🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mitsubishi

Model:

Lancer Evolution IV

Model Code:

CN9A

Chassis Code:

CN9A

Production Years Covered:

1996, 1997, 1998

Engine Code Primary:

4G63T

Engine Code Variants:

4G63 (2.0L DOHC Turbocharged Inline-4)

Chassis Code Variants:

CN9A (Standard GSR/RS), CP9A (Evolution V onwards)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Performance Sedan / Rally Homologation Special

Era Context:

Iconic 1990s performance car, a legend in rally racing and street performance.

Key Rivals:

Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Ford Escort Cosworth, Lancia Delta Integrale

Performance Focus:

Legendary 4G63T engine, advanced Active Center Differential (ACD) and Active Yaw Control (AYC) systems.

Rally Heritage:

Developed for Group A rallying, contributing to its robust construction and performance pedigree.

Manual Value:

Essential for maintaining and repairing this complex performance vehicle, ensuring its longevity and optimal performance.

📋 Manual Details

Covered Models:

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IV (CN9A)

Covered Years:

1996-1998

Geographical Coverage:

Global (primarily Japanese Domestic Market, but applicable to international variants with noted differences)

Estimated Page Count:

1500+

Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Source:

Official Factory Service Manual (FSM) equivalent

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine (4G63T), Fuel System, Ignition System, Exhaust System, Cooling System, Lubrication System

Drivetrain:

Manual Transmission (5-speed), Transfer Case, Drive Shafts, Differentials (Front, Center AYC, Rear)

Chassis:

Suspension (Front MacPherson Strut, Rear Multi-link), Steering System (Power Assisted Rack & Pinion), Brakes (Front Ventilated Discs, Rear Discs, ABS)

Electrical:

ECU, Wiring Diagrams, Lighting, Instrumentation, Audio System, Power Accessories, Fuses and Relays

Body:

Exterior Panels, Interior Trim, Doors, Windows, Seats, HVAC System

Maintenance:

Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Inspections/Replacement

Repair:

Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Brake System Repair, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Repair

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting Guides, Fault Code Interpretation (OBD-I based for the era), Component Testing Procedures

Disassembly Assembly:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for major component removal and installation

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced diagnostic procedures and specifications.

Target Audience:

Professional Technicians and Advanced DIY Mechanics

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text (OCR processed for ease of use)

Quality:

High-resolution scans ensuring clarity of diagrams and text.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Inline-4, DOHC, 16 Valves, Turbocharged

Displacement:

2.0 Liters (1997 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

85.0 mm x 88.0 mm

Horsepower Ps:

280 PS (approx. 276 bhp) at 6,500 rpm

Torque Nm:

352 Nm (approx. 260 lb-ft) at 3,000 rpm

Redline:

7,500 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI) with Electronic Control

Turbocharger:

Mitsubishi TD05H-16G (or similar variant), Intercooled

Recommended Octane:

95 RON (Research Octane Number) or higher

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-Speed Manual

Gear Ratios Typical:

1st: 3.083, 2nd: 2.077, 3rd: 1.454, 4th: 1.034, 5th: 0.763, Reverse: 3.083

Final Drive Ratio:

4.529

Drivetrain Type:

All-Wheel Drive (AWD)

Center Differential:

Active Center Differential (ACD) with driver-selectable modes (Tarmac, Gravel, Snow)

Rear Differential:

Active Yaw Control (AYC) system, electronically controlled torque vectoring

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 (Check manual for specific Mitsubishi part number)

Transfer Case Fluid:

Refer to manual, often similar to transmission fluid

Ayc Fluid:

Refer to manual, specialized fluid for AYC system

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4,360 mm (171.7 in)

Width:

1,770 mm (69.7 in)

Height:

1,435 mm (56.5 in)

Wheelbase:

2,600 mm (102.4 in)

Track Width Front:

1,515 mm (59.6 in)

Track Width Rear:

1,505 mm (59.3 in)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1,350 - 1,400 kg (2,976 - 3,086 lbs)

Gross Vehicle Weight:

Refer to vehicle placard

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Data:

Limited official crash test data available for this era/model specific to JDM. Primarily focused on rally homologation standards.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) - Standard on GSR

Traction Control:

Traction Control System (TCL) - Optional on GSR

Ayc:

Active Yaw Control (AYC) - Standard, enhancing cornering stability

Airbags:

Driver's airbag (standard), Passenger airbag (optional/market dependent)

Seatbelts:

3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners (front)

Body Structure:

Reinforced chassis for rally homologation

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM Stereo with Cassette Player and CD Player (optional). Speaker configuration typically 4-6 speakers.

Display:

Basic LCD display for clock, radio, and climate control indicators.

Ayc:

Active Yaw Control (AYC) provides advanced torque vectoring for superior handling and stability.

Acd:

Active Center Differential (ACD) electronically adjusts the front-to-rear torque split based on driving surface and conditions.

Connectivity Features:

Basic analog systems. No Bluetooth, USB, or modern smartphone integration from factory.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 - 7,500 km (3,000 - 5,000 miles) or 6 months, whichever comes first (severe duty recommended for performance driving).

Spark Plug Replacement Interval:

Approx. 30,000 - 40,000 km (18,000 - 25,000 miles) depending on plug type and driving conditions.

Timing Belt Replacement Interval:

Every 80,000 - 100,000 km (50,000 - 60,000 miles) or 5-7 years. Critical due to interference engine design.

Engine Oil Capacity:

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

Engine Oil Type:

Synthetic SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (API SG/SH or higher, ACEA A2/A3 recommended). Consider 0W-40 for colder climates.

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 7.0 Liters (7.4 US Quarts)

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Refer to manual for specific Mitsubishi coolant P/N.

Engine:

Cracked cylinder heads (especially with aggressive tuning/heat), turbocharger wear, oil pump failures.

Ayc System:

Leaking AYC pump, failing sensors, and control unit issues are common due to age and hydraulic complexity.

Suspension:

Worn bushings, ball joints, and strut mounts due to performance driving.

Rust:

Areas prone to rust include strut towers, sills, fender arches, and rear quarter panels, especially in regions with road salt.

📚 Vehicle History

Rally Legacy:

Mitsubishi has a storied history in motorsports, particularly the World Rally Championship (WRC), where the Lancer Evolution models dominated.

Predecessor:

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution III (CE9A)

Successor:

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution V (CP9A)

Key Changes From Evo Iii:

Wider track, revised suspension geometry, larger intercooler, redesigned ECU, introduction of Active Center Differential (ACD).

Production Location:

Mizushima Plant, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan

Production Numbers:

Estimated 5,000-6,000 units for Evolution IV

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Motorsport Success:

While the Evolution IV itself may not have a specific 'award' in the consumer sense, its design and engineering were directly influenced by and contributed to Mitsubishi's dominant rally success in the mid-1990s.

Performance Ratings:

Consistently lauded by automotive journalists and enthusiasts for its exceptional handling, braking, and acceleration capabilities.