🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mitsubishi

Model:

Lancer Evolution VIII

Model Nickname:

Evo 8

Production Years Covered:

2003-2005

Chassis Code Prefix:

CT9A

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Performance Compact Sedan / Rally Homologation Special

Target Audience:

Enthusiast drivers, performance vehicle owners, tuners, mechanics specializing in performance vehicles

Key Rivals:

Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Ford Focus RS, Honda Civic Type R (later generations), Volkswagen Golf R

Engine Performance:

Legendary 4G63T engine known for its robustness and tuning potential

Drivetrain:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (SAWD) with Active Center Differential (ACD) and Super Active Yaw Control (S-AYC) for exceptional traction and handling

Braking System:

High-performance Brembo brakes as standard equipment

Aerodynamics:

Aggressive aerodynamic package including large rear wing, front lip spoiler, and vented hood

Suspension:

Performance-tuned suspension for sharp handling and track-ready capabilities

📋 Manual Details

Scope:

Comprehensive service, maintenance, and repair for Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII

Estimated Pages:

1000+

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

4G63T (2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4) - Engine assembly, cylinder head, block, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, valve train, timing system, lubrication system, cooling system, intake system, exhaust system

Engine Electrical:

Ignition system, fuel injection system (ECU, sensors, injectors), emissions control, starter motor, alternator, wiring diagrams, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)

Transmission:

6-speed manual transmission (Type R) - Gearbox assembly, clutch system, driveline, transfer case, ACD (Active Center Differential) system, rear differential

Suspension:

Front MacPherson struts, Rear multi-link suspension, anti-roll bars, bushings, alignment specifications

Brakes:

Front Brembo 4-piston calipers, Rear Brembo 2-piston calipers, brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) components and diagnostics

Steering:

Power assisted rack and pinion steering system, steering column, tie rods, steering knuckle

Body And Chassis:

Body construction, panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, exterior trim, interior trim, noise insulation, chassis stiffening components

Electrical And Accessories:

Lighting systems (headlights, taillights, interior), power windows, central locking, climate control system, audio system, instrument cluster, wipers and washers, horn

Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning:

HVAC system components, refrigerant, troubleshooting, repair of evaporator, condenser, blower motor, control panel

Fuel System:

Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel lines, fuel pressure regulator, injectors, fuel system diagnostics

Maintenance:

Routine maintenance schedules, oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, fuel), spark plug replacement, fluid checks and changes (coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, differential fluid), belt inspections and replacement

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic flowcharts for common and uncommon problems, identification of symptoms, root cause analysis for engine performance, electrical faults, transmission issues, brake problems, and HVAC malfunctions

Repair And Rebuild:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, reassembly, and installation. Includes engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, brake caliper rebuilding, suspension component replacement, body panel repair, and electrical component repair.

Diagnostics:

OBD-II diagnostics, sensor testing, actuator testing, live data interpretation, specific diagnostic procedures for the 4G63T engine and related ECUs

Specifications And Tolerances:

Torque specifications for all fasteners, engine clearances, valve lash, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values, and other critical tolerances for accurate repair and assembly.

Depth:

Extremely High - Covers everything from basic scheduled maintenance and fluid changes to complex engine and transmission rebuilds, advanced electrical diagnostics, and bodywork.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text enabled for quick information retrieval

Quality:

High-resolution scans for clear diagrams and text

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

4G63T

Engine Type:

Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve, turbocharged and intercooled

Displacement:

1997 cc (2.0 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

85.0 mm x 88.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

8.8:1

Horsepower SAE Net:

271 hp @ 6500 rpm (US Spec)

Torque SAE Net:

273 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (US Spec)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (SMPI)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)

Turbocharger:

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

🔧 Transmission

Type:

6-speed Manual Transmission

Drivetrain:

All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with Active Center Differential (ACD)

Rear Differential:

Super Active Yaw Control (S-AYC) rear differential

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-4 or GL-5, SAE 75W-90 (refer to manual for specific Mitsubishi recommendations)

Transfer Case Fluid:

Refer to manual for specific Mitsubishi recommendations (often same as trans fluid)

Rear Differential Fluid:

Refer to manual for specific Mitsubishi recommendations (often GL-5 75W-90, check for LSD compatibility if applicable)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4430 mm (174.4 in)

Width:

1770 mm (69.7 in)

Height:

1415 mm (55.7 in)

Wheelbase:

2625 mm (103.3 in)

Front Track:

1510 mm (59.4 in)

Rear Track:

1505 mm (59.3 in)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1450 kg (3197 lbs)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Refer to vehicle VIN plate or manual

Towing Capacity:

Not Applicable (Designed for performance, not towing)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash:

4-Star (for 2004 model year, US)

NHTSA Side Crash:

5-Star (for 2004 model year, US)

IIHS Front Crash:

Good (for 2004 model year, US)

IIHS Side Crash:

Good (for 2004 model year, US)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)

Traction Control:

Active Traction Control (ASC) and Active Stability Control (ASTC) available on some models/regions

Drivetrain Control:

ACD and AYC systems contribute to active safety through enhanced traction and stability

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags, optional side airbags

Seatbelts:

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

Body Structure:

Reinforced body structure with crumple zones and safety cage

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM/CD player, optional premium audio systems by Rockford Fosgate in some markets/trims

Navigation:

Not commonly equipped from the factory; typically aftermarket additions

ABS:

Standard on all models

Stability Control:

Available as Active Stability Control (ASTC) on certain trims/markets

Oem Connectivity:

Limited to basic power outlets and antenna for audio; no integrated Bluetooth or USB from factory

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,750 - 7,500 miles (6,000 - 12,000 km) or 6 months, depending on driving conditions (refer to manual for severe vs. normal)

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (24,000 - 48,000 km) or annually

Fuel Filter Replacement:

Every 30,000 - 45,000 miles (48,000 - 72,000 km)

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (48,000 - 96,000 km) depending on plug type (iridium recommended)

Timing Belt Replacement:

Every 60,000 - 90,000 miles (96,000 - 144,000 km) or 5-7 years (critical component, refer to manual for exact interval and related components like tensioner and water pump)

Engine Oil Type:

Synthetic 5W-30 or 5W-40 recommended (API SN/SP, ACEA A3/B4)

Engine Oil Capacity:

4.5 Liters (4.8 US Quarts) with filter change

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based, long-life, pink/red (Mitsubishi DiaQueen Super Long Life Coolant or equivalent)

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 7.2 Liters (7.6 US Quarts)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (refer to manual for specific recommendations, high-temp fluid recommended for performance driving)

Engine Wear:

Potential for piston ring land failure and oil burning in high-mileage or poorly maintained engines, connecting rod bearing wear

Turbocharger:

Oil seal failure, leading to smoke, or bearing failure due to lack of proper cool-down or lubrication

Clutch:

Wear of the clutch disc and pressure plate, especially under aggressive driving conditions. Clutch fork wear is also noted.

Acd/Ayc:

ACD pump failure, AYC hydraulic system leaks or pump issues can affect AWD performance.

Suspension:

Wear in bushings, ball joints, and wheel bearings, particularly on vehicles used for performance driving or track days.

📚 Vehicle History

Rally Origins:

Direct lineage from Mitsubishi's highly successful World Rally Championship (WRC) program

Evolution Series:

Part of the iconic Lancer Evolution lineage, known for continuous development and performance enhancements

Evo 8 Introduction:

Introduced to global markets, including a significant North American debut

Evo 8 Variants:

GSR, RS (Rally Sport - often stripped down), SE (Special Edition)

Manufacturing Location:

Japan (Mizushima Plant)

Production Period:

2003-2005 (for the Evolution VIII generation)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Performance Acclaim:

Consistently praised by automotive journalists and enthusiasts for its handling, powertrain, and rally-bred performance

Performance Car Of The Year:

Received numerous awards and accolades from automotive publications during its production run, often topping 'best performance car' lists for its segment

Track Capability:

Widely recognized as a capable track day car and autocross competitor in its stock form