🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mitsubishi

Model:

Lancer Evolution VII (Evo 7)

Year:

2001

Chassis Code:

CT9A

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VII (CT9A) was a homologation special for rally racing, positioned as a high-performance, all-wheel-drive sports sedan. It was renowned for its sophisticated AYC system, robust engine, and exceptional handling capabilities, commanding a premium in the enthusiast market.

Competitive Analysis:

Competed directly with other iconic performance sedans of its era, such as the Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Ford Focus RS, and Audi S3. The Evo VII's key differentiators were its advanced electronic driver aids (AYC, ACD) and its potent 4G63T engine, widely regarded as one of the most tunable factory engines.

Key Features:

4G63T MIVEC turbocharged engine, advanced Active Yaw Control (AYC) and Active Center Differential (ACD) systems, Brembo brakes, performance-oriented suspension, aggressive aerodynamics, WRC heritage.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Suspension, Brakes, Steering, Electrical Systems, Climate Control, Bodywork, Interior, Diagnostics, Troubleshooting, Maintenance Procedures, Repair Procedures, Specifications, Wiring Diagrams, Torque Specifications, Special Tools.

Page Count:

Estimated 2000+ pages (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals of this era).

Manual Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

4G63T (2.0L DOHC MIVEC Turbocharged) - including disassembly, assembly, component testing, diagnostics, performance tuning, and emissions systems.

Transmission:

5-speed Manual (Type R) and 6-speed Manual (GSR) - including clutch, gearbox, transfer case, viscous coupling center differential (VCU), and Active Yaw Control (AYC) system diagnostics and repair.

Drivetrain:

All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system with Active Yaw Control (AYC) and Super AYC (on GSR) - including differential service, axle repair, and AYC system calibration.

Suspension:

Front MacPherson struts, Rear multi-link suspension, Anti-roll bars, Bushings - including alignment specifications, component replacement, and shock absorber/spring servicing.

Brakes:

Front: Brembo 4-piston calipers with 320mm vented discs. Rear: Single-piston calipers with 300mm vented discs. ABS and EBD systems - including fluid bleeding, pad/rotor replacement, caliper servicing, and ABS sensor diagnostics.

Steering:

Power assisted rack and pinion - including steering column, tie rod ends, and hydraulic system service.

Electrical Systems:

Full vehicle electrical schematics, ECU diagnostics, starter, alternator, battery, lighting, instrumentation, power accessories, and sensor troubleshooting.

Climate Control:

Air conditioning, heating, ventilation - including refrigerant system service and component replacement.

Bodywork:

Panel removal/installation, trim, glass, bumpers, chassis straightening data (where applicable), welding procedures.

Interior:

Seat removal/installation, dashboard, center console, door panels, upholstery, airbag system safety precautions.

Diagnostics:

OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), fault finding trees, sensor data interpretation, ECU reset procedures.

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, fuel), spark plug replacement, coolant flushing, brake fluid replacement, timing belt replacement (critical for 4G63), differential fluid changes, transfer case fluid changes.

Repair:

Engine rebuilds (short block, long block), cylinder head overhaul, turbocharger replacement, fuel injector servicing, clutch replacement, transmission overhaul, AYC pump and actuator replacement, suspension component replacement, brake caliper rebuild, electrical component repair.

Troubleshooting:

Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for all major vehicle systems, including intermittent issues and specific failure modes.

Installation:

Component installation guides, including torque specifications for critical fasteners.

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic fluid changes and filter replacements to complete engine and transmission overhauls, advanced electrical diagnostics, and AYC system calibration. Includes detailed component specifications, tolerances, and testing procedures suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIY enthusiasts.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Print Quality:

High resolution, suitable for printing individual pages or sections. Includes clear diagrams and illustrations.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

4G63T

Configuration:

Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve, turbocharged with intercooler

Displacement:

1997 cc (2.0 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

85.0 mm x 88.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

8.8:1

Horsepower:

280 PS (276 hp; 206 kW) at 6500 rpm (Japanese domestic market, official figures often understated)

Torque:

373 Nm (275 lb-ft) at 3000 rpm (Japanese domestic market, official figures often understated)

Redline:

7500 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with Sequential Port Injection

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline, premium octane (95 RON or higher recommended)

Turbocharger:

Mitsubishi TD05H-16G (or similar variant), Water-cooled twin-scroll

Intercooler:

Air-to-air front-mounted intercooler

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed Manual (on RS and base models)

Type:

6-speed Manual (on GSR models)

Drivetrain Type:

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

Acd Modes:

Tarmac, Gravel, Snow (selectable)

Ayc System:

Hydraulic rear differential for torque vectoring (Super AYC on GSR)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4435 mm (174.6 in)

Width:

1770 mm (69.7 in)

Height:

1445 mm (56.9 in)

Wheelbase:

2635 mm (103.7 in)

Front Track:

1515 mm (59.6 in)

Rear Track:

1505 mm (59.3 in)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1400 - 1470 kg (3086 - 3241 lbs) depending on trim

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 1820 kg (4012 lbs)

Fuel Tank Capacity:

50 Liters (13.2 US gal)

🛡️ Safety Features

Jncsa Crash Test Rating:

5-star equivalent for frontal impact (Japan)

Active Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Active Yaw Control (AYC), Active Center Differential (ACD), Traction Control System (TCL - depending on market/spec).

Passive Features:

Driver and front passenger airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, reinforced chassis structure, side-impact protection beams.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Basic factory radio/CD player with standard speaker system. Optional premium audio available. Limited by era, generally focused on audio playback.

Driver Assistance:

Advanced AWD system (ACD/AYC), ABS, EBD, optional Traction Control (TCL).

Connectivity:

N/A - No modern connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB ports standard.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 km (3,000 miles) or 6 months, whichever comes first, especially under spirited driving conditions. Use high-quality synthetic oil.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 km (9,000 miles) or annually. Inspect more frequently.

Fuel Filter Replacement:

Every 30,000 km (18,000 miles).

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 30,000 km (18,000 miles) for standard plugs, or longer for iridium/platinum plugs. Refer to manual for specific type.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Critical: Every 90,000 km (56,000 miles) or 5 years. Failure can lead to catastrophic engine damage. Recommended to replace tensioner and idler pulleys concurrently.

Coolant Flush Interval:

Every 40,000 km (24,000 miles) or 2 years.

Engine Oil Type:

Fully Synthetic SAE 10W-40 (API SG/SH/SJ or ILSAC GF-2/GF-3). Consult manual for specific Mitsubishi recommendations.

Engine Oil Capacity:

4.5 Liters (4.8 US Quarts) with filter change.

Transmission Fluid Type:

Mitsubishi DiaQueen Super Multi-Gear Oil GL-4 (or equivalent SAE 75W-85 GL-4 for manual gearbox, ACD/AYC fluid specifications vary - refer to manual).

Differential Fluid Type:

Mitsubishi DiaQueen LSD Gear Oil GL-5 (or equivalent SAE 80W-90 GL-5 for rear differential, front differential uses transmission fluid).

Coolant Type:

Mitsubishi Super Long Life Coolant (Green) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with long-life additives.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Known Issues:

Timing belt failure if not replaced on schedule, turbocharger wear/failure (especially if oil changes are neglected), AYC pump/system failure, clutch wear, differential seal leaks, piston ring land failure (especially in heavily modified engines).

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Mitsubishi has a rich history in motorsport, particularly in the World Rally Championship (WRC). The Lancer Evolution series, born from homologation requirements, is a direct descendant of this racing pedigree.

Model Evolution:

The Evo VII (CT9A) represented a significant evolution from the Evo VI. It featured a revised chassis, updated styling inspired by the Lancer Cedia, and a more potent 4G63T engine with MIVEC. Crucially, it introduced the ACD and enhanced AYC systems, further improving its handling and traction characteristics.

Production Years:

January 2001 - February 2003

Manufacturing Location:

Japan

Key Variants:

GSR (Grand Sport Racing), RS (Rally Sport - often lighter, simpler spec), RS-Sprint (limited edition rally variant).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

The Lancer Evolution series is widely recognized as one of the greatest performance sedans of all time, frequently appearing on 'best driver's cars' lists and highly acclaimed by automotive journalists for its rally-bred performance and handling.