Model Variants:
Evolution I, Evolution II, Evolution III, Evolution IV, Evolution V, Evolution VI
Chassis Codes:
CD9A (I), CE9A (II, III), CN9A (IV), CP9A (V, VI)
Segment:
Performance Compact Sedan / Rally Homologation Special
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, tuners, owners seeking in-depth repair and maintenance knowledge
Key Competitors:
Subaru Impreza WRX/STI, Ford Escort RS Cosworth, Lancia Delta Integrale
Rally Heritage:
Developed from Mitsubishi's World Rally Championship (WRC) efforts, emphasizing performance and durability.
All Wheel Drive:
Iconic Active Center Differential (ACD) and Super Active Yaw Control (S-AYC) systems for superior traction and handling (later generations).
Engine Technology:
Robust turbocharged 4-cylinder engines with advanced intercooling and injection systems.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, engine management, fuel system, cooling system, exhaust system, transmission (manual and automatic), drivetrain components (differentials, axles, driveshafts)
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (including ABS), wheels and tires
Electrical:
Body electrical, lighting, instrumentation, audio system, power accessories, engine control module (ECM) wiring diagrams, chassis electrical wiring diagrams
Body:
Body panels, interior trim, exterior trim, doors, windows, seats, climate control system (HVAC), safety restraint systems (airbags, seatbelts)
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication, inspections
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake component replacement, suspension work, electrical component diagnosis and replacement, body repair procedures
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and their meanings, component testing procedures
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repairs and diagnostics
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic adjustments to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed torque specifications, clearances, and assembly procedures.
Engine Code Evo I Iii:
4G63 / 4G63T
Engine Code Evo Iv Vi:
4G63 / 4G63T (various revisions, including DOHC 16-valve)
Displacement Liters:
2.0 L (1997 cc)
Engine Layout:
Inline 4-cylinder
Aspiration:
Turbocharged, Intercooled
Horsepower Range:
Approx. 247 hp (Evo I) to 276 hp (Evo VI RS) - Japanese domestic market (JDM) figures often higher than export models.
Torque Range:
Approx. 304 Nm (Evo I) to 330 Nm (Evo VI RS) - JDM figures.
Injection Type:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Premium Gasoline (RON 95-98 recommended)
Type Evo I Vi:
5-speed Manual Transmission (MS-A/F5M33/W6MG1)
Type Early Models:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (available on some non-performance oriented variants or export models, less common on true Evo models)
Drivetrain:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Transfer Case:
Mechanical front differential, mechanical rear differential, Active Center Differential (ACD) on Evo IV onwards.
Clutch Type:
Hydraulic dry single plate clutch
Crash Test Data:
Limited official standardized crash test data from the era, but designed with rally homologation safety standards in mind. Later models may have some chassis reinforcement and basic airbag systems.
Traction Control:
Available on some trims and later generations (e.g., TC-SST automatic transmission was not present in this era).
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard on most Evolution models from IV onwards.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags became more common from Evolution IV onwards.
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners (later models)
Audio System:
Factory cassette or CD players with basic AM/FM radio. Speaker configurations vary by trim.
Navigation:
Not available on these models.
Cruise Control:
Available on some higher trim levels.
Climate Control:
Manual climate control systems (A/C, heater, fan).
Bluetooth:
Not available.
Oil Change:
Typically every 5,000-10,000 km or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions. Refer to specific manual for exact intervals.
Spark Plugs:
Varies by plug type, often around 40,000-100,000 km for iridium/platinum plugs.
Timing Belt:
Crucial component. Typically replaced every 80,000-100,000 km or 5-7 years. Early 4G63 engines used timing belts.
Engine Oil:
API SG/SH/SJ or higher, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended. Consult manual for specific viscosity based on climate.
Coolant:
Mitsubishi Super Long Life Coolant (or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors), typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, SAE 75W-90 recommended. Check specific manual for exact type and capacity.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron II or equivalent ATF fluid (check manual for specific type).
Engine Reliance:
The 4G63T engine, while robust, can be prone to issues with detonation (knocking) if not properly tuned or if inferior fuel is used. Oil starvation can occur in hard cornering without a proper baffled oil pan or surge tank.
Turbocharger:
Turbocharger wear and seal failure, especially on high-mileage or heavily modified examples. Proper warm-up and cool-down procedures are critical.
Clutch Wear:
Clutch wear is common, especially with aggressive driving. Components like the clutch master cylinder and slave cylinder can also fail.
Suspension Bushings:
Rubber suspension bushings can degrade over time, leading to play and reduced handling precision.
Rust Corrosion:
Like many vehicles of this era, especially those used in areas with salt on roads, rust can be an issue on the body panels, subframes, and exhaust system.
Motorsport Foundation:
Mitsubishi's extensive involvement and success in the World Rally Championship (WRC) directly led to the development of the Lancer Evolution.
Evo I Iii:
Based on the Lancer Mirage platform, introduced with the iconic 4G63T engine and AWD system. Focused on proving performance and homologation.
Evo Iv Vi:
Significant chassis redesigns and introduction of advanced electronic control systems like ACD and AYC. Increased engine power and refinement.
Production Period:
1992-2007 (for the models covered by these manuals)
Manufacturing Location:
Japan
Rally Titles:
Multiple WRC Driver's and Manufacturer's Championships for Mitsubishi during the period these cars were relevant, solidifying the Evo's performance credentials.
Automotive Press:
Consistently praised by automotive journalists for its handling, performance, and value proposition in the rally-bred performance car segment.
Performance Rankings:
Often ranked highly in performance car comparisons and track day evaluations.
Homologation Standards:
Built to Group A rally regulations, ensuring a high level of factory performance and durability for motorsport.
