Segment:
Performance Sedan / Rally Homologation Special
Competitors:
Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Mitsubishi Lancer (non-Evo variants), Ford Focus RS, Volkswagen Golf R
Key Selling Points:
Legendary 4G63T engine, advanced AWD system (ACD/S-AYC), superior handling, rally heritage, accessible performance
Iconic Engine:
4G63T: A highly tunable and robust 2.0L inline-4 turbocharged engine
Advanced AWD:
ACD and S-AYC systems provide exceptional traction and cornering agility
Performance Brakes:
Brembo braking system offering superior stopping power
Rally Proven:
Direct lineage to WRC-winning vehicles, embodying motorsport DNA
Engine:
4G63T (2.0L DOHC MIVEC Turbocharged Inline-4)
Transmission:
6-speed Manual Transmission (Getrag/Mitsubishi)
Drivetrain:
All-Wheel Drive (S-AYC - Super Active Yaw Control, ACD - Active Center Differential, Sports ABS)
Suspension:
Front: MacPherson Strut; Rear: Multi-link
Brakes:
Front: Brembo 4-piston calipers with 320mm vented discs; Rear: Brembo 2-piston calipers with 300mm vented discs
Electrical System:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams, component locations, diagnostic procedures for all electrical systems
Body And Chassis:
Body panel repair, structural integrity, interior trim, glass, bumpers
Fuel System:
Fuel injection, fuel pump, fuel tank, fuel lines
Cooling System:
Radiator, fan, water pump, thermostat, coolant flow
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, muffler, oxygen sensors
HVAC:
Air conditioning, heating, ventilation system components and service
Safety Systems:
Airbags, seatbelts, ABS, S-AYC, ACD control modules
Scheduled Maintenance:
Detailed oil change intervals, filter replacements, fluid checks, spark plug replacement, timing belt inspection/replacement
Diagnostics Troubleshooting:
Symptom-based troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation (OBD-II), diagnostic connector locations
Engine Repair:
Engine disassembly, assembly, component testing, cylinder head overhaul, piston and connecting rod installation
Transmission Repair:
Transmission disassembly, clutch replacement, gear inspection, rebuild procedures
Brake System Repair:
Brake pad replacement, rotor replacement, caliper service, bleeding procedures, ABS system diagnostics
Suspension And Steering Repair:
Strut replacement, shock absorber service, ball joint inspection, power steering system service, alignment specifications
Electrical Component Replacement:
Alternator, starter motor, battery service, ignition system components, sensor replacement
Bodywork And Trim:
Door panel removal, bumper replacement, headlight/taillight service, interior trim panel removal
Special Tool Identification:
Lists and descriptions of specialized tools required for specific procedures
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds
Diagnostic Capability:
Advanced diagnostic procedures, component testing, calibration of electronically controlled systems
Performance Tuning Data:
Torque specifications for critical components, engine timing data, basic performance parameters
Engine Type:
Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve, Turbocharged with Intercooler
Displacement:
1997 cc (2.0 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
85.0 mm x 88.0 mm
Valve Actuation:
DOHC with MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control)
Horsepower Hp:
270-280 hp (approximate, depending on market and specific tune)
Torque Lb Ft:
270-275 lb-ft (approximate, depending on market and specific tune)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Premium (91+ Octane Recommended)
Fuel Injectors:
High-flow injectors (e.g., 560cc for later models/JDM)
Turbocharger Type:
Mitsubishi TD04-15G (or similar variation)
NHTSA Front Crash Rating:
4 Stars (Driver), 4 Stars (Passenger) for 2003 Model (US Spec)
IIHS Ratings:
Good (Frontal Offset) for 2003 Model (US Spec)
Active Center Differential:
ACD: Electronically controlled torque distribution
Super Active Yaw Control:
S-AYC: Rear differential torque vectoring for enhanced cornering
Sports ABS:
ABS with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution) and enhanced performance calibration
Traction Control:
AYC/ACD system functions as a form of traction control
Airbags:
Front dual-stage airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters, rear seatbelts
Body Structure:
Reinforced passenger safety cell, energy-absorbing front and rear crumple zones
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles or 6 months (severe duty) / 7,500 miles or 12 months (normal duty) - Consult manual for specifics.
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months, or as needed based on driving conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately every 60,000 miles (iridium type).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Check condition at 60,000 miles, replace typically around 100,000 miles or 7 years. Critical component – inspect regularly.
Coolant Replacement:
Initial change at 30,000 miles or 2 years, then every 30,000 miles or 2 years thereafter.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 miles or 24 months (or as per manual recommendations, especially for performance driving).
Engine Oil Type:
API SN or SP, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 Synthetic Recommended (especially for spirited driving).
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 Liters (with filter change)
Coolant Type:
Mitsubishi Super Long Life Coolant (or equivalent ethylene glycol-based, pink/red coolant)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (Check manual for specific type and DOT rating, performance use may warrant higher rating)
Power Steering Fluid Type:
ATF Dexron III or equivalent (Consult manual)
Engine:
Cracked cylinder heads (especially with aggressive tuning/overheating), piston ring land failure, turbo seal issues, oil slinger failure.
Transmission:
Synchro wear, occasional gearbox input shaft failure under extreme abuse.
AWD Systems:
ACD pump failure, differential wear with aggressive use, failure of S-AYC solenoids.
Suspect Areas:
Rear differential bushings, clutch wear, exhaust manifold cracks, suspension bushings.
Rally Dominance:
Mitsubishi's long and successful history in the World Rally Championship (WRC)
Evolution Lineage:
The Evo VIII is the eighth generation in the Lancer Evolution series, a direct homologation special for rally racing.
Evo Vii To Viii Changes:
Key improvements included a new 6-speed manual transmission, larger turbocharger, revised suspension geometry, and a more robust ACD and S-AYC system.
Production Period:
2003-2005
Manufacturing Plant:
Mizushima Plant, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan
Notable Variants:
GSR, MR (Limited Edition - UK/Japan), RS (Rally Sport)