🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mitsubishi

Model:

Lancer Evolution VIII

Year:

2003

Chassis Code:

CT9A

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Performance Compact Sedan / Rally Homologation Special

Target Audience:

Enthusiasts, tuners, DIY mechanics, and professional repair shops specializing in performance Mitsubishi vehicles.

Competitors:

Subaru Impreza WRX, Honda Civic Type R (later models), Ford Focus RS (later models).

Performance Focus:

Emphasizes the performance capabilities and specific tuning requirements of the Evo VIII.

Technical Specificity:

Provides highly detailed technical information essential for maintaining and repairing this specialized performance vehicle.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Mechanical and Electrical Systems, Bodywork, Diagnostics, Maintenance, Repair, Troubleshooting

Specific Systems:

Engine, Fuel System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Exhaust System, Clutch, Transmission (Manual & Automatic), Drivetrain (Front, Rear, Center Differential), Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering, Brakes (ABS), Electrical System (Wiring Diagrams, ECUs, Sensors), HVAC, Body & Chassis, Restraints (Airbags), Audio System

Estimated Page Count:

1000+

Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, cylinder head, block assembly, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, camshafts, timing system, valve train, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel injection system, ignition system, emission control systems.

Engine Performance:

Engine tuning, performance diagnostics, turbocharger system operation and repair.

Transmission Drivetrain:

Manual transmission (GSR/RS variants), 6-speed Getrag transmission, transfer case, front differential, rear differential (including Helical LSD and Active Center Differential - ACD).

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) operation and troubleshooting, brake fluid specifications, caliper and rotor replacement.

Suspension Steering:

Front and rear suspension components (McPherson struts, multi-link), shock absorbers, springs, bushings, wheel alignment specifications, power steering system.

Electrical Electronics:

Complete wiring diagrams, ECU identification and function, sensor diagnostics, starter system, charging system, lighting system, power windows, central locking, audio system, immobilizer system.

Maintenance Scheduled:

Oil and filter changes, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement, coolant checks and replacement, brake fluid replacement, timing belt inspection/replacement (if applicable to model variant), differential fluid changes.

Repair Diagnostics:

Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, turbocharger repair, suspension component replacement, brake caliper/rotor replacement, electrical component troubleshooting, diagnostic trouble code (DTC) interpretation and repair.

Troubleshooting:

System-specific troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, common fault diagnosis.

Diagnostic Capability:

Advanced diagnostics utilizing diagnostic scan tools, sensor data analysis, and electrical circuit testing.

Rebuild Procedures:

Comprehensive step-by-step procedures for major component rebuilds (engine, transmission, differentials).

Torque Specifications:

Detailed torque specifications for all critical fasteners.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text for quick information retrieval.

Image Resolution:

High-resolution diagrams and illustrations.

Binding:

Not applicable (Digital)

Paper:

Not applicable (Digital)

Completeness Level:

Factory original content, covering all aspects of vehicle service and repair.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

4G63T

Engine Type:

Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve, Turbocharged and Intercooled

Displacement:

2.0 Liters (1997 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

85.0 mm x 88.0 mm

Horsepower Usdm:

271 hp @ 6500 rpm

Torque Usdm:

273 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm

Compression Ratio:

8.8:1

Turbocharger:

Mitsubishi TD05HR-16G (or similar variant), Twin-Scroll

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)

Fuel Pump Part Number:

Specific part number varies by VIN and region, but commonly a high-flow unit.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Usdm:

6-Speed Manual (Getrag)

Transmission Type Jdm:

5-Speed Manual (for RS models), 5-Speed Automatic (rarely specified for performance variants)

All Wheel Drive:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with Active Center Differential (ACD) and Super Active Yaw Control (S-AYC) on some models.

Gear Ratios:

Detailed gear ratios for each speed are provided in the manual.

Transmission Fluid Type:

Refer to manual for specific type and capacity (e.g., Diaqueen JW33197340/75W-85 GL-4 or equivalent for manual transmission).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approximately 4490 mm (176.8 in)

Width:

Approximately 1770 mm (69.7 in)

Height:

Approximately 1415 mm (55.7 in)

Wheelbase:

Approximately 2630 mm (103.5 in)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 1450-1500 kg (3197-3307 lbs) depending on trim and options

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Refer to vehicle identification plate (VIN plate).

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

Not directly applicable or commonly rated for this specialized performance variant in the USDM context of 2003.

IIHS Front Impact:

Not directly applicable or commonly rated.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Acd:

Active Center Differential (ACD) for torque distribution control.

S Ayc:

Super Active Yaw Control (S-AYC) for enhanced cornering stability (on specific models/markets).

Airbags:

Driver and Front Passenger Airbags.

Seatbelts:

Three-point front and rear seatbelts with pre-tensioners.

Body Structure:

Reinforced body structure for rigidity and crash protection.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM CD player with speaker system. Aftermarket options common.

Climate Control:

Manual or Automatic Climate Control depending on trim level.

Traction Control:

Integrated with ACD and S-AYC systems, often user-selectable modes.

Stability Control:

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) may be present on later or specific market variants.

ECU Tuning Interface:

ECU (Engine Control Unit) parameters can be accessed and modified for tuning purposes, requiring specialized tools and knowledge covered by the manual.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 6 months, under severe driving conditions more frequently.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Refer to manual, generally every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km).

Coolant Change Interval:

Refer to manual, often every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Refer to manual for specific interval based on mileage/age (critical for 4G63T engine).

Engine Oil Type:

API SG or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to manual for exact specifications and viscosity recommendations based on climate).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approximately 4.5 Liters (4.8 US Quarts) with filter change.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based, long-life coolant (refer to manual for specific Mitsubishi coolant specification).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 Brake Fluid.

Common Wear Items:

Clutch wear, turbocharger oil seals, differential bushings, front suspension components (ball joints, bushings), wheel bearings.

Engine Specific:

Head gasket issues under extreme tuning, turbocharger failures if not maintained properly, piston ring wear.

Electrical Gremlins:

Can occur due to age and wiring degradation, especially in aftermarket modified vehicles. Refer to wiring diagrams in the manual.

📚 Vehicle History

Motorsport Legacy:

Direct lineage from Mitsubishi's successful World Rally Championship (WRC) program.

Evolution Series:

Part of the iconic Lancer Evolution series, known for its performance and rally pedigree.

Generation Viii:

The Evo VIII marked a significant evolution with a new 6-speed manual transmission (Getrag) in the USDM and significant chassis and engine enhancements.

Production Years:

Evo VIII production ran from 2003 to 2005.

Manufacturing Location:

Japan

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Rally Championships:

The Lancer Evolution platform has numerous WRC Manufacturers' and Drivers' Championships.

Car And Driver Best Handling:

Consistently praised by automotive publications for its exceptional handling and performance.