🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mitsubishi

Model:

3000GT / GTO

Model Designation:

Z16A (AWD), Z15A (FWD)

Generation:

First Generation (1990-1999), Second Generation (1999-2001)

Chassis Code Primary:

Z16A (Twin-Turbo AWD), Z15A (Base/SL FWD)

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Sports Grand Tourer (GT) / Supercar (VR-4)

Key Competitors:

Nissan 300ZX (Z32), Toyota Supra (Mk IV), Mazda RX-7 (FD), Porsche 968, Chevrolet Corvette.

Distinctive Features:

Available All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with Active Four-Wheel Steering (4WS), electronically controlled suspension (ECS), active aerodynamics (active front air dam and rear wing on some models), twin-turbocharged V6 engine (VR-4).

Intended Users:

Professional automotive technicians, DIY enthusiasts, owners seeking in-depth knowledge for maintenance and repairs.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Years:

1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001

Estimated Page Count:

Hundreds of pages (typical for comprehensive factory manuals)

Manual Type:

Workshop Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine overhaul, timing belt replacement, piston and ring replacement, cylinder head service, crankshaft and bearing service, oil pump, oil cooler, cooling system (radiator, water pump, thermostat), lubrication system.

Engine Performance:

Turbocharger (twin-turbo for VR-4), intercooler system, boost pressure control, fuel injection system (MPI), ignition system (coil-on-plug where applicable), emissions control systems (EGR, EVAP), engine control module (ECM) diagnostics.

Transmission Drivetrain:

Manual transmission (Getrag 6-speed), automatic transmission (INVECS-II Sport Mode 4-speed), clutch system, transfer case (AWD), differentials (front and rear), drive shafts, CV joints, wheel hubs.

Suspension Steering:

Front and rear suspension (multi-link), electronically controlled suspension (ECS) operation and calibration, steering gear, power steering system, wheel alignment specifications.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems (vented discs, ABS), brake fluid specifications, caliper overhaul, rotor replacement, ABS control module diagnostics.

Electrical Electronics:

Full wiring diagrams, starter system, charging system (alternator, battery), lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior), power windows, power seats, climate control system, audio system, security system, central locking, keyless entry (later models).

Body Chassis:

Body panel repair and replacement, door mechanisms, glass replacement, interior trim removal and installation, aerodynamic components (active aero on some models), chassis structural repair.

HVAC:

Air conditioning system diagnosis and repair, refrigerant types, blower motor, evaporator, condenser, heater core.

Fuel System Details:

Fuel pump testing, fuel pressure regulator, fuel filter replacement, injector cleaning and testing, evaporative emission control (EVAP) system diagnosis.

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, muffler, exhaust pipe repair and replacement, oxygen sensor diagnosis.

Maintenance Procedures:

Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, fuel, cabin), spark plug replacement, coolant flushes, brake fluid changes, transmission fluid changes, differential fluid changes.

Repair Procedures:

Step-by-step repair instructions for all major vehicle systems, component replacement, assembly and disassembly of parts, diagnostic troubleshooting guides.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and their meanings, common symptoms and causes, electrical system troubleshooting, engine performance issues, transmission problems.

Overhaul Procedures:

Complete engine and transmission overhaul procedures, including torque specifications, clearances, and assembly sequences.

Body Paint Repair:

Information on body panel alignment, dent repair, paint code identification, and minor cosmetic restoration procedures.

Depth Of Information:

Comprehensive, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.

Diagnostic Tools:

Coverage includes procedures for using common diagnostic tools and interpreting sensor data for troubleshooting.

Wiring Diagrams:

Detailed, system-specific wiring diagrams are a key component, crucial for electrical diagnostics and repairs.

Tire Wheel Specifications:

Tire sizes (e.g., 225/55R16, 245/40R18 for VR-4), wheel bolt pattern (e.g., 5x114.3), wheel offset information, tire pressure recommendations.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Print Quality:

Full Printable

Zoom In Out:

YES

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Software Requirements:

Adobe PDF Reader, WinRAR

Operating Systems:

All Versions of Windows & Mac

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code Vr4:

6G72

Engine Configuration Vr4:

3.0L (2972cc) DOHC 24-valve Twin-Turbocharged V6

Engine Code Base Sl:

6G72

Engine Configuration Base Sl:

3.0L (2972cc) DOHC 24-valve Naturally Aspirated V6

Horsepower Vr4 Early:

300-320 hp @ 6000 rpm (depending on year and market)

Torque Vr4 Early:

307-315 lb-ft @ 2500-3000 rpm (depending on year and market)

Horsepower Vr4 Late:

320-326 hp @ 6000 rpm (depending on year and market)

Torque Vr4 Late:

315-321 lb-ft @ 2500-3000 rpm (depending on year and market)

Horsepower Base Sl:

222-245 hp @ 6000 rpm (depending on year)

Torque Base Sl:

200-214 lb-ft @ 4500-5000 rpm (depending on year)

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Recommended Fuel:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission Vr4:

Getrag 6-speed manual

Standard Transmission Base Sl:

5-speed manual (early years), 4-speed automatic (INVECS-II) became standard on some later FWD models.

Optional Transmission:

4-speed automatic (INVECS-II Sport Mode) available on VR-4 models, standard on some FWD models.

AWD System:

Sophisticated all-wheel-drive system with viscous coupling center differential and optional electronically controlled transfer clutch (for torque vectoring on some later models).

4Ws System:

Active Four-Wheel Steering (4WS) on many AWD models, providing enhanced maneuverability at low speeds and stability at high speeds.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 4,615 mm (181.7 in)

Width:

Approx. 1,840 mm (72.4 in)

Height:

Approx. 1,250 mm (49.2 in) (VR-4 models, lower than FWD)

Curb Weight Vr4 Manual:

Approx. 1,640-1,700 kg (3,615-3,748 lbs)

Curb Weight Base Sl:

Approx. 1,500-1,550 kg (3,307-3,417 lbs)

🛡️ Safety Features

Passive Safety Features:

Front airbags (driver and passenger), seatbelt pre-tensioners, crumple zones.

Active Safety Systems:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard on most models, Traction Control System (TCS) on AWD models.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Various factory radio/cassette/CD players, some with premium sound systems. Later models offered more integrated head units.

Driver Assistance Features:

ABS, Traction Control, Cruise Control. Advanced systems like Active Aerodynamics and ECS were significant for their time.

Connectivity Features:

Minimal by modern standards; primarily focused on basic vehicle functions and comfort features.

🔧 Maintenance

Timing Belt Replacement:

Every 60,000 miles or 5 years (critical for interference engine).

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,750-7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used.

Engine Oil Type Vr4:

SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 Synthetic (API SN/SM/SL/SJ/SH/SG rated), check manual for exact viscosity and certification.

Engine Oil Type Na:

SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 Synthetic (API SN/SM/SL/SJ/SH/SG rated), check manual for exact viscosity and certification.

Coolant:

Mitsubishi DiaQueen Super Long Life Coolant (or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with deionized water).

Transmission Fluid Auto:

Mitsubishi DiaQueen ATF-SP III or equivalent.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

SAE 75W-90 GL-3 or GL-4 gear oil.

Differential Fluid Front AWD:

SAE 80W-90 GL-5 gear oil.

Differential Fluid Rear AWD:

SAE 75W-90 GL-5 gear oil.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Common Issues:

Fuel injector failure (especially on early models), oil leaks from valve covers and rear main seal, vacuum line deterioration, ECS component failure, ABS sensor issues, timing belt failure if not replaced on schedule (catastrophic engine damage), clutch wear on manual transmissions, intercooler hose cracks on twin-turbo models.

📚 Vehicle History

Mitsubishi Sports Cars:

Building on a legacy of performance vehicles like the Lancer Evolution and Eclipse.

First Generation Styling:

Sleek, aerodynamic design with pop-up headlights, advanced technology for its time.

Second Generation Changes:

Revised styling (fixed headlights), updated interior, powertrain refinements, introduction of Active Aero and ECS on more models.

Production Period:

1990-2001

Manufacturing Plant:

Mizushima Plant, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Journalism Awards:

Consistently praised by automotive publications for its technology, performance, and styling, often appearing on 'best of' lists for its era.