🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mitsubishi

Model:

3000GT GTO

Year:

1997

Chassis Code:

Z16A (AWD), Z15A (FWD)

Engine Codes:

6G72 (3.0L V6 DOHC Twin-Turbo & SOHC Naturally Aspirated)

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

High-performance Japanese sports car, often considered a supercar, competing with European rivals.

Competitors:

Nissan 300ZX (Z32), Toyota Supra (MkIV), Mazda RX-7 (FD), Porsche 968, Chevrolet Corvette C4/C5.

Design:

Sleek aerodynamic styling, often featuring pop-up headlights, advanced aerodynamic body kit, and available active aerodynamics.

Performance Technology:

Twin-Turbocharged V6, All-Wheel Drive (AWD), Active Exhaust, Active Aerodynamics, Four-Wheel Steering (4WS).

Target Audience:

Professional technicians, experienced DIY mechanics, and owners seeking in-depth repair and maintenance knowledge.

📋 Manual Details

Scope:

Full service, repair, maintenance, diagnostics, and rebuilding

Estimated Pages:

Detailed comprehensive coverage; exact page count not specified but implies extensive documentation

Type:

Full Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

File Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine (3.0L V6 Twin-Turbo & Naturally Aspirated), Fuel System, Exhaust System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Ignition System, Turbocharging System

Drivetrain:

Transmission (5-Speed Manual, 4-Speed Automatic), Clutch, Driveshafts, Differentials (Front, Rear, Center for AWD), Axles, AWD System (Supercar Active All-Wheel Drive System)

Chassis:

Suspension (Front & Rear Independent), Steering System, Braking System (ABS, vented rotors, calipers), Wheels, Tires

Electrical:

Wiring Diagrams, Engine Control Unit (ECU), Body Control Module (BCM), Lighting Systems, Audio System, Climate Control System, Power Accessories (Windows, Locks, Seats), Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Sensors, Actuators

Body And Interior:

Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Glass, Interior Trim, Seats, Dashboard, HVAC Components, Exterior Trim

Maintenance:

Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Fluid Checks & Replacements, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Inspections & Replacement

Repair:

Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Brake System Repair, Suspension Component Replacement, Steering System Repair, Electrical Component Diagnosis & Repair, Body Panel Repair & Alignment

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting Guides, Diagnostic Flowcharts, Fault Code Interpretation, Electrical System Testing, Mechanical System Testing

Bodywork:

Body panel alignment, rust repair, dent removal, paint code identification, glass replacement.

Interior:

Seat removal and repair, dashboard disassembly, trim panel replacement, carpet replacement, HVAC component servicing.

Depth:

Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to advanced engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical diagnostics and wiring schematics.

Troubleshooting:

Extensive troubleshooting section covering common drivability issues, electrical faults, and mechanical problems with step-by-step diagnostic procedures.

Wiring Diagrams:

Detailed, comprehensive wiring diagrams for all major electrical systems, including engine, chassis, body, and accessories.

Specifications Data:

Includes torque specifications for all fasteners, critical component measurements, and clearances required for proper assembly.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Printability:

Full Printable

Binding:

Digital (Downloadable PDF)

Physical Medium:

N/A (Digital Delivery)

Reader Software:

Adobe PDF Reader

Extraction Software:

WinRAR (if applicable for zip archives)

Operating Systems:

All Versions of Windows & Mac

Delivery:

Instant Download

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

6G72 3.0L V6

Engine Configurations:

DOHC 24-Valve Twin-Turbocharged (VR-4, AWD), SOHC 12-Valve Naturally Aspirated (Base/SL, FWD)

Twin Turbo Horsepower:

320 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)

Twin Turbo Torque:

315 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm (approx.)

Naturally Aspirated Horsepower:

222 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)

Naturally Aspirated Torque:

205 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (approx.)

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. (Specific Mitsubishi specification recommended by manual).

Oil Capacity:

Approximately 4.8-5.1 quarts (4.6-4.9 liters) with filter, depending on engine variant. (Manual to confirm exact capacity).

Oil Viscosity:

Commonly 5W-30 or 10W-30. (Manual to specify exact and temperature-dependent recommendations).

🔧 Transmission

Availability:

Available on certain trims (e.g., VR-4)

Type:

5-Speed Manual (Getrag 236)

Availability:

Available on certain trims (e.g., Base, SL, VR-4)

Type:

4-Speed Automatic with electronically controlled overdrive

Fluid Type Manual:

GL-4 or GL-5 manual transmission fluid (specific viscosity to be confirmed in manual).

Fluid Type Automatic:

Dexron III (or equivalent specification recommended by manual).

AWD System Type:

Active All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with viscous coupling center differential and electronically controlled torque split (on VR-4 models).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

179.9 inches (4570 mm)

Width:

70.1 inches (1780 mm)

Height:

49.4 inches (1255 mm) (VR-4)

Wheelbase:

97.2 inches (2470 mm)

Curb Weight Approx:

3700-3900 lbs (1680-1770 kg) depending on trim and drivetrain.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Approx:

4500-4700 lbs (2040-2130 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash Test Rating:

Not definitively available for this specific year and model in all markets. Historically, vehicles of this era had varying results. Manual will provide specific safety system operation.

Braking System:

4-wheel disc brakes with ventilated rotors, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System).

Steering System:

Available Active Four-Wheel Steering (4WS).

Airbags:

Driver and Passenger Airbags.

Seatbelts:

Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory-installed AM/FM/Cassette/CD player, often with premium speaker systems (e.g., Bose on some trims).

Cruise Control:

Standard electronic cruise control.

Climate Control:

Automatic Climate Control (ACC) on higher trims, manual climate control on base models.

Diagnostic Port:

OBD-I or OBD-II compliant diagnostic port for engine and system scanning (year specific).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles (5,000-8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions. Manual will provide precise recommendations.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Crucial maintenance item; typically every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years. Failure can cause severe engine damage. Manual will specify interval and procedure.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Intervals vary by plug type, often around 60,000-100,000 miles for iridium plugs if fitted. Manual will detail correct type and interval.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid (confirm with manual for exact specification and any specific Mitsubishi requirements).

Power Steering Fluid:

Dexron II/III or specific Mitsubishi power steering fluid (manual to specify).

Engine Cooling System:

Potential for coolant leaks from hoses, radiator, or water pump; importance of coolant flushes.

Active Aero And 4Ws:

Complexity of these systems can lead to occasional failures requiring specialized diagnosis and repair. Manual is essential for troubleshooting.

Turbocharger Maintenance:

Importance of proper warm-up/cool-down procedures, and regular oil changes to prolong turbo life.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

Mitsubishi has a long history in motorsports and performance vehicles, dating back to models like the Lancer Evolution and Starion.

Generation:

Second generation (from 1994 for USDM, 1992 for JDM/Euro).

Updates For 1997:

While not a full redesign, minor updates and trim adjustments likely occurred. The manual will detail specific year-over-year changes for 1997.

Production Period:

1991-2000 (global production)

Manufacturing Location:

Japan (Mizushima Plant)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver Ten Best:

Named to Car and Driver's Ten Best list multiple times, including for the 1997 model year, highlighting its performance and technological innovation.

Performance Reviews:

Consistently praised by automotive journalists for its handling, acceleration, and advanced features.