Segment:
Performance Rally Homologation Special
Reputation:
Iconic, revered for its rally heritage and road performance.
Competitors:
Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Ford Escort RS Cosworth, Lancia Delta Integrale.
Rally Heritage:
Developed for WRC homologation, incorporating advanced technologies derived from motorsport.
Performance:
Legendary handling, all-wheel-drive system, powerful turbocharged engine.
Technology:
Active Yaw Control (AYC), twin-scroll turbocharger, ACD (Active Center Differential).
Engine:
Detailed diagnosis, overhaul, repair procedures for 4G63T engine, including turbocharger system, fuel injection, ignition, lubrication, cooling.
Transmission:
Service and repair of the 5-speed manual transmission (Type-5M/T), including clutch, gearbox, transfer case, and driveshafts.
Drivetrain:
Front and rear differential overhaul, viscous coupling unit (VCU) service, Active Yaw Control (AYC) system troubleshooting and repair.
Suspension:
Front and rear strut and multi-link suspension diagnosis, alignment, and component replacement; shock absorber specifications.
Brakes:
ABS system diagnosis and repair, front and rear brake caliper and rotor specifications, hydraulic system bleeding procedures.
Steering:
Power steering system diagnosis, rack and pinion repair, steering column assembly.
Electrical:
Complete wiring diagrams, fuse and relay locations, diagnosis of ECU, sensors, lighting, ignition, starting, charging systems.
Body:
Exterior and interior trim removal and installation, door and window mechanisms, body panel repair and adjustment, paint code information.
HVAC:
Air conditioning system service, heater core replacement, ventilation system troubleshooting.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil and filter changes, spark plug replacement, fluid level checks, belt replacement.
Diagnostics:
Extensive troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, error code interpretation, on-board diagnostics (OBD-I) procedures.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair procedures for all major mechanical and electrical components, engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, body repairs.
Adjustment:
Wheel alignment specifications, brake adjustment procedures, clutch pedal adjustment, idle speed adjustment.
Troubleshooting:
Detailed troubleshooting flowcharts for common and uncommon issues across all vehicle systems.
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic user maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including specialized systems like AYC.
Engine Type:
4G63T DOHC Inline-4 Turbocharged
Displacement:
1997 cc (2.0 Liters)
Horsepower Ps:
280 PS (approx. 276 hp) at 6500 rpm (JDM spec, often higher in practice)
Torque Nm:
350 Nm (approx. 258 lb-ft) at 3000 rpm (JDM spec)
Bore X Stroke:
85.0 mm x 88.0 mm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Bosch electronic ignition
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Premium (95 RON or higher recommended)
ECU Type:
ECU controlled fuel injection and ignition timing
Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission (Type-5M/T)
Drivetrain:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with Active Center Differential (ACD) and Active Yaw Control (AYC)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4/GL-5, SAE 75W-90 (check manual for exact specification, Mitsubishi Genuine DIAQUEEN SUPER MULTI GEAR OIL recommended)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically operated, multi-plate clutch
NHTSA Rating:
Not extensively rated by NHTSA for this specific period and model's target market.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Ayc:
Active Yaw Control (AYC) for enhanced cornering stability
Acd:
Active Center Differential (ACD) for variable torque distribution
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags (standard)
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners
Body Structure:
Reinforced chassis and body structure for crash safety.
Audio System:
Factory fitted AM/FM/Cassette or CD player, often with optional premium sound system.
Ayc Function:
Active Yaw Control continuously adjusts torque distribution to rear wheels for improved cornering dynamics.
Acd Modes:
Active Center Differential offers driver-selectable modes (Tarmac, Gravel, Snow) for optimal traction.
Turbocharger:
Mitsubishi TD05H-16G twin-scroll turbocharger
Oil Change:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles (8,000 - 12,000 km) or 6 months, depending on driving conditions.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (24,000 - 48,000 km)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 - 45,000 miles (48,000 - 72,000 km) depending on plug type
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years, critical for 4G63T engine
Engine Oil:
5W-30 or 10W-30 Synthetic/Mineral (check manual for specific API rating, e.g., API SG/SH)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 Liters (4.8 US Quarts) with filter change
Coolant:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water), Mitsubishi Super Long Life Coolant recommended
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron III ATF or equivalent
Engine Reliability:
Generally robust, but prone to issues with poorly maintained turbocharger, oil starvation if neglected, and bent connecting rods under extreme abuse/poor tuning.
Ayc System:
AYC pump and accumulators can fail over time; fluid leaks or pump noise are common indicators.
Rust:
Common in older vehicles, particularly around wheel arches, sills, and subframes.
Clutch Wear:
Can wear prematurely with aggressive driving.
Brand Focus:
Mitsubishi has a strong heritage in motorsport, particularly rallying.
Evolution Series:
The Lancer Evolution line began in 1992 as a homologation special for WRC.
Iv Introduction:
Introduced in August 1996, it featured significant mechanical and chassis improvements.
Iv Design Changes:
New front bumper design with larger openings, aggressive hood vents, unique headlights, and enlarged rear spoiler.
Production Years:
1996-1998
Production Variants:
GSR (most common, with AYC) and RS (homologation special, lighter, RWD biased AWD, optional AYC)
