Vehicle Segment:
Performance Sedan / Rally Homologation Special
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, tuners, motorsport competitors, and owners seeking in-depth maintenance knowledge.
Key Rivals:
Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Ford Escort RS Cosworth, Audi S2 Quattro.
Performance Focus:
The Evo IV is renowned for its rally heritage and advanced performance technologies.
Technological Advancement:
Introduction of Active Yaw Control (AYC) significantly enhanced handling dynamics.
Dealership Alternative:
Provides comprehensive information typically only available to authorized service centers.
Enthusiast Resource:
Indispensable for owners looking to maintain, modify, or restore their vehicles.
Engine Mechanical:
Yes, full overhaul, component diagnostics, timing belt, piston/ring/valve service, lubrication system.
Engine Management:
Yes, ECU diagnosis, sensor testing, fuel injection, ignition system, emissions controls.
Transmission Manual:
Yes, servicing, clutch replacement, gearbox overhaul, component specifications.
Transmission Automatic:
Not applicable for standard Evo IV models, but if an automatic was an option, it would be covered.
Drivetrain Awc:
Yes, Active Yaw Control (AYC) system diagnostics, servicing, and calibration.
Suspension:
Yes, front and rear suspension components, geometry, component replacement, shock absorber/strut service.
Steering:
Yes, power steering system diagnosis and repair, steering rack service.
Brakes:
Yes, front and rear brake systems, ABS operation and diagnosis, hydraulic components, pad/rotor replacement.
Electrical System:
Yes, complete wiring diagrams, component testing, battery, charging system, lighting, accessories.
Body And Chassis:
Yes, body panel alignment, door/hood/trunk servicing, interior trim removal, chassis integrity.
Climate Control:
Yes, HVAC system diagnosis and repair, refrigerant handling, component replacement.
Scheduled Maintenance:
Yes, detailed maintenance intervals and procedures.
Troubleshooting:
Yes, extensive diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting.
Component Replacement:
Yes, step-by-step guides for all major components.
Engine Rebuild:
Yes, complete engine overhaul procedures, torque specifications, assembly sequences.
Transmission Rebuild:
Yes, detailed steps for manual gearbox disassembly and reassembly.
Body Repair:
Yes, basic bodywork procedures, panel removal and installation.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Yes, using wiring diagrams for fault finding.
Specifications Data:
Yes, all necessary technical data, torque values, clearances, etc.
Depth Level:
Comprehensive - from basic maintenance to full engine/transmission rebuilds and advanced diagnostics.
Diagnostic Tools:
Covers procedures that may require specialized tools like timing gauges, compression testers, and diagnostic scan tools (though OBD-I/II specifics may vary).
Esoteric Procedures:
Includes specialized procedures for AYC system, performance tuning considerations, and specific Evo IV upgrades.
Engine Family:
4G63T (DOHC Turbocharged Inline-4)
Displacement:
1997 cc (2.0 Liters)
Horsepower Ps:
280 PS (276 hp; 206 kW) at 6,500 rpm (Japanese domestic market) - often underrated.
Torque Nm:
350 Nm (258 lb-ft) at 3,000 rpm (Japanese domestic market)
Turbocharger:
Mitsubishi TD05HR-16G (upgraded from previous generations)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI), Electronic Fuel Control System (EFIC)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (RON 98 recommended for optimal performance)
Engine Oil Specification:
API SG/SH or ACEA A2/A3, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check manual for specific viscosity by climate).
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 Liters (4.8 US quarts) with filter change.
Timing Belt Part Number:
MB961764 (example, verify with specific VIN)
Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission (Type-R 'R' variant likely had specific gearbox codes)
Automatic Option:
Not available for Evolution models.
Drivetrain:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with Active Yaw Control (AYC) and viscous coupling center differential.
Front Differential:
Helical Limited-Slip Differential (LSD)
Rear Differential:
Active Yaw Control (AYC) electronically controlled differential.
Manual Transmission Fluid Spec:
API GL-4 or GL-5, SAE 75W-90 (verify specific requirements for AYC differential if separate fluid).
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically operated, single dry plate clutch.
Crash Test Ratings:
Not extensively tested by modern agencies like NHTSA/Euro NCAP; relied on robust chassis design and driver skill.
AWD System:
Advanced All-Wheel Drive with AYC for enhanced traction and cornering stability.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD).
Brakes Front:
Ventilated Disc Brakes (larger on RS model)
Brakes Rear:
Solid Disc Brakes
Airbags:
Driver's airbag standard; passenger airbag optional or standard depending on market and year.
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners.
Chassis Structure:
Reinforced chassis and body structure for rigidity and impact protection, derived from rally car design.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 km (3,000 miles) or 6 months, whichever comes first, especially under spirited driving.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 100,000 km (60,000 miles) or 5 years. Crucial for 4G63T engines to prevent catastrophic failure.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically every 30,000 - 40,000 km (20,000 - 25,000 miles), depending on plug type (e.g., iridium recommended).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 40,000 - 60,000 km (25,000 - 40,000 miles), or more frequently if used for track or spirited driving.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant (e.g., Mitsubishi DiaQueen Super Long Life Coolant) mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid (DOT 4 recommended for better performance).
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron-III ATF or equivalent power steering fluid.
Engine Oil Sludge:
Risk of oil sludge buildup due to high operating temperatures and oil degradation if maintenance is neglected.
Ayc Pump Failure:
The AYC hydraulic pump can be a point of failure over time, leading to loss of AYC functionality. Requires specialized diagnosis and potentially replacement.
Turbocharger Wear:
Wear and tear on the turbocharger seals and bearings is common with age and high-performance use.
Clutch Wear:
Clutch wear is accelerated by aggressive driving; replacement is a common maintenance item.
Rust Corrosion:
Typical for vehicles of this age, particularly in areas prone to road salt and moisture. Check wheel wells, sills, and underbody.
Motorsport Legacy:
Mitsubishi's extensive WRC (World Rally Championship) success directly informed the development of the Lancer Evolution series.
Evolution Series Origin:
The Lancer Evolution IV built upon the foundation of its predecessors, further refining the performance, handling, and technological integration.
Key Innovations In Iv:
Introduction of Active Yaw Control (AYC) and a significantly revised chassis (CN9A platform).
Evolution Iv Variants:
GSR (standard road version) and RS (rally-focused, lighter, basic interior).
Production Period:
August 1996 - December 1997
Manufacturing Location:
Mizushima, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan
Total Units Produced:
Approximately 6,000 units (GSR and RS combined).