Market Position:
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IV and V are iconic rally homologation specials, revered for their performance, advanced technology for their time, and motorsport heritage. They were positioned as high-performance, all-wheel-drive sports sedans, catering to enthusiasts seeking exceptional handling and power.
Key Competitors:
Subaru Impreza WRX STi, Ford Escort RS Cosworth, Toyota Celica GT-Four.
Vehicle Highlights:
Legendary 4G63T engine, advanced AYC system (Evo IV), revised AYC and twin-scroll turbo (Evo V), aggressive styling, superior handling characteristics, rally-bred DNA.
Coverage Areas:
Engine, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Electrical System, Body, HVAC, Fuel System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Ignition System, Transmission, Differentials, Body Control Module, SRS Airbag System, ABS System, Interior Trim, Exterior Trim, Troubleshooting, Maintenance, Repair Procedures, Specifications.
Page Count:
Approximately 1500+ pages (estimated, as this is a PDF compilation).
Manual Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Engine Systems:
4G63T engine diagnostics, overhaul, cylinder head, block assembly, piston & connecting rod, crankshaft, camshafts, timing belt, oil pump, lubrication system, cooling system (radiator, water pump, thermostat), fuel injection system (injectors, fuel pump, pressure regulator), ignition system (coils, spark plugs, ECU), turbocharger system (turbocharger, wastegate, intercooler), emission control systems, engine management system (ECU tuning basics).
Drivetrain Systems:
Manual transmission (5-speed Getrag F5M51-1 for Evo IV, Getrag 5-speed RS for Evo V), AWD system (Active Yaw Control - AYC, viscous coupling center differential, mechanical limited-slip front/rear differentials), drive shafts, CV joints, propeller shaft.
Suspension Steering Brakes:
Front & rear suspension (struts, coil springs, control arms, sway bars), steering system (rack and pinion, power steering pump, steering column), brake system (front & rear disc brakes, ABS components, brake fluid specifications, caliper and rotor replacement).
Electrical Body HVAC:
Wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting system, instrumentation, power windows, central locking, SRS airbag system (component locations, diagnostic codes), HVAC system (blower motor, evaporator, condenser, refrigerant handling), body repair, panel replacement, interior trim removal.
General Repair:
Engine removal/installation, cylinder head gasket replacement, piston ring replacement, crankshaft bearing replacement, turbocharger rebuild/replacement, clutch replacement, transmission overhaul, differential service, brake pad/rotor replacement, suspension component replacement, wheel alignment specifications.
Diagnostics Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) for engine, transmission, ABS, SRS; troubleshooting flowcharts for common drivability issues, electrical faults, starting problems, braking system issues.
Maintenance:
Oil change intervals, filter replacement (oil, air, fuel), spark plug replacement, coolant flush, brake fluid flush, transmission fluid change, differential fluid change, timing belt replacement procedures, lubrication points.
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive. Covers routine maintenance, troubleshooting, component-level repair, and full system overhauls. Includes detailed specifications, torque values, and diagnostic procedures.
Engine Type:
2.0L DOHC 16-valve turbocharged inline-4
Horsepower Evo4:
280 PS (276 hp; 206 kW) @ 6,500 rpm (JDM/European spec, often underestimated due to gentleman's agreement)
Torque Evo4:
350 Nm (258 lb-ft) @ 3,000 rpm (JDM/European spec)
Horsepower Evo5:
280 PS (276 hp; 206 kW) @ 6,500 rpm (JDM/European spec, same gentleman's agreement)
Torque Evo5:
373 Nm (275 lb-ft) @ 3,000 rpm (JDM/European spec)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Turbocharger:
Mitsubishi TD05HR-16G (Evo IV), Mitsubishi TD05HA-16G6-10.5T twin-scroll (Evo V)
Engine Block:
Cast iron block
Cylinder Head:
Aluminum alloy, DOHC
Intercooler:
Air-to-air, front-mounted
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or SH, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended (refer to manual for specific conditions).
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 Liters (4.7 US Quarts) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based coolant, 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual
Transmission Model Evo4:
Getrag F5M51-1
Transmission Model Evo5:
Getrag 5-speed RS (reinforced)
Optional Transmission:
None (Manual transmission was standard for homologation).
Drivetrain Layout:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Transfer Case Type:
Center viscous coupling with driver-controlled locking mechanism (mechanical limited-slip differential in Evo V GSR).
Rear Differential:
Mechanical Limited-Slip Differential (LSD)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4 or GL-5, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 recommended (refer to manual).
Transfer Case Fluid:
Refer to manual, often shared with transmission or specific LSD fluid.
Rear Differential Fluid:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 recommended (refer to manual).
Length:
Evo IV: 4,350 mm (171.3 in); Evo V: 4,360 mm (171.7 in)
Width:
Evo IV: 1,770 mm (69.7 in); Evo V: 1,770 mm (69.7 in)
Height:
Evo IV: 1,420 mm (55.9 in); Evo V: 1,425 mm (56.1 in)
Wheelbase:
Evo IV: 2,600 mm (102.4 in); Evo V: 2,600 mm (102.4 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1,360-1,410 kg (2,998-3,108 lb) depending on trim and specification.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Refer to specific vehicle placard (typically around 1700-1800 kg).
Fuel Tank Capacity:
50 Liters (13.2 US Gallons)
Cargo Capacity:
Typically around 400-450 Liters for the sedan body style.
Infotainment System:
Basic AM/FM/Cassette stereo with CD player option. Later models might have optional upgraded audio systems. Digital integration was rudimentary by modern standards.
Driver Assistance Features:
ABS, AYC. No electronic stability control (ESC) or traction control systems as known today were standard. AYC acted as an advanced form of torque vectoring for its time.
Connectivity Features:
None from the factory. Connectivity features like Bluetooth, USB, or Apple CarPlay were not available and require aftermarket upgrades.
Engine Control Unit:
ECU (Engine Control Unit) with specific maps for rally homologation, allowing for significant tuning potential.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000-7,500 km (3,000-4,500 miles) or 6 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions. More frequent changes recommended for spirited driving or track use.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Recommended every 80,000-100,000 km (50,000-60,000 miles) or 5-7 years. Critical due to interference engine design.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 40,000-50,000 km (25,000-30,000 miles), depending on plug type (e.g., platinum vs. standard).
Coolant Replacement:
Every 2-3 years or 40,000-50,000 km.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years or 40,000 km.
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron-III (or equivalent) ATF recommended.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Engine Issues:
Rod knock (especially with modified engines or poor maintenance), turbocharger failure, coolant leaks, timing belt failure leading to catastrophic engine damage.
Drivetrain Issues:
AYC pump failure, clutch wear, differential issues (especially with aggressive driving or modifications).
Chassis Body Issues:
Rust (particularly in wheel arches, sills, and underbody), suspension wear, electrical gremlins in older vehicles.
Brand Heritage:
Mitsubishi has a strong motorsport heritage, particularly in the World Rally Championship (WRC). The Lancer Evolution series was born from this racing success, designed to homologate vehicles for Group A rallying.
Evo Iv Introduction:
Introduced in August 1996, featuring a significant redesign including a new chassis (CN9A platform), improved engine, and the introduction of Active Yaw Control (AYC).
Evo V Introduction:
Launched in January 1998, based on the Lancer platform update. It featured wider bodywork, a larger turbocharger (twin-scroll), improved AYC system, stronger clutch, and updated suspension geometry for enhanced stability and handling.
Production Period:
1996-1999
Manufacturing Location:
Mizushima Plant, Okayama Prefecture, Japan.
Production Numbers:
Limited production numbers, especially for the GSR and RS variants, contributing to their collectibility. Specific numbers vary but were in the tens of thousands for each generation.