🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mitsubishi

Model:

Lancer Evolution VII (Evo 7)

Chassis Code:

CT9A

👋 Introduction

Historical Positioning:

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VII was a highly specialized performance sedan, a homologation special for World Rally Championship (WRC) racing. It occupied a niche in the enthusiast market for its extreme performance capabilities, sophisticated all-wheel-drive system, and rally-bred engineering.

Competitors:

Primary competitors included the Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Ford Focus RS, and other potent turbocharged all-wheel-drive performance sedans and hatchbacks of its era.

Rally Heritage:

Directly derived from Mitsubishi's WRC program, sharing significant engineering and design elements with rally cars.

AWD System:

Advanced All-Wheel Control (AWC) system featuring Active Center Differential (ACD) and Active Yaw Control (AYC) for superior traction and handling.

Engine:

Iconic 4G63T 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine known for its robust construction and tuning potential.

Performance Focus:

Tuned for aggressive acceleration, agile handling, and track-day performance.

Manual Utility:

Provides professionals and enthusiasts with the in-depth technical information necessary for maintenance, repair, and modification.

📋 Manual Details

General Coverage:

All models and all repairs A-Z

Estimated Page Count:

Over 1500 pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals of this era)

Type:

Service Repair Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

4G63T (2.0L Turbocharged DOHC MIVEC), including diagnosis, disassembly, assembly, and overhaul

Transmission:

5-speed manual (F5M33/W5M33), 6-speed manual (G4M), and Twin-Clutch Sportronic (TC-SST) automatic transmission (though Evo 7 primarily featured manual options), including clutch, gearbox, and differential servicing

Drivetrain:

All-Wheel Control (AWC) system, Active Center Differential (ACD), Active Yaw Control (AYC), Super Active Yaw Control (S-AYC), front and rear differentials, driveshafts, and hubs

Suspension:

Front MacPherson struts, rear multi-link independent suspension, springs, dampers, anti-roll bars, bushings, and alignment procedures

Brakes:

Front Brembo 4-piston calipers and rear Brembo 2-piston calipers, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), brake fluid bleeding, component replacement, and rotor/pad specifications

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack, steering column, and wheel alignment adjustments

Electrical System:

Battery, alternator, starter motor, ignition system, lighting, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, ECUs (Engine Control Unit, AYC ECU, ACD ECU), and diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)

Fuel System:

Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel pressure regulator, fuel filter, and emissions control system (EVAP)

Cooling System:

Radiator, coolant hoses, thermostat, water pump, and cooling fan operation

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, muffler, and oxygen sensors

Body And Chassis:

Body panel removal/installation, interior trim, doors, windows, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning), chassis lubrication, and structural repairs

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and changes, belt inspection and replacement

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides based on symptoms, diagnostic trouble code (DTC) lookup and interpretation, component testing procedures

Repair:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, overhaul, installation, and adjustment for all major systems

Special Tools:

Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific procedures (e.g., timing belt replacement, suspension component removal)

Specifications:

Torque specifications for all fasteners, fluid capacities, pressure specifications, electrical specifications, and dimensional tolerances

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems, including component locations and connector pinouts

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid changes and inspections to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, advanced diagnostics, and bodywork

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchability:

Searchable text within the PDF for quick information retrieval

Printability:

Printable pages for easy reference during repairs

Digital Binding:

N/A (Digital format)

Digital Paper Type:

N/A (Digital format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

4G63T

Configuration:

2.0L (1997cc) Inline-4, Turbocharged, DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft), 16-valve, MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control)

Horsepower:

276 hp (206 kW) at 6500 rpm (JDM specification, often higher in export markets due to tuning)

Torque:

273 lb-ft (370 Nm) at 3500 rpm (JDM specification)

Bore X Stroke:

85.0 mm x 88.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

8.8:1

Turbocharger:

Mitsubishi TD05H-16G (or similar variant)

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point fuel injection (MPI) with high-flow fuel injectors and a Bosch fuel pump

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed manual transmission (F5M33/W5M33)

Transmission Type:

Some markets may have offered a 6-speed manual (G4M) or Twin-Clutch Sportronic (TC-SST) automatic, though primarily manual transmissions were featured in the Evo 7.

All Wheel Control:

Integrated with the All-Wheel Control (AWC) system, including ACD and AYC

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4,440 mm (174.8 in)

Width:

1,770 mm (69.7 in)

Height:

1,415 mm (55.7 in)

Wheelbase:

2,600 mm (102.4 in)

Front Track:

1,515 mm (59.6 in)

Rear Track:

1,505 mm (59.3 in)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 1,400 kg (3,086 lbs) depending on trim and options

Gross Vehicle Weight:

Not specified, but exceeds curb weight significantly

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Ratings:

No specific NHTSA or Euro NCAP ratings for the Evo VII as it was a homologation special with limited global sales and primarily focused on performance rather than mainstream safety certifications of the time. However, it was equipped with modern safety features for its class.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Ebd:

Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)

Traction Control:

Active Stability Control (ASC) or similar traction and stability management systems

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags

Seatbelts:

Three-point seatbelts with pre-tensioners

Body Structure:

Reinforced safety cell construction, designed for rally integrity

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory-installed Clarion or Mitsubishi branded audio system, typically with CD player and AM/FM radio. Optional CD changer.

Climate Control:

Manual or automatic climate control system for HVAC.

Awc System:

Core technology differentiating the Evo, integrating ACD and AYC for dynamic torque vectoring and stability.

ABS Ebd:

Integrated braking safety systems.

Early Telematics:

No significant advanced connectivity features like Bluetooth or smartphone integration were standard, consistent with the early 2000s era.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Every 5,000 km (3,000 miles) or 6 months, whichever comes first, especially for spirited driving or track use. Standard interval is typically 7,500-10,000 km (5,000-6,000 miles).

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 km (9,000 miles) or annually.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Platinum spark plugs typically every 90,000 km (55,000 miles). Iridium plugs can extend this further. Check manual for specific plug type (e.g., NGK BKR7E-11).

Timing Belt Replacement:

Every 90,000 km (55,000 miles) or 7 years, whichever comes first. Critical due to potential for catastrophic engine damage if it breaks.

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 2 years or 30,000 km (18,000 miles).

Transmission Fluid Change:

Manual: Every 40,000 km (25,000 miles) or annually. ACD/AYC fluid: Every 40,000 km (25,000 miles).

Engine Oil:

SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40, API SG/SH/SJ or higher. Full synthetic recommended for performance driving. Capacity: 4.5 L (4.8 US qt) with filter.

Coolant:

Mitsubishi DiaQueen Super Long Life Coolant (SLLC) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, mixed 50/50 with distilled water. Capacity: Approximately 7.0 L (7.4 US qt).

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual for specific recommendation). High-performance brake fluid recommended for spirited driving.

Power Steering Fluid:

Dexron III ATF or equivalent. Capacity: Approximately 1.0 L (1.1 US qt).

Transmission Fluid Manual:

API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, SAE 75W-90 viscosity. Capacity: Approximately 2.5 L (2.6 US qt) for 5-speed, 3.0 L for 6-speed.

Acd Ayc Fluid:

Mitsubishi ACD Fluid (DIA QUEEN LSD) or equivalent specialized LSD fluid. Capacity: Approximately 1.5 L (1.6 US qt).

Engine Reliability:

Generally robust 4G63T engine, but can suffer from turbocharger wear, head gasket issues if overheated, and oil consumption if not maintained diligently. Timing belt maintenance is critical.

AWD System Maintenance:

ACD and AYC hydraulic systems require regular fluid changes to maintain function. Pump and sensor failures can occur over time.

Suspension Wear:

Bushings and ball joints can wear due to the high-performance nature of the vehicle, leading to imprecise handling. Original suspension components may need reinforcement for aggressive use.

Rust Corrosion:

As with many performance cars of this era, rust can be an issue, particularly around wheel wells, sills, and suspension mounting points, especially in regions with salt used on roads.

Clutch Wear:

Clutch can wear prematurely with aggressive driving or track use.

📚 Vehicle History

Mitsubishi Motors:

Mitsubishi Motors has a long history in motorsport, particularly in rallying, with the Lancer Evolution lineage being its flagship performance model.

Evolution Series:

The Lancer Evolution VII (CT9A) was the seventh generation in the highly successful Evolution series, introduced in early 2001. It represented a significant chassis and drivetrain evolution from the Evo VI.

Key Changes From Evo Vi:

Introduction of the ACD and AYC systems, revised suspension geometry, updated ECU for improved engine management, and a larger, more rigid chassis based on the wider Lancer Cedia platform.

Production Period:

Produced from 2001 to 2003, succeeded by the Lancer Evolution VIII.

Manufacturing Location:

Mizushima, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan

Notable Variants:

RS (Ralliart Sport), GSR (Grand Sport Rally) – with various sub-trims and special editions like the RS Sprint and RS Advance.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Motorsport Success:

The Lancer Evolution platform itself has a legendary status in motorsport, particularly in the World Rally Championship (WRC), where it achieved numerous driver and manufacturer titles.

Enthusiast Acclaim:

The Evo VII is widely acclaimed by automotive journalists and enthusiasts for its exceptional handling, powerful engine, and raw driving experience, often cited as one of the best-handling cars of its generation.