin sequential turbochargers with intercoolers (TT model)

Engine Configuration:

60-degree V6 configuration, cast-iron block, aluminum cylinder heads.

Valvetrain:

SOHC 2 valves per cylinder (NA), DOHC 4 valves per cylinder (TT)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-speed Manual Transmission

Optional Transmission:

4-speed Automatic Transmission with Sportronic mode

Transmission Features:

All-wheel drive (AWD) with viscous coupling center differential and optional Active Transfer Clutch (ATC) on some AWD models. Twin-Turbo models often featured a viscous coupling limited-slip rear differential.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4,620 mm (181.9 in)

Width:

1,840 mm (72.4 in)

Height:

1,215 mm (47.8 in)

Wheelbase:

2,500 mm (98.4 in)

Ground Clearance:

Varies, typically around 5.1 inches (130 mm), lower on TT models with active aero.

Curb Weight Na:

Approximately 1,500 kg (3,307 lbs)

Curb Weight Tt:

Approximately 1,660 kg (3,660 lbs)

Seating Capacity:

2+2 Seating Configuration

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Ratings:

No specific NHTSA or IIHS ratings publicly available for the 1991 model year in the same format as modern vehicles. However, typical safety features of the era were present.

Active Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Active Four-Wheel Steering (AWS) on select models.

Passive Features:

Driver and Passenger Airbags (standard in the US), Three-point Inertia-reel Seatbelts, Crumple Zones, Side-Impact Door Beams, Collapsible Steering Column.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Factory AM/FM stereo cassette player with optional CD player. Basic analog gauges with digital climate control display.

Driver Assistance Features:

Active Four-Wheel Steering (AWS) system, Electronic Control Suspension (ECS) system with adjustable damping modes, Active Aerodynamics (active front air dam, active rear spoiler, vent flaps on TT models).

Connectivity Features:

N/A (No modern connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB were standard).

🔧 Maintenance

Timing Belt Replacement:

Every 60,000 miles or 5 years (whichever comes first) for the 6G72 engine. Critical interval due to interference engine design.

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,750 - 5,000 miles or 6 months (refer to manual for specific grade).

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 miles or 2 years.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles. NGK BKR6E-11 (stock) or equivalent.

Engine Oil Type:

API SG or SH, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check manual for climate-specific recommendations)

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approximately 4.5 US quarts (4.3 liters) with filter change for 6G72 V6.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol-based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Mopar ATF+3 or equivalent (check specific manual recommendation, often Dexron II/III compatible)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Power Steering Fluid:

Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) - refer to manual for specific type.

Known Issues:

Hydraulic hose failure in AWS system, ABS sensor failures, premature wear of ECS (Electronic Control Suspension) components, turbocharger issues (on TT models) due to heat and age, timing belt tensioner issues if not replaced on schedule, capacitor degradation in ECUs.

Body And Trim Issues:

Delamination of interior trim panels due to age and heat exposure, window regulator failures, rust on wheel wells and rocker panels if not maintained.

Oil Filter Part Number Example:

Fram PH8A, Wix 51515, K&N HP-3001 (always verify with parts catalog)

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Mitsubishi has a history in motorsports and performance vehicles, with vehicles like the Lancer Evolution gaining significant acclaim. The 3000GT represented a significant push into the premium sports coupe market for the brand.

Model Evolution:

The 3000GT/GTO was introduced in 1990 for the 1991 model year, replacing the Mitsubishi Starion. It was a clean-sheet design that prioritized advanced technology and performance. A significant facelift occurred for the 1994 model year, introducing smoother bodywork and significant mechanical upgrades.

Post 1991 Updates:

Later models (1994-1999) received more aerodynamic styling, an increase in horsepower for the Twin-Turbo (to 320 hp), larger brakes, and further refinement of the AWD and ECS systems.

Production Years:

1990-2001 (GTO/3000GT)

Manufacturing Locations:

Japan

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 1991 and 1992. Praised for its technological innovation and performance, especially the Twin-Turbo model.