🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mitsubishi

Model:

Lancer Evolution VIII

Model Nickname:

Evo 8

Chassis Code:

CT9A

Production Years Covered:

2003-2005

Vin Prefix Codes:

JMECT9A

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Performance Sedan / Rally Homologation Special

Target Audience:

Enthusiasts, professional mechanics, DIY repairers of Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII.

Key Rivals:

Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Ford Focus RS, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VII/IX.

Vehicle Attributes:

Iconic rally-bred performance, advanced all-wheel-drive system (AYC/ACD), potent turbocharged engine, sharp handling, aerodynamic body kit.

Manual Value Proposition:

Provides comprehensive, accurate, and factory-level repair and maintenance information, essential for preserving the performance and longevity of the Evo 8.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Market:

Global (English Language)

Region Specific Variants:

Covers common specifications for major markets (e.g., JDM, USDM, EUDM) with notes on key differences.

Estimated Page Count:

1000+

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine, Fuel System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Exhaust System, Clutch, Manual Transmission (Getrag 5-speed), Transfer Case, Drive Shafts, Front Differential, Rear Differential (AYC/ACD controlled).

Chassis:

Suspension (Front MacPherson Strut, Rear Multi-link), Steering System (Power Assisted Rack and Pinion), Brakes (Front Brembo 4-piston, Rear Brembo 2-piston, ABS), Wheels and Tires.

Electrical:

Body Electrical Systems, Powertrain Control Module (ECM), Ignition System, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting, Instrumentation, Audio System, HVAC Controls, Power Windows/Locks, ECU/TCU/ACD/AYC Control Units.

Body:

Exterior Body Panels, Interior Trim, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Bumpers, Glass, Sealing.

Maintenance:

Routine inspections, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake, clutch, differential, transfer case), filter replacements, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement.

Repair And Overhaul:

Engine teardown and rebuild, transmission overhaul, clutch replacement, brake caliper/rotor replacement, suspension component replacement, steering rack repair, electrical component diagnosis and replacement.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides based on symptoms, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), electrical schematics, diagnostic tool usage (MUT-III). Specific diagnostic procedures for ACD/AYC systems.

Special Procedures:

Timing belt replacement (if applicable to specific engine variant), turbocharger inspection and replacement, AYC/ACD system calibration, alignment procedures, ECU flashing/programming.

Depth:

Comprehensive. Covers from basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic trees and specifications.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Typically text-searchable PDF for easy navigation.

Resolution:

High-resolution scans for clear diagrams and text.

Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

4G63T

Engine Type:

DOHC 16-valve Inline-4, turbocharged, intercooled

Displacement:

1997 cc (2.0 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

85.0 mm x 88.0 mm

Horsepower Ps:

265–280 PS (depending on market/spec)

Horsepower Hp:

261–276 hp (depending on market/spec)

Torque Lb-Ft:

257-260 lb-ft (depending on market/spec)

Redline:

7,500 RPM

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with Sequential Port Injection

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane Recommended)

Turbocharger:

MHI TD05HR-16G (often referred to as 'Big 16G')

Engine Block Material:

Cast Iron

Cylinder Head Material:

Aluminum Alloy

Valvetrain:

DOHC, Belt-driven cams with hydraulic lifters

🔧 Transmission

Type:

6-Speed Manual (Getrag Type)

Type:

None

Drivetrain:

All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with Active Center Differential (ACD) and Active Yaw Control (AYC) (rear differential).

Gear Ratios:

Specific ratios detailed in manual, variable by model/market.

Transmission Fluid:

Refer to manual for specific GL-4 or GL-5 specification, viscosity depends on temperature and application.

Transfer Case Fluid:

Refer to manual for specific specifications (often similar to transmission fluid).

Rear Differential Fluid:

Refer to manual for specific LSD/AYC specifications.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 4,415 mm (173.8 in)

Width:

Approx. 1,770 mm (69.7 in)

Height:

Approx. 1,415 mm (55.7 in)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2,625 mm (103.3 in)

Track Width Front:

Approx. 1,510 mm (59.4 in)

Track Width Rear:

Approx. 1,510 mm (59.4 in)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1,450–1,500 kg (3,197–3,307 lb)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Refer to vehicle placard; typically around 1,800 kg.

Trunk Volume:

Approx. 10.8 cu ft (306 L)

Wheel Size:

17x8.5 inch (standard), 17x7.5 inch (JDM variants)

Bolt Pattern:

5x114.3 mm (5x4.5 inches)

Tire Size:

235/45R17 (standard)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

4-star (driver), 5-star (passenger) for 2004 models in US testing.

IIHS Small Overlap Front:

Not rated (vehicle not tested in this category)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)

Traction Control:

Standard Active Stability Control (ASC)

AWD System:

Driver-selectable modes for ACD (Tarmac, Gravel, Snow)

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags, side airbags (optional/market dependent)

Seatbelts:

3-point height-adjustable front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters, 3-point rear seatbelts.

Body Structure:

Reinforced chassis and safety cell, designed for rally homologation.

💡 Technology Features

Head Unit:

Factory AM/FM/CD player, typically with basic digital display. Aftermarket units very common.

Speakers:

4-6 speaker system, depending on trim level.

Launch Control:

Not factory equipped, but a common aftermarket addition.

Cruise Control:

Standard

Climate Control:

Manual or Automatic Climate Control (market dependent).

Auxiliary Input:

Rarely standard, common aftermarket addition.

Bluetooth:

Not standard. Common aftermarket integration.

🔧 Maintenance

Engine Oil Change:

Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (severe use).

Engine Oil Filter:

Replace with every oil change.

Air Filter:

Inspect every 7,500 miles, replace as needed (more frequently in dusty conditions).

Spark Plugs:

Replace at 30,000–60,000 miles depending on plug type (e.g., iridium). Refer to manual for specific plug part numbers and gap.

Timing Belt:

Replace every 60,000 miles or 5 years. Critical component – failure can cause catastrophic engine damage.

Coolant Exchange:

Every 30,000 miles or 2 years.

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 15,000 miles or 1 year.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 30,000 miles (manual transmission). Refer to manual for specific fluid type.

Differential Fluid Change:

Every 30,000 miles for front and rear differentials. Refer to manual for specific fluid types for ACD/AYC.

Engine Oil:

API SG, SH, or SJ; SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended for most climates. Refer to manual for specific viscosity charts and capacities.

Coolant:

Mitsubishi Genuine Super Long Life Coolant (SLLC) or equivalent ethylene glycol based coolant with appropriate corrosion inhibitors. Capacity approx. 7.5 L.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Clutch Fluid:

DOT 3 (typically shares reservoir with brake fluid).

Engine:

Turbocharger seal failure (oil burning), valve stem seals, head gasket issues (especially with aggressive tuning), connecting rod failure on heavily modified engines.

Transmission:

Gear grinding (especially 5th gear), clutch wear, synchro issues on high-mileage or abused transmissions.

AWD System:

ACD pump failure, AYC pump failure, solenoid issues, fluid leaks in the ACD/AYC system.

Suspension And Steering:

Worn bushings, premature strut/shock absorber wear, power steering pump leaks, steering rack wear.

Electrical:

Corroded grounds, failing power window motors, ECU capacitor degradation.

📚 Vehicle History

Rally Roots:

Directly linked to Mitsubishi's highly successful World Rally Championship (WRC) program.

Predecessors:

Lancer Evolution I-VII

Successors:

Lancer Evolution IX

Key Evolution From Evo 7:

Revised turbocharger, updated suspension geometry, stronger gearbox, revised ACD/AYC tuning, homologation for WRC Group A regulations.

Manufacturing Location:

Mizushima Plant, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan

Production Volume:

Estimated ~30,000 units worldwide (across various trims like GSR, MR, RS).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Road And Track:

Named one of the '10 Great Sports Sedans' by Road & Track in 2004.

Motorsport Achievements:

The Evo 8 platform formed the basis for successful WRC and rallycross cars during its era.

General Reputation:

Highly acclaimed for its performance, handling, and rally-bred capabilities.

Homologation:

Homologated for various motorsport series, particularly WRC Group A.