Segment:
Performance Compact Sedan / Rally Homologation Special.
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, tuners, mechanics, and owners of Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IV through IX models.
Competitors:
Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Ford Escort Cosworth, Peugeot 206 WRC (during their respective eras).
Performance Focus:
Designed for owners who value performance, handling, and technical understanding of their vehicle. Crucial for maintaining and modifying these highly capable machines.
Technical Resource:
Provides essential information for DIY maintenance, repair, and advanced tuning. A vital resource for preserving the integrity and performance of the Evolution lineage.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical (including timing belt, piston/ring, valve train, cylinder head, crankshaft, connecting rods), Fuel system (injection, fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank), Ignition system, Exhaust system, Turbocharger and intercooler systems, Cooling system (radiator, water pump, thermostat), Lubrication system (oil pump, oil filter, oil pan).
Drivetrain:
Manual transmission (gearbox overhaul, clutch system, shift linkages), Automatic transmission (if applicable to specific models covered), Transfer case, Front differential, Rear differential (including Active Yaw Control - AYC, Super AYC, ACD systems).
Chassis And Suspension:
Front suspension (MacPherson struts, control arms, anti-roll bar), Rear suspension (multi-link independent suspension), Steering system (power steering pump, rack and pinion), Brakes (hydraulic system, ABS, calipers, rotors, master cylinder, parking brake), Wheels and tires.
Electrical And Electronics:
Engine Control Unit (ECU) and related sensors (MAP, MAF, TPS, O2, knock), Ignition coils, Starter motor, Alternator, Battery, Lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior lights), Wiper and washer system, Power windows, Central locking, Audio system wiring, Instrument cluster and gauges, Body Control Module (BCM), SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) airbags and control unit.
Body And Interior:
Body panels (front fenders, hood, doors, trunk lid), Bumpers, Grille, Interior trim, Seats, Dashboard, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system, Door mechanisms, Glass replacement.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil change procedures, filter replacement (oil, air, fuel, cabin), spark plug replacement, coolant flush and replacement, brake fluid change, transmission fluid change, differential fluid change.
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, electrical circuit diagrams and testing, component testing procedures, fuel pressure testing, compression testing.
Repair And Overhaul:
Engine rebuild procedures, transmission overhaul, turbocharger replacement, differential rebuilds, brake component replacement, suspension component replacement, steering system repair, electrical component repair/replacement.
Special Procedures:
Timing belt replacement and engine timing procedures, AYC/ACD system calibration and service, turbocharger boost pressure adjustment (where applicable), ECU relearn procedures.
Depth:
Comprehensive. Covers basic maintenance to full engine and drivetrain rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic information, wiring diagrams, and component specifications.
Engine Type:
4G63 Inline 4-Cylinder DOHC 16-Valve Turbocharged
Displacement:
2.0 Liters (1997cc)
Cylinder Block Material:
Cast Iron
Cylinder Head Material:
Aluminum Alloy
Horsepower Evolution Iv:
280 PS (276 hp; 206 kW) @ 6,000 rpm (JDM Spec)
Torque Evolution Iv:
350 N⋅m (258 lb⋅ft) @ 3,000 rpm (JDM Spec)
Horsepower Evolution Vi Tme:
280 PS (276 hp; 206 kW) @ 6,500 rpm
Torque Evolution Vi Tme:
373 N⋅m (275 lb⋅ft) @ 3,000 rpm
Horsepower Evolution Viii:
276 hp (206 kW) @ 6,500 rpm (US Spec)
Torque Evolution Viii:
286 lb⋅ft (388 N⋅m) @ 3,500 rpm (US Spec)
Horsepower Evolution Ix:
286 hp (213 kW) @ 6,500 rpm (US Spec)
Torque Evolution Ix:
289 lb⋅ft (392 N⋅m) @ 3,500 rpm (US Spec)
Engine Induction:
Turbocharged with Front-Mounted Intercooler (FMIC).
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI).
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (typically requires premium octane fuel for optimal performance and engine health).
Length:
Approx. 4,360 - 4,490 mm (171.7 - 176.8 in) depending on generation and body kit.
Width:
Approx. 1,770 - 1,780 mm (69.7 - 70.1 in).
Height:
Approx. 1,400 - 1,445 mm (55.1 - 56.9 in).
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2,600 - 2,605 mm (102.4 - 102.6 in).
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1,350 - 1,450 kg (2,976 - 3,197 lb) depending on specification.
Gross Weight:
Varies by model, typically around 1,800 kg (3,968 lb).
Oil Change:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles (4,800-8,000 km) or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used. High-performance driving necessitates more frequent changes.
Timing Belt:
Replace every 60,000 - 90,000 miles (96,000 - 145,000 km). Critical component; failure leads to catastrophic engine damage.
Spark Plugs:
Replace every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (48,000 - 96,000 km), depending on plug type (standard vs. iridium).
Coolant:
Flush and replace coolant every 2-3 years or 30,000-45,000 miles (48,000-72,000 km).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 - 4.7 Liters (4.8 - 5.0 US Quarts) with filter change (refer to manual for specific engine variant).
Engine Oil Viscosity:
5W-30, 10W-30, or 10W-40 (depending on climate and oil formulation; consult manual for precise recommendations).
Transmission Fluid Type:
Manual: API GL-4 or GL-5 SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil. Automatic: ATF SP-III or equivalent. Transfer Case/AYC Fluid: Consult manual for specific Mitsubishi fluids or equivalents.
Coolant Type:
Mitsubishi Super Long Life Coolant (LLC) or equivalent (e.g., ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, typically pink or red).
Engine:
Head gasket failures (especially on heavily modified engines), piston ring land failures (under extreme stress), turbocharger wear, cracked exhaust manifolds.
Drivetrain:
Clutch wear, transmission synchro wear (especially 2nd and 3rd gear), AYC pump failures, differential failures (under high load/abuse).
Suspension And Chassis:
Worn bushings, premature wheel bearing failure, strut mounting issues, corrosion on chassis components (especially in areas with road salt).
Electrical:
Corrosion on electrical connectors, alternator failure, power window motor issues, ABS sensor failures.
Motorsport Connection:
Directly derived from Mitsubishi's highly successful World Rally Championship (WRC) Lancer models. Built for homologation and competition.
Evolution Iv:
Introduced October 1996. Featured improved suspension, a larger turbocharger, and a more robust powertrain. Active Yaw Control (AYC) introduced.
Evolution V:
Introduced January 1998. Wider body, updated aerodynamics, improved chassis stiffness, larger wheels (17-inch), and larger Brembo brakes. Increased torque.
Evolution Vi:
Introduced October 1999. Further revisions to the 4G63 engine (stronger pistons, different turbocharger), improved cooling, revised AYC. Special editions like Tommi Mäkinen Edition (TME) offered.
Evolution Vii:
Introduced February 2001. Complete redesign on the larger Lancer platform (CT9A chassis). Featured Active Center Differential (ACD) and revised AYC (Super AYC). New 6-speed manual transmission option.
Evolution Viii:
Introduced January 2003. Introduced to the North American market. Further refinements to ACD and AYC, updated interior and exterior styling. Twin-scroll turbocharger for faster spool.
Evolution Ix:
Introduced January 2005. Introduced MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control) system to the 4G63 engine for improved efficiency and torque across the rev range. Updated aero, new wheels, and interior revisions. Turbocharged 4G63 became 4G63T.
Manufacturing Location:
Japan (primarily Mitsubishi's Mizushima Plant)