Positioning:
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX solidified its reputation as a premier performance sedan, revered for its rally-bred heritage, advanced all-wheel-drive system, and potent turbocharged engine.
Competitors:
Competed directly with iconic performance vehicles such as the Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Mitsubishi Eclipse GT, and other sports sedans and coupes of its era.
Features:
Renowned for its Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system, MIVEC engine technology, aggressive styling, and exceptional handling dynamics.
Engine:
4G63 MIVEC Turbocharged (including diagnostics, disassembly, assembly, timing, lubrication, cooling, fuel injection, ignition, emissions).
Transmission:
6-speed Manual Transmission (Gearing, clutch, transfer case, differential, lubrication, removal, installation).
Drivetrain:
All-Wheel Drive System (AYC - Active Yaw Control, ACD - Active Center Differential, rear differential, driveshafts, hubs).
Suspension:
Front & Rear Suspension Systems (MacPherson struts, multi-link, dampers, springs, bushings, alignment, troubleshooting).
Brakes:
Brake System (Front Brembo 4-piston calipers, rear 2-piston calipers, ABS, EBD, fluid types, bleeding, pad/rotor replacement, parking brake).
Steering:
Power Steering System (Hydraulic pump, rack and pinion, tie rods, troubleshooting).
Electrical:
Complete Electrical System (Wiring diagrams, fuse box locations, relays, power distribution, lighting, starting, charging, ECUs, sensors, sensors).
Body:
Body & Chassis (Frame, exterior panels, doors, hood, trunk, glass, interior trim, insulation).
Climate Control:
HVAC System (Air conditioning, heating, ventilation, blower motor, evaporator, condenser, refrigerant).
Exhaust:
Exhaust System (Catalytic converter, muffler, piping, oxygen sensors).
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance (Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plugs, coolant flushes, brake fluid changes, belt inspections).
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Procedures (Troubleshooting charts for common symptoms, error code interpretation).
Repair:
Component Removal & Installation (Detailed steps for major component overhauls and replacements).
Diagnostics:
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II system, sensor data interpretation, ECU checks).
Wiring Diagrams:
Complete Wiring Schematics for all systems.
Depth:
Comprehensive Factory Level Detail (Includes engine rebuild specifications, torque values, clearance measurements, special tool requirements).
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve, turbocharged with MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control).
Displacement:
2.0 Liters (1997 cc)
Horsepower:
Approx. 286 hp @ 6500 RPM (JDM spec, US spec slightly lower or rated differently)
Torque:
Approx. 289 lb-ft @ 3500 RPM (JDM spec)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with Sequential Misfire Detection.
Turbocharger:
Mitsubishi TD05HR-16G twin-scroll turbocharger with intercooler.
Cooling System:
Water-cooled, pressurized system with engine oil cooler.
Oil Type:
Refer to manual for specific weight; typically 10W-30 or 5W-40 synthetic for high performance.
NHTSA Rating:
Refer to specific market testing; generally good for its era, but enthusiast focus meant fewer airbags than mainstream sedans.
ABS:
Yes, Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD).
Traction Control:
Yes, Active Stability Control (ASC) often linked with S-AWC.
Airbags:
Front driver and passenger airbags (dual-stage), optional side airbags depending on market/trim.
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts with pretensioners.
Body Structure:
Reinforced RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) body structure.
Oil Change:
Every 3,750 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (severe use).
Engine Oil Filter:
Replace at every oil change.
Spark Plugs:
Replace at 30,000 miles (recommended for performance).
Timing Belt:
Replace at 60,000-75,000 miles (critical component).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 Liters (4.8 US Quarts) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
Mitsubishi DiaQueen Super Long Life Coolant (or equivalent long-life coolant).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Engine Mounts:
Can degrade over time, leading to increased vibration and harshness.
Clutch Wear:
Due to aggressive driving, clutch may wear prematurely.
Ayc Pump:
The AYC pump can fail, leading to loss of rear-wheel steering assist.
Turbo Wear:
If maintenance is neglected or oil supply is compromised, turbocharger can fail.