🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mitsubishi

Model:

Lancer Evolution VIII

Model Nickname:

Evo 8

Applicable Years:

2003, 2004, 2005

Chassis Codes:

CT9A

Engine Codes:

4G63 (2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Performance Sedan / Rally Homologation Special

Target Audience:

Enthusiasts, motorsport participants, owners seeking in-depth knowledge for maintenance and repair.

Key Rivals:

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

Defining Characteristics:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (S-AWC), Active Yaw Control (AYC), turbocharged 4G63 engine, performance-oriented suspension, iconic rally heritage.

Manual Value Proposition:

Provides unparalleled technical detail for maintaining and repairing one of the most revered performance cars of its era, empowering owners to keep their Evo 8 in peak condition.

📋 Manual Details

Vehicle Coverage:

All variants of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII produced between 2003 and 2005

Estimated Pages:

1500+

Type:

Full Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF, searchable)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, turbocharger system, engine management (ECU), manual transmission, clutch system, transfer case, differential (front and rear)

Chassis:

Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brake system (including ABS and AYC - Active Yaw Control), wheels and tires

Electrical:

Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting system, instrument cluster, gauges, warning lamps, power windows, power locks, wipers and washers, horn, audio system, climate control system, wiring diagrams, fuse box locations, relay assignments, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)

Body:

Exterior body panels, interior trim, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass, mirrors, seats, airbags

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, belt and hose inspection/replacement, spark plug replacement, brake pad/rotor replacement, tire rotation and balancing

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting common symptoms, diagnostic trouble code (DTC) interpretation, component testing, electrical circuit tracing, fuel pressure testing, compression testing

Repair:

Engine overhaul, cylinder head removal/installation, piston and connecting rod service, crankshaft service, turbocharger overhaul/replacement, transmission removal/rebuild, clutch replacement, brake caliper/master cylinder service, suspension component replacement, steering rack overhaul/replacement, electrical component repair/replacement

Technical Specifications:

Torque specifications for all fasteners, engine timing procedures, valve clearance adjustment, electrical resistance values, diagnostic voltage readings

Depth:

Comprehensive, suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Covers everything from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Quality:

High-resolution scans or digital creation, ensuring clarity of diagrams and text. Searchable text for efficient information retrieval.

Print Suitability:

Printable pages for physical use in a workshop environment.

Binding:

Not applicable for digital format, but professional digital versions often include bookmarking and navigation features.

Paper Quality:

Not applicable for digital format. User can print on desired paper stock.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Name:

4G63T (MIVEC variant)

Configuration:

2.0-liter (1997cc) DOHC 16-valve turbocharged inline-4

Bore X Stroke:

85.0 mm x 88.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

8.8:1

Horsepower:

271 hp @ 6500 rpm (USDM)

Torque:

273 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (USDM)

Induction:

Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI) with a Garrett turbocharger and intercooler

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)

Engine Oil Type:

API SG or SH, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40, or SAE 5W-30 for colder climates

Engine Oil Capacity:

4.5 US quarts (4.3 liters) with filter change

Coolant Type:

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

Timing Belt Replacement Interval:

Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years

Spark Plug Replacement Interval:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) for standard plugs, 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for platinum/iridium plugs

🔧 Transmission

Type:

6-speed manual transmission

Type:

Not applicable for Evolution VIII

Drive System:

Mitsubishi Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) including front helical LSD, rear active differential, and Active Yaw Control (AYC)

Manual Transmission Fluid Type:

API GL-3 or GL-4, SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil

Manual Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approx. 2.1 US quarts (2.0 liters)

Transmission Fluid Change Interval:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years, more frequently under severe driving conditions

📐 Dimensions

Length:

177.0 inches (4495 mm)

Width:

69.5 inches (1765 mm)

Height:

57.3 inches (1455 mm)

Wheelbase:

103.3 inches (2625 mm)

Track Width Front:

60.0 inches (1525 mm)

Track Width Rear:

59.8 inches (1520 mm)

Ground Clearance:

5.1 inches (130 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3,230 - 3,360 lbs (1465 - 1525 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

N/A (not typically specified for this type of vehicle)

Towing Capacity:

0 lbs (not designed for towing)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating:

4-star driver, 4-star passenger (for comparable Lancer models of the era)

IIHS Crash Ratings:

Good (for comparable Lancer models of the era)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System

Ayc:

Standard Active Yaw Control (AYC) for enhanced cornering stability

AWD:

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (S-AWC) with driver-selectable modes (Tarmac, Gravel, Snow)

Airbags:

Dual front airbags, optional side airbags

Seatbelts:

Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters

Rollover Protection:

Reinforced body structure

💡 Technology Features

Head Unit:

Factory AM/FM/CD player, often with an external amplifier and subwoofer (Rockford Fosgate system on some trims).

Display:

Basic LCD display for radio and climate control information. No integrated navigation or advanced screen interfaces.

Stability Control:

Traction Control System (TCL) integrated with S-AWC. Active Yaw Control (AYC) enhances stability during cornering.

Phone Integration:

No factory Bluetooth or smartphone integration. Aftermarket head unit upgrades are common.

Gauge Cluster:

Includes tachometer, speedometer, fuel gauge, coolant temperature gauge, turbo boost gauge, and various warning lamps. Driver-selectable display modes for AYC.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000 - 5,000 miles (4,800 - 8,000 km) or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type.

Air Filter Replacement Interval:

Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (24,000 - 48,000 km) or as needed based on inspection.

Cabin Air Filter Replacement Interval:

Every 12,000 - 15,000 miles (19,000 - 24,000 km) or annually.

Brake Fluid Flush Interval:

Every 2 years or 30,000 miles (48,000 km).

Coolant Flush Interval:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years with standard coolant, or follow Super Long Life Coolant recommendations (typically 100,000 miles or 10 years).

Engine Weaknesses:

Potential for piston ring land failure under extreme abuse or improper tuning (especially with engine modifications). Crankshaft reluctor wheel issues causing no-start conditions.

Turbocharger Issues:

Bearing failure or seal leaks if oil flow is restricted or oil is not changed regularly.

Transmission Issues:

Gear grinding or popping out of gear can occur with aggressive driving or if fluid is not maintained. Clutch wear is typical with high-performance use.

Differential Issues:

Rear differential can be susceptible to failure under extreme torque or abuse, particularly the AYC unit.

Electrical Issues:

Window regulators, power lock actuators, and the immobilizer system can be prone to failure over time.

Rust Prone Areas:

Wheel arches, rocker panels, and underbody due to road salt and moisture.

📚 Vehicle History

Motorsport Legacy:

Mitsubishi's long and successful history in World Rally Championship (WRC) is the direct inspiration for the Lancer Evolution line.

Generation:

Eighth generation of the Lancer Evolution

Key Changes From Vii:

Revised front bumper for better airflow, larger intercooler, Bilstein shock absorbers, different wheel options, improved interior ergonomics, introduction of the 'Enthusiast Package' (USDM).

Usdm Introduction:

The Evolution VIII marked the first official import of the Lancer Evolution to the United States, albeit in limited numbers and initially as a 2003 model year.

Production Years:

2003-2005

Manufacturing Location:

Mizushima Plant, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan

Production Volume:

Estimated around 8,000-10,000 units globally per year for this generation.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

The Lancer Evolution series, including the Evo VIII, frequently appeared on Car and Driver's 10Best lists in the early 2000s for its exceptional performance and value.

Sport Compact Car Of The Year:

Often lauded by automotive publications as a benchmark in the sport compact segment.

Rally Heritage Impact:

Recognized for its direct lineage to Mitsubishi's WRC rally cars, translating motorsport prowess to the street.