🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mitsubishi

Model:

3000GT

Year:

1991

Internal Model Code:

Z15A (USDM), Z16A (USDM AWD)

Generation:

First Generation (Z10/Z15A/Z16A)

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The 1991 Mitsubishi 3000GT (known as the GTO in Japan) was a flagship sports car aimed at competing with established European and American performance coupes like the Porsche 944, Chevrolet Corvette, and Nissan 300ZX. It represented Mitsubishi's technological prowess and ambition in the premium sports car segment.

Competitive Analysis:

Key competitors included the Nissan 300ZX (Z32), Toyota Supra (Mk3), Mazda RX-7 (FC), and Chevrolet Corvette (C4). The 3000GT differentiated itself with advanced technologies for its time, such as available all-wheel drive and four-wheel steering.

Key Features:

The 1991 model was the debut year for the 3000GT, introducing its striking aerodynamic design, powerful V6 engine, and innovative optional technologies. It set a benchmark for Japanese sports car engineering.

📋 Manual Details

Systems Covered:

General Information, Engine, Fuel System, Cooling System, Intake and Exhaust Systems, Emission Control, Clutch, Manual Transaxle, Automatic Transaxle, Propeller Shaft, Front Axle, Rear Axle, Wheels and Tires, Power Plant Mounts, Front Suspension, Service Brakes, Electronic Control Suspension, Rear Suspension, Parking Brakes, Steering, 4-Wheel Steering System, Body, Exterior, Interior, Supplemental Restraint System, Heater, Air Conditioning and Ventilation

Estimated Page Count:

Approx. 1000-1500 pages (typical for a complete factory service manual of this era)

Manual Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Delivery Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Engine mechanical (block, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing), lubrication system, cooling system (radiator, water pump, thermostat), fuel injection system (injectors, fuel pump, fuel pressure regulator), ignition system (spark plugs, coils, ECU control), emission control systems (catalytic converter, EGR, EVAP), intake and exhaust manifolds, turbocharger (if applicable).

Drivetrain Systems:

Clutch (operation, hydraulic system, components), Manual Transaxle (gear ratios, shift mechanisms, overhaul), Automatic Transaxle (shift control, hydraulic system, overhaul), Propeller Shaft, Front Axle (CV joints, differential), Rear Axle (differential, drive shafts), Power Plant Mounts (engine and transmission mounts).

Chassis Systems:

Front Suspension (struts, control arms, bushings, geometry), Rear Suspension (multi-link design, bushings, geometry), Service Brakes (disc brakes, calipers, pads, rotors, hydraulic system, ABS if equipped), Electronic Control Suspension (ECS - if applicable to specific trim), Parking Brakes, Steering System (power steering pump, rack and pinion, linkages), 4-Wheel Steering System (AWS - operation, hydraulic and electronic controls).

Body And Interior Systems:

Body structure, exterior panels, doors, hood, trunk, glass, interior trim, seats, dashboard, steering column, Supplemental Restraint System (SRS - airbags, sensors, control module), HVAC system (heater core, evaporator, blower motor, refrigerant system, controls).

Accessories:

Covers operation and repair of accessories such as power windows, power locks, cruise control, and intermittent wipers.

Maintenance Procedures:

Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid changes (engine oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, coolant), filter replacements (oil, air, fuel), spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, brake pad and rotor replacement, tire rotation and balancing, battery inspection.

Repair And Overhaul Procedures:

Engine overhaul (cylinder head removal, piston replacement, crankshaft inspection), transmission overhaul (manual and automatic), clutch replacement, brake caliper and master cylinder repair, suspension component replacement (ball joints, tie rods, bushings, struts), steering system repair, fuel injector cleaning and replacement, radiator and cooling system component replacement, HVAC system component replacement, power window and lock system repair, SRS system diagnostics and component replacement.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Troubleshooting charts and flowcharts for common symptoms, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) if applicable for the era, electrical system diagnostics (wiring diagrams, component testing), fuel system diagnostics, emissions system diagnostics.

Troubleshooting Charts:

Systematic troubleshooting guides and flowcharts for diagnosing common problems across engine, transmission, electrical, and chassis systems.

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed specifications, tolerances, torque values, wiring diagrams, diagnostic procedures, and component identification.

Electrical Schematics:

Includes detailed wiring diagrams for all vehicle electrical systems, crucial for diagnosing electrical faults.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable if digitally created from a scanned source, enabling quick keyword lookups.

Print Quality:

Digital delivery allows for printing at user's discretion. Original manual quality assumed to be standard factory print.

Binding Type:

Digital (N/A for physical binding)

Paper Type:

Digital (N/A for physical paper type)

Manual Completeness:

Factory complete service repair manual, intended for professional technicians and serious DIY mechanics. Covers all systems and procedures for the specified model year.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

6G72

Engine Configuration:

60-degree V6

Displacement:

3.0 Liters (2972 cc)

Aspiration:

Naturally Aspirated (for base models) / Twin-Turbocharged (for VR-4 models)

Engine Cylinders:

6

Engine Valves:

24 (4 per cylinder)

Horsepower Na:

Approx. 222 hp @ 6000 rpm (Naturally Aspirated)

Torque Na:

Approx. 200 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (Naturally Aspirated)

Horsepower Turbo:

Approx. 300 hp @ 6000 rpm (Twin-Turbocharged VR-4)

Torque Turbo:

Approx. 307 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm (Twin-Turbocharged VR-4)

Fuel System Type:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (Premium Recommended)

Valve Train:

SOHC or DOHC (depending on trim), 4 valves per cylinder

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-speed Manual (available on most trims)

Optional Transmission:

4-speed Automatic (available on most trims)

Drivetrain Options:

Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) or All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with Active Center Differential (ACD) on VR-4 models.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 180.5 inches

Width:

Approx. 71.3 inches

Height:

Approx. 48.9 inches

Wheelbase:

97.2 in (2469 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3400-3700 lbs (depending on configuration)

Seating Capacity:

2+2 Seating

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Ratings:

NHTSA and IIHS ratings were not as comprehensively standardized or publicized for vehicles of this era as they are today. Specific crash test data would be detailed in the manual's chassis and SRS sections.

Active Safety Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on certain trims, All-Wheel Drive (AWD) for enhanced traction, 4-Wheel Steering (AWS) for improved maneuverability and stability.

Passive Safety Features:

Driver and passenger airbags (Supplemental Restraint System - SRS), three-point seatbelts, energy-absorbing steering column, reinforced body structure.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment Features:

For 1991, infotainment was basic, typically consisting of an AM/FM stereo radio with cassette player and possibly a CD player on higher trims. Manual control of HVAC and basic vehicle functions.

Driver Assistance Features:

Key advanced features for the era include Active Four-Wheel Drive (AWD) and Active Four-Wheel Steering (AWS), which significantly enhanced vehicle dynamics and control.

Connectivity Features:

No modern connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB ports. Vehicle systems are independent.

Advanced Features Ecs:

Electronic Control Suspension (ECS) was available on some models, offering adjustable damping rates via driver input for different driving conditions.

🔧 Maintenance

Engine Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,750 - 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions. Refer to manual for specific recommendation based on oil type used.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Critical for 6G72 engine. Recommended replacement interval is typically around 60,000 miles or 4-5 years. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Automatic: typically every 30,000-45,000 miles. Manual: often less frequent, but inspection is recommended periodically. Refer to manual for specific fluid type and procedure.

Engine Oil Viscosity:

Refer to manual, but commonly 5W-30 or 10W-30 for naturally aspirated and 10W-30 or 10W-40 for turbocharged models. Always use oil meeting API service classification specified.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based coolant. Capacity around 8-9 quarts. Refer to manual for precise capacity and mixture ratio.

Transmission Fluid Type Auto:

Dexron III or equivalent automatic transmission fluid (ATF).

Transmission Fluid Type Manual:

GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, viscosity typically 75W-90 or 80W-90. Consult manual for specific recommendation.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Power Steering Fluid Type:

Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) or specific power steering fluid meeting Mitsubishi specifications.

Known Issues Engine:

Timing belt failure (critical), oil leaks from valve covers and oil pan, potential for carbon buildup on valves (especially in turbo models), fuel injector issues.

Known Issues Drivetrain:

Manual transmission synchro wear, automatic transmission solenoid issues, AWD center differential wear.

Known Issues Suspension Steering:

Worn suspension bushings, aging ECS struts (if equipped), power steering leaks, 4WS system component failure.

Known Issues Electrical:

Aging wiring harnesses, sensor failures (e.g., crank/cam sensors, O2 sensors), HVAC control module issues, intermittent power window/lock problems.

Oil Filter Part Number Example:

Fram PH8A, Wix 51515, or equivalent OEM part (refer to manual for exact OE number).

Air Filter Part Number Example:

Wix WA9000, Purolator A34068, or equivalent OEM part.

Spark Plug Type:

Platinum or Iridium spark plugs are typically recommended. Specify correct gap as per manual (e.g., 0.044 inches).

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Mitsubishi has a long history in motorsports and performance vehicles, including rally racing and endurance events. The 3000GT was a significant statement for the brand's engineering capabilities in the late 20th century.

Model Evolution Early:

The 1991 model year marked the introduction of the first generation (Z10) of the 3000GT/GTO. It was designed as a premium grand tourer with high-performance aspirations.

Production Location:

Japan

Production Years First Gen:

1990-1999 (Japan as GTO), 1991-1999 (Global as 3000GT)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

While specific 'awards' for the 1991 model year are less documented in mainstream automotive press compared to later years, the 3000GT was widely recognized for its technological innovation, performance capabilities, and distinctive styling within the sports car market of its time.