Vehicle Type:
Performance Sedan / Rally Homologation Special
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, performance drivers, tuners, and owners seeking in-depth technical knowledge.
Key Competitors:
Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Mitsubishi Lancer (standard variants), other performance AWD sedans of the era.
Powertrain Highlight:
Iconic 4G63T MIVEC engine, Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system.
Aerodynamics:
Aggressive body kit including front bumper, side skirts, rear spoiler, and vortex generators.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing system, lubrication, cooling.
Engine Performance:
Turbocharger system, intercooler, fuel injection, ignition system, emissions control.
Transmission Manual:
Clutch system, gear selection, gearbox internal components, shift linkage.
Transmission Drivetrain:
Transfer case, center differential, rear differential, driveshafts, axles, wheel hubs.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, sway bars, bushings.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, column, tie rods.
Brakes:
Brake system hydraulics, ABS, EBD, brake calipers, rotors, pads, parking brake.
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starter, lighting, accessories, fuses, relays.
ECU Controls:
Engine Control Unit (ECU) functions, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), sensor inputs, actuator outputs.
Body Exterior:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, spoilers, aerodynamic components.
Body Interior:
Dashboard, seats, trim panels, HVAC controls, airbags.
Preventative Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid changes, filter replacements, belt inspections.
Diagnostic Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step troubleshooting guides for various symptoms, diagnostic flowcharts.
Engine Repair:
Engine overhaul procedures, component replacement, timing belt/chain replacement, turbocharger servicing.
Transmission Repair:
Clutch replacement, gearbox overhaul, differential servicing.
Brake System Repair:
Brake pad/rotor replacement, caliper servicing, bleeding procedures, ABS component replacement.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Wiring diagrams, component testing, troubleshooting electrical faults.
Suspension Alignment:
Alignment specifications, adjustment procedures.
Body Repair:
Panel replacement, alignment, minor dent repair procedures.
Torque Specifications:
Detailed torque values for all critical fasteners.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repairs.
Depth Level:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full engine rebuilds and advanced diagnostics)
Diagnostic Capability:
Advanced, including ECU data interpretation and component testing.
Transmission Type:
6-Speed Manual Transmission (Getrag MS053)
Transmission Type:
N/A (Only Manual offered for Evolution IX)
All Wheel Drive:
Mitsubishi Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) with Active Yaw Control (AYC) and Active Center Differential (ACD).
Manual Transmission Fluid Capacity:
2.1 US quarts (2.0 liters)
Transfer Case Fluid Capacity:
0.6 US quarts (0.58 liters)
Rear Differential Fluid Capacity:
1.1 US quarts (1.05 liters)
Manual Transmission Fluid Recommendation:
API GL-4 or GL-5, SAE 75W-90
Transfer Case Fluid Recommendation:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90
Rear Differential Fluid Recommendation:
API GL-5, SAE 80W-90
NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4/5 stars (estimated based on generation)
IIHS Ratings:
Good in frontal offset (estimated based on generation)
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
Traction Control:
Active Traction Control (ATC) and Active Stability Control (ASC)
AWD System:
Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) with multiple driver-selectable modes (Tarmac, Gravel, Snow).
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 chassis and body structure for enhanced crash protection.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 3 months, whichever comes first (under severe driving conditions, recommended)
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km)
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) (platinum/iridium)
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 4 years (critical item, severe duty often necessitates sooner)
Coolant Type:
Mitsubishi DiaQueen Super Long Life Coolant (Green) or equivalent silicate-free, extended-life antifreeze.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Mitsubishi Genuine Power Steering Fluid or Dexron III/Mercon compatible ATF.
Engine Bearing Wear:
Rod bearing wear is a known potential issue, especially with aggressive tuning or insufficient oil maintenance.
Clutch Wear:
Clutch components can wear faster under aggressive driving conditions.
Turbo Charger Reliability:
While generally robust, proper maintenance and avoiding heat soak are crucial for turbo longevity.
Rust Corrosion:
Common for vehicles of this age, particularly in areas exposed to salt and moisture (fender lips, rocker panels, subframes).
Ayc Pump Failure:
The Active Yaw Control pump can be a failure point, leading to dashboard warning lights.
Manufacturer Origin:
Japan
Motorsport Legacy:
Deep roots in World Rally Championship (WRC), contributing to the Lancer Evolution's performance DNA.
Evolution Series Origin:
Began as a homologation special for Group A rally racing in the early 1990s.
Ninth Generation Introduction:
Introduced in 2005 for the 2006 model year, evolving from the eighth generation.
Key Evolution Ix Enhancements:
Updated MIVEC cylinder head for the 4G63 engine, larger turbocharger, revised suspension geometry, Super Active Yaw Control (S-AYC).
Production Period:
2005-2007 (for the Evolution IX generation)
Production Locations:
Mizushima Plant, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan.