Positioning:
High-performance rally homologation special, enthusiast-focused.
Competitors 2004:
Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Ford Focus RS, Audi S3, VW Golf R32.
Performance Orientation:
All-wheel-drive, turbocharged engine, advanced active center differential.
Target Audience:
Professional Technicians, DIY Enthusiasts, Performance Tuners.
Value:
Provides factory-level diagnostic and repair information essential for maintaining the Evo 8's complex systems.
Engine:
4G63 DOHC Turbocharged (including MIVEC where applicable), Fuel System, Ignition System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Exhaust System
Transmission:
6-Speed Manual (Getrag 03C), Drivetrain, Transfer Case, Rear Differential (ACD/AYC systems)
Suspension:
Front McPherson Strut, Rear Multi-link, Dampers, Springs, Bushings, Alignment Specifications
Brakes:
Front Brembo 4-Piston Calipers, Rear Brembo 2-Piston Calipers, ABS, EBD, Brake System Hydraulic Components
Electrical:
ECU, Wiring Diagrams, Lighting, Instruments, Power Accessories, Audio System, Security System
Body Chassis:
Body Structure, Exterior Panels, Interior Trim, Doors, Windows, Seats, Chassis Components
Climate Control:
HVAC System, Refrigerant, Blower Motor, Controls
Diagnostic Procedures:
Fault Diagnosis Charts, Symptom-Based Troubleshooting, DTC Code Explanations
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Changes, Filter Replacements, Inspections
Repair Overhaul:
Engine Rebuild, Transmission Overhaul, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Service, Electrical Component Repair
Disassembly Assembly:
Step-by-step instructions for removing and installing major components
Specifications Data:
Torque Specifications, Clearances, Gaps, Pressures, Electrical Resistances
Engine Management:
ECU diagnostics, sensor testing, fuel injector flow testing, emissions system diagnosis.
Wheel Alignment:
Specifications and procedures for front and rear wheel alignment.
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including complex electronic systems.
Diagrams Illustrations:
Includes detailed exploded view diagrams, electrical schematics, and repair illustrations.
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, turbocharged, intercooled, DOHC
Displacement:
1997 cc (2.0 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
85.0 mm x 88.0 mm
Valvetrain:
DOHC 16-valve with MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control) on intake camshaft
Horsepower Ps:
280 PS @ 6500 rpm (Manufacturer's Estimate, often higher in reality)
Torque Nm:
332 Nm @ 3500 rpm (Manufacturer's Estimate, often higher in reality)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI)
Turbocharger:
Mitsubishi TD05H-16G (or similar variant), Ball Bearing
Intercooler:
Air-to-air front-mounted
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane RON or higher)
NHTSA Frontal Driver:
4-Star (for 2004 Model Year, typical for the era)
NHTSA Frontal Passenger:
4-Star (for 2004 Model Year, typical for the era)
IIHS Small Overlap Front:
Not Tested (Vehicle pre-dates extensive IIHS testing protocols for this category)
ABS:
Standard, with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)
Traction Control:
Standard (ASCD - Active Stability Control)
Stability Control:
Standard (ASCD - Active Stability Control)
AWD System:
ACD (Active Center Differential) with driver-selectable modes (Tarmac, Gravel, Snow)
Airbags Front:
Driver and Passenger SRS Airbags
Airbags Side:
Optional or Standard depending on market/trim (Front Side Airbags)
Seatbelts:
3-point ELR front seatbelts with pre-tensioners and load limiters, 3-point ELR rear seatbelts
Body Structure:
Reinforced chassis and safety cell design.
Head Unit:
Factory AM/FM/CD player (often with Rockford Fosgate audio system in higher trims).
Speaker System:
Optional premium sound system (e.g., Rockford Fosgate).
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System.
Traction Control:
Standard Active Stability Control (ASCD).
Performance Electronics:
ACD (Active Center Differential) and AYC (Active Yaw Control) represent advanced drivetrain technology for the era.
Connectivity Features:
Limited by 2004 standards. Primarily focused on audio input (CD).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions). Severe driving may require more frequent changes.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) (platinum or iridium type recommended).
Coolant Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years. Crucial due to interference engine design.
Engine Oil:
API SG or SH, ILSAC GF-II or GF-III, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check specific market recommendations and climate).
Engine Oil Capacity Liters:
4.5 Liters (with filter change)
Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4 or GL-5 SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil (for Getrag 03C).
Transfer Case Fluid:
API GL-5 SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil.
Rear Differential Fluid:
API GL-5 SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil (check for LSD/AYC specific requirements).
Coolant:
Mitsubishi Genuine Super Long Life Coolant (or equivalent ethylene glycol-based antifreeze with corrosion inhibitors) mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron III/Mercon ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid).
Engine:
Turbocharger failure (oil starvation, lack of maintenance), Head gasket failure (especially in heavily modified cars), connecting rod issues (in extreme cases of abuse/high power).
Drivetrain:
ACD pump failure, AYC pump failure, clutch wear, differential wear.
Suspension:
Worn bushings, premature strut wear, wheel bearing failure.
Electrical:
Alternator failure, ECU issues, sensor failures (e.g., MAP, crank position).
Body Chassis:
Rust and corrosion (especially in certain climates), interior trim rattles.
Heritage:
Mitsubishi's long history in motorsports, particularly in the World Rally Championship (WRC), forms the foundation of the Lancer Evolution lineage.
Evolution Series:
The Evo VIII (CT9A) is the eighth generation of the Lancer Evolution, building upon the success of its predecessors.
Key Developments Gen 8:
Introduction of the ACD, improved turbocharger, stronger engine internals, revised suspension geometry, and the iconic Brembo braking system.
Production Years Gen 8:
2003-2005
Manufacturing Location:
Mizushima Plant, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan
Market Introduction Usdm:
Introduced to the North American market for the 2003 model year, marking a significant expansion for the model.