Vehicle Segment:
Performance Sedan / Rally Homologation Special
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, performance drivers, tuners, and DIY mechanics.
Key Competitors:
Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Ford Focus RS, Honda Civic Type R (performance variants).
Rally Heritage:
Directly derived from Mitsubishi's World Rally Championship (WRC) dominance.
Performance Focus:
All-wheel-drive, turbocharged engine, advanced differentials (AYC), and robust chassis.
Manual Value Proposition:
Empowers owners and technicians with detailed knowledge for optimal maintenance and repair.
Engine System:
Detailed diagnostics, repair, overhaul for 4G63T engine, including turbocharger, intercooler, and lubrication systems.
Drivetrain System:
Covers front/rear differentials, transfer case, viscous coupling (VC), active yaw control (AYC), and associated components.
Transmission System:
Manual transmission (G5M) repair, overhaul, clutch replacement, torque specifications, and fluid requirements.
Suspension System:
Front MacPherson strut, multi-link rear suspension, alignment procedures, component replacement, and torque specifications.
Braking System:
Brembo braking system details, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), rotor/pad replacement, bleeding procedures.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, ECU diagnostics, starter, alternator, battery, lighting, ignition system, and sensor troubleshooting.
Fuel System:
Fuel injection system, fuel pump, injectors, fuel pressure regulator, fuel tank and lines, emissions control.
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, coolant hoses, fan operation, and maintenance.
HVAC System:
Air conditioning system, heater core, blower motor, climate control operation, and refrigerant handling.
Body And Chassis:
Body panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, interior trim, glass replacement, chassis identification.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, common fault codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting for all major systems.
Component Repair And Overhaul:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for engine, transmission, differential, turbocharger, and AYC unit rebuilds.
Diagnosis And Testing:
Procedures for testing sensors, actuators, electrical components, and mechanical systems using specialized tools.
Recalibration And Adjustment:
Procedures for AYC calibration, idle speed adjustment, and other critical system adjustments.
Depth Of Coverage:
Full factory-level detail, from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Includes guidance on using diagnostic tools (e.g., MUT-III, OBD-II scanners) for fault finding.
Special Tools Requirements:
Lists required special tools and their usage for specific repair procedures.
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve, turbocharged and intercooled
Displacement:
1997 cc (2.0 Liters)
Horsepower Usdm:
271 hp @ 6500 rpm (approx.)
Torque Usdm:
273 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (approx.)
Bore X Stroke:
85.0 mm x 88.0 mm
Turbocharger Model:
Mitsubishi TD05HR-16G6-10.5T
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ octane recommended)
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or SH, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (synthetic recommended)
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 Liters (4.8 US Quarts) with filter
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based, Mitsubishi Super Long Life Coolant (or equivalent)
NHTSA Front Impact:
Not rated or unavailable for this specific model year/trim
IIHS Front Impact:
Not rated or unavailable for this specific model year/trim
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Ebd:
Standard Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
Traction Control:
Standard (integrated with AYC/ACD)
Airbags Driver:
Standard front driver airbag
Airbags Passenger:
Standard front passenger airbag
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts, pre-tensioners, load limiters
Chassis Structure:
Reinforced unibody construction for crash safety
Head Unit:
Factory Mitsubishi CD/Radio system (various revisions existed).
Speaker System:
Standard 6-speaker system (some models had optional Rockford Fosgate upgrades).
Ayc System:
Active Yaw Control (AYC) manages torque distribution between rear wheels for enhanced cornering stability.
Acd System:
Active Center Differential (ACD) electronically controls the locking action of the center differential, adjusting front/rear torque split.
OBD Ii:
Standard OBD-II diagnostic port for engine management and emissions data.
ECU Tuning Potential:
Highly tunable ECU (Electronic Control Unit) for performance modifications.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Air Filter Replacement Interval:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) (specific plug type dependent).
Timing Belt Replacement Interval:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 4 years (critical component).
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months.
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual for specific grade)
Power Steering Fluid:
Mitsubishi Diaqueen PSF or equivalent ATF Dexron II/III
Engine Issues:
Head gasket failures (especially under high stress/modification), turbocharger wear, piston ring land cracking (severe abuse).
Ayc Issues:
Failure of the AYC pump or hydraulic system, loss of yaw control functionality.
Transmission Issues:
Grinding gears, worn synchros, clutch wear (typical for high-performance manual transmissions).
Suspension Issues:
Worn bushings, strut mounts, and ball joints, especially on high-mileage or track-used vehicles.
Mitsubishi Motors Motorsport:
Long and successful history in motorsports, particularly WRC, forming the basis for the Evo lineage.
Evolution Lineage:
The Lancer Evolution series began in 1992 as a homologation special for Group A rallying. Each generation refined the AWD, turbocharged performance formula.
Evolution Viii Introduction:
Introduced to the US market in 2003, marking a significant milestone for performance car enthusiasts in North America. Based on the Lancer Cedia platform.
Manufacturing Location:
Mizushima Plant, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan
Production Total Units Est:
Approximately 30,000 units globally (all trims for 2003-2005).