Positioning:
High-performance rally-bred sports sedan, positioned as a homologation special for motorsport competition.
Competitors:
Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Ford Focus RS, Honda Civic Type R (though generally a class above), Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VII predecessor.
Performance Focus:
Exceptional handling, acceleration, and braking for its class, advanced AWD system.
Rally Heritage:
Direct lineage from Mitsubishi's WRC (World Rally Championship) program.
Manual Value:
Essential resource for owners and enthusiasts seeking to maintain, repair, and optimize the performance of their Evo VIII.
Engine:
4G63 MIVEC Turbocharged inline-4; Engine Mechanical, Lubrication, Cooling, Fuel System, Ignition System, Emission Control, Engine Control System (ECU), Turbocharger System, MIVEC System
Transmission:
6-speed Manual Transmission (Type TY856WB1CA); Gearbox, Clutch, Drive Shafts, Differential (Front, Center, Rear ACD)
Drivetrain:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with Active Center Differential (ACD), Super Active Yaw Control (S-AYC)
Suspension:
Front MacPherson Struts, Rear Multi-link; Shock Absorbers, Springs, Bushings, Control Arms, Anti-roll Bars
Brakes:
Front Brembo 4-piston calipers, Rear Brembo 2-piston calipers; Brake System Diagnosis, Hydraulic System, Parking Brake
Steering:
Power Rack and Pinion Steering System
Electrical:
Wiring Diagrams, Fuses, Relays, Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting System, Instruments and Gauges, HVAC Controls, Power Windows, Door Locks, Audio System
Body And Chassis:
Body Structure, Exterior Panels, Interior Trim, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Glass, Seats, Safety Belts, Airbag System
Climate Control:
HVAC System, Air Conditioning (A/C), Heater, Defroster, Ventilation
Diagnostics:
OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics II), Trouble Code Diagnosis, Diagnostic Tool Procedures, Sensor Testing
Maintenance:
Oil Change, Filter Replacement, Spark Plug Replacement, Fluid Checks and Replacements (Coolant, Brake Fluid, Power Steering Fluid, Transmission Fluid), Belt Inspection and Replacement
Repair:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Service, Electrical Component Repair, Body Panel Repair
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, fault finding trees
Specifications:
Torque Specifications for all fasteners, Fluid Capacities, Electrical Specifications, Diagnostic Parameters
Disassembly And Assembly:
Detailed instructions for component removal and reinstallation with illustrations
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds
Detail Level:
Factory level detail with clear diagrams and step-by-step instructions
Engine Type:
4G63 MIVEC Turbocharged Inline-4
Displacement:
2.0 Liters (1997cc)
Bore X Stroke:
85.0 mm x 88.0 mm
Valvetrain:
DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts), 16 Valves, MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control) on intake camshaft
Horsepower Bhp:
270 bhp @ 6500 rpm (JDM/UK Spec), 265 bhp @ 6500 rpm (US Spec)
Torque Lb-Ft:
273 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (JDM/UK Spec), 272 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (US Spec)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane Recommended)
Injection System:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Turbocharger:
Mitsubishi TD05HR-16G6-10.5T (or similar variant depending on market)
Engine Oil:
API SG/SH/SJ, ACEA A2/A3, SAE 10W-30 or 5W-40 (refer to manual for specific climate conditions)
Coolant:
Mitsubishi Genuine Super Long Life Coolant (or equivalent ethylene glycol based, silicate-free)
Oil Capacity Quarts:
4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) with filter change
Transmission Type:
6-Speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Model:
TY856WB1CA
Optional Transmission:
None (Manual transmission was standard for Evo VIII)
Drivetrain Features:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with Active Center Differential (ACD) and Super Active Yaw Control (S-AYC)
Transmission Fluid:
Mitsubishi Genuine DiaQueen LSD Gear Oil (GL-5, 75W-90) for rear differential (LSD), GL-5, 75W-90 for front and center differentials and transmission
Transmission Oil Capacity Liters:
Approximately 3.0 liters (refer to manual for exact)
NHTSA Ratings:
No specific NHTSA ratings available for this era/model in many markets due to low volume/specialty status. Often based on general Lancer safety structure.
ABS:
Yes (Anti-lock Braking System)
Traction Control:
Yes (Active Stability Control - ASC, often linked with ACD/AYC)
AWD System:
ACD (Active Center Differential) and S-AYC (Super Active Yaw Control) significantly enhance dynamic stability and traction.
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point front seatbelts with pretensioners, 3-point rear seatbelts
Body Structure:
Reinforced chassis and body structure designed for rally competition resilience.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD player with optional Rockford Fosgate audio upgrade.
Display:
Basic digital climate control display, instrument cluster with multiple gauges.
Stability Control:
ASC (Active Stability Control) integrated with AWD system.
Traction Control:
ACD and AYC systems provide advanced traction and handling assistance.
Connectivity Features:
Limited by modern standards; typically includes power windows, power mirrors, central locking. No Bluetooth or advanced connectivity.
Oil Change Interval Miles Km:
Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 6 months (whichever comes first) for severe driving conditions (typical for performance vehicles).
Engine Oil Filter Replacement:
Replace with every oil change.
Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 7,500 miles (12,000 km), replace as needed.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km) depending on plug type (iridium recommended).
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years for normal use, more frequent for spirited driving/track use.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 24 months (2 years) or 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron III/VI ATF or equivalent power steering fluid.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Common Issues Performance:
Head gasket failures (especially on modified engines), turbocharger wear, clutch wear due to aggressive driving, differential (ACD/AYC) system issues if not properly maintained.
Common Issues General:
Rust/corrosion in certain climates, minor electrical gremlins (e.g., power window switches), exhaust system corrosion.
Oil Filter Oem:
MD345655 or equivalent (e.g., Wix 57060, K&N HP-1008)
Air Filter Oem:
MR552207 or equivalent
Spark Plugs Oem:
NGK BKR7E-11 (standard) or NGK BKR7EIX-11 (Iridium, recommended for performance)
Brand Focus:
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, known for its engineering prowess, particularly in turbocharged engines and four-wheel-drive systems.
Evolution Series Origin:
Born from homologation requirements for the World Rally Championship (WRC).
Evolution Viii Introduction:
Launched in 2003 for the 2003 model year, representing the eighth generation of the Lancer Evolution.
Evolution Viii Distinction:
Key advancements included the MIVEC engine and the introduction of the Active Center Differential (ACD) and Super Active Yaw Control (S-AYC) systems, significantly enhancing its dynamic capabilities.
Production Years:
2003-2005 (for Evo VIII)
Manufacturing Location:
Japan