Positioning:
Iconic rally-bred performance sedan, highly sought after by enthusiasts for its potent engine, sophisticated all-wheel-drive system, and tunable nature.
Competitors:
Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart, Subaru Impreza WRX
Performance Focus:
Emphasis on high performance, handling, and all-weather capability.
Rally Heritage:
Direct lineage from Mitsubishi's World Rally Championship (WRC) success, influencing its design and engineering.
Drivetrain Technology:
Advanced ACD (Active Center Differential) and Super AYC (Active Yaw Control) systems for exceptional traction and agility.
Engine:
4G63T (2.0L DOHC MIVEC Turbocharged inline-4), Engine Mechanical, Engine Control System (ECU), Fuel System, Ignition System, Lubrication System, Cooling System, Exhaust System
Transmission:
6-Speed Manual Transmission (Type: Getrag MR977304 or similar), Clutch System, Drivetrain Components (Front/Rear Differentials, ACD - Active Center Differential)
Suspension And Steering:
Front McPherson Strut, Rear Multi-link, Power Steering System, Suspension Components (Springs, Dampers, Bushings, Control Arms)
Brakes:
Front Brembo 4-Piston Calipers, Rear Brembo 2-Piston Calipers, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), Brake Hydraulics, Parking Brake
Electrical And Electronics:
Wiring Diagrams, Lighting System, Starting and Charging System, Instrumentation, Body Control Module (BCM), SRS (Supplemental Restraint System - Airbags), Immobilizer System
Body And Chassis:
Body Construction, Exterior Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk Lid, Bumpers, Interior Trim, Seating, Glass, Seals
HVAC System:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning System Components, Refrigerant System
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks and Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Inspection and Replacement
Repair:
Engine Overhaul, Turbocharger Rebuild/Replacement, Transmission Rebuild, Clutch Replacement, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Overhaul, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Procedures for Engine Performance Issues, Electrical System Faults, Transmission Problems, Brakes, and HVAC
Diagnostics:
OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics II) Procedures, Fault Code Interpretation, Live Data Analysis
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers all aspects from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and wiring diagrams.
Configuration:
2.0L (1997cc) DOHC MIVEC Turbocharged Inline-4
Horsepower:
271 hp @ 6500 rpm (US Spec)
Torque:
273 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (US Spec)
Bore X Stroke:
85.0 mm x 88.0 mm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with sequential multi-point injection
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Premium, 91 Octane or higher recommended)
Turbo Details:
Mitsubishi TD05HRA-15G turbocharger with a larger intercooler (compared to Evo VII)
Type:
6-Speed Manual Transmission
Type:
N/A (6-speed manual was standard on all Evo VIII models)
Drivetrain:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with Active Center Differential (ACD) and Driver Selectable Modes (Tarmac, Gravel, Snow)
Rear Differential:
Super Active Yaw Control (Super AYC) for enhanced cornering stability (standard on GSR, optional/deleted on some MR models)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-80 (or equivalent, e.g., Mitsubishi DiaQueen LSD Gear Oil)
Manual Transmission Capacity:
Approximately 2.2 Liters (Consult manual for exact specification)
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (for models tested)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Ebd:
Standard Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
Traction Control:
AYC/ACD systems contribute to traction control and stability
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags, Side Airbags (Optional/Standard depending on market/trim)
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters
Body Structure:
Reinforced body structure for crash energy management
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD player with optional premium sound system (e.g., Rockford Fosgate) and amplifier.
Display:
Basic LCD display for climate control and audio information.
Acd:
Active Center Differential for electronically controlled torque distribution.
Ayc:
Active Yaw Control (Super AYC on many models) for enhanced handling dynamics.
Bluetooth:
Typically not factory-equipped on early Evo VIII models; aftermarket solutions common.
ECU Capabilities:
The factory ECU is highly tunable, leading to a massive aftermarket support for performance tuning.
Oil Change:
Every 3,750 miles or 3 months (severe duty); 7,500 miles or 6 months (normal duty) - Always refer to manual for specific driving conditions.
Engine Oil Filter:
Replace with oil change
Air Filter:
Inspect every 7,500 miles, replace as needed (more frequently in dusty conditions).
Spark Plugs:
Replace every 60,000 miles (typically Iridium type)
Timing Belt:
Inspect at 60,000 miles, replace at 90,000 miles or 7 years (critical component - timing chain system is common on 4G63T, but this is a common service interval if belt-driven accessories are present or for older designs).
Engine Oil:
5W-30 Synthetic (API SN or higher, ILSAC GF-5 or higher recommended). Consult manual for exact specification and viscosity for your climate.
Coolant:
Mitsubishi Super Long Life Coolant (or equivalent ethylene glycol-based, phosphate-free, pink/red coolant)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (High-temperature, low-moisture absorption)
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 Liters (4.8 US Quarts) with filter change
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 7.0 Liters (7.4 US Quarts)
Engine:
Rod bearing failure (especially with aggressive tuning/abuse), turbo oil starvation, valve seal issues, head gasket leaks.
Transmission:
Wear in 5th and 6th gear synchros, clutch wear, ACD pump failure.
Suspension:
Premature wear of control arm bushings, ball joints, and rear differential mounts.
Electronics:
Gauge cluster issues, SRS warning light illumination.
