Segment:
Performance Compact Sedan / Rally Homologation Special
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, performance drivers, owners seeking to maintain or repair their EVO VII
Rivals:
Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Ford Focus RS, Honda Civic Type R (relevant performance variants)
Performance Focus:
Emphasis on advanced all-wheel-drive, turbocharged engine, and handling capabilities
Rally Heritage:
Direct lineage from Mitsubishi's successful WRC (World Rally Championship) program
Manual Value:
Indispensable for understanding and maintaining complex performance systems
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, disassembly, inspection, repair, timing belt, lubrication system, cooling system
Engine Management:
Fuel injection system (MPI), ignition system, emission control systems (catalytic converter, EGR), engine control unit (ECU) diagnosis
Transmission:
Manual transmission (GSR/RS models), clutch system, transfer case, driveshafts, propeller shaft
Drivetrain:
Front differential, rear differential (Active Yaw Control - AYC for GSR models), all-wheel-drive system
Suspension:
Front suspension (MacPherson struts), rear suspension (multi-link), springs, shock absorbers, control arms, alignment procedures
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, column, wheel alignment
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brakes, ABS system, brake hydraulic circuits, brake pad/rotor replacement, bleeding procedures
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, charging system (alternator, battery), starting system, lighting system, instrument cluster, body electronics, fuse/relay locations
Body And Trim:
Body panel removal/installation, interior trim, bumpers, doors, hood, trunk lid, glass, mirrors
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system diagnosis and repair
Safety Systems:
Airbag system (SRS) diagnosis and service precautions
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, spark plug replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting guides
Repair:
Component-level repair, assembly and disassembly of major systems
Diagnostics:
ECU diagnostics, sensor testing, actuator testing
Calibration And Adjustment:
Wheel alignment, idle speed, clutch adjustment (if applicable)
Depth:
Factory-level detail, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts
Illustrations:
Detailed illustrations, diagrams, and exploded views
Torque Specifications:
All critical torque specifications provided for fasteners
Clearances:
Component internal clearances and tolerances
Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve, turbocharged
Displacement:
2.0 Liters (1997 cc)
Horsepower Ps:
280 PS (approx. 276 hp) @ 6500 rpm (JDM/European spec; US spec figures may vary slightly)
Torque Nm:
373 Nm (approx. 275 lb-ft) @ 3500 rpm (JDM/European spec)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI) with Denso or Bosch fuel injectors (specific part numbers vary)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (95 RON or higher recommended)
Coolant Type:
Mitsubishi DiaQueen Super Long Life Coolant (LLC) or equivalent (Ethylene Glycol based, typically green or pink)
Oil Type:
API SG/SH/SJ or ILSAC GF-2/GF-3 certified, viscosity grade 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended (check specific owner's manual for variations)
Timing Belt:
Toothed timing belt, recommended replacement interval 60,000 - 90,000 miles or 5-7 years.
Type:
6-speed Manual Transmission (Getrag 02A based or Mitsubishi MR984911 for specific variants)
Type:
N/A (Evolution models of this era were exclusively manual transmission)
Gear Ratios:
Specific gear ratios detailed in manual, tuned for performance
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4 or GL-5, viscosity 75W-90 (e.g., DiaQueen Super Multi Gear Oil LSD or equivalent)
Type:
Hydraulically actuated, multi-plate clutch for power transfer
Crash Test Results:
Specific ratings not consistently available for all markets for this niche model, but built to stringent safety standards of the era.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)
Ayc:
Active Yaw Control (AYC) on GSR models for enhanced cornering stability and torque vectoring
AWD:
Advanced Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (S-AWC) system, including ACD (Active Center Differential)
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags (SRS), potentially side airbags on certain trims/markets
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners
Chassis Structure:
Reinforced unibody construction designed for rally-derived durability and safety
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD player, typically with 6-speaker system. Higher trims may have premium audio options.
Display:
Digital odometer, trip computer, and various warning lights on the instrument cluster.
Traction Control:
Integrated with the S-AWC system, providing sophisticated traction and stability management.
Cruise Control:
Available on some models/trims.
Bluetooth:
Not standard; aftermarket solutions common.
Usb:
Not standard; aftermarket solutions common.
Oil Change:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first, especially under performance driving conditions.
Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed.
Cabin Air Filter:
Replace annually or as needed.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Recommended every 30,000 - 60,000 miles depending on plug type (e.g., iridium)
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years or 30,000 miles.
Engine Oil Capacity Liters:
4.5 Liters (with filter change)
Transmission Fluid Capacity Liters:
Approx. 2.0 - 2.5 Liters (for 6-speed manual, check manual for exact quantity)
Differential Fluid Capacity Liters:
Front: ~0.9L, Rear: ~0.7L (check manual for LSD specifications)
Headgasket:
Potential for head gasket failure, especially in modified or poorly maintained examples. Regular coolant checks are vital.
Clutch:
Clutch wear can be accelerated by aggressive driving. Dual-mass flywheel can also be a wear item.
Ayc Pump:
The AYC hydraulic pump can fail over time, leading to loss of AYC functionality.
Turbocharger:
While robust, the turbocharger requires proper maintenance (oil changes, cool-down periods) to ensure longevity.