🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mitsubishi

Model:

Lancer Evolution

Year:

2003

Generation Code:

VII (CT9A)

Chassis Code:

CT9A

Engine Code:

4G63 (or variants like 4G63T)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Performance Compact Sedan / Rally Homologation Special

Key Competitors:

Subaru Impreza WRX, Honda Civic Type R (some markets), Ford Focus RS

Vehicle Features:

All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with Active Center Differential (ACD), turbocharged engine, aggressive aerodynamic styling, performance-tuned suspension.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Service, Repair, Maintenance, Restoration

Secondary Coverage:

Diagnostics, Troubleshooting, Electrical Schematics, Bodywork

Estimated Page Count:

1000+

Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable (likely PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

4G63T DOHC Turbocharged, Engine Mechanical, Fuel System, Ignition System, Emission Control System, Cooling System, Lubrication System

Transmission:

Manual Transmission (5-speed or 6-speed depending on market/variant), Clutch System, Drive Axles, Transfer Case, Active Center Differential (ACD)

Suspension Steering:

Front McPherson Strut, Rear Multi-link, Power Steering System, Wheel Alignment Specifications

Brakes:

Front Ventilated Discs, Rear Discs, ABS System, Brake Fluid Specifications

Electrical:

Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting System, Audio System, Power Windows, Power Locks, ECU, Sensors, Wiring Diagrams, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)

Bodywork:

Exterior Panels, Interior Trim, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Bumpers, Chassis Structure, Sealing

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning System, Refrigerant Specifications

Maintenance:

Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement, Fluid Level Checks, Belt Inspections, Coolant Flush

Diagnostics:

Symptom-based troubleshooting, DTC interpretation, Component testing

Repair:

Engine rebuild, Transmission overhaul, Suspension component replacement, Brake caliper servicing, Electrical component repair

Restoration:

Component identification for restoration, detailed disassembly and reassembly steps

Depth:

Comprehensive: From basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and torque specifications.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF (likely optimized for digital viewing and printing)

Quality Description:

High-resolution scans of original factory documents, ensuring clarity of diagrams and text.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Inline 4-Cylinder, DOHC, 16-Valve, Turbocharged and Intercooled

Engine Code:

4G63T

Displacement:

2.0 Liters (1997 cc)

Horsepower Est Ps:

271-280 PS (Varies by market, e.g., JDM vs. USDM)

Torque Est Nm:

370-380 Nm (Varies by market)

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI), Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane)

Coolant Type:

Mitsubishi DiaQueen Super Long Life Coolant (or equivalent silicate-free ethylene glycol)

Oil Type Est:

SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 Synthetic

Oil Capacity Est Liters:

4.5 - 5.0 Liters (with filter)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

6-Speed Manual (Getrag 233)

Transmission Type:

5-Speed Manual (older variants/some markets)

Drivetrain:

All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with ACD

Manual Transmission Fluid Type:

API GL-4 or GL-5, SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil

Manual Transmission Fluid Capacity Liters:

2.2 - 2.5 Liters (approx.)

📐 Dimensions

Length Mm:

4450

Width Mm:

1770

Height Mm:

1415

Wheelbase Mm:

2600

Curb Weight Kg Est:

1450 - 1500 kg

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Kg Est:

1900 kg

Cargo Volume Liters:

Approximately 300 Liters (trunk)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rating Usdm 2003:

Not typically rated by NHTSA in a comprehensive manner due to low volume and specialty nature. Focus on engineering for performance.

Active Safety Systems:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Active Center Differential (ACD), Super AYC (Active Yaw Control - on some variants/markets)

Passive Safety Features:

Front Airbags, Side Airbags (optional/market dependent), Three-Point Seatbelts, Reinforced Chassis Structure

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System Description:

Basic factory audio system (AM/FM/CD player), often with speaker upgrades possible.

Driver Assistance Features:

ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is primary. Limited electronic driver aids compared to modern vehicles.

Connectivity Options:

No Bluetooth or integrated smartphone connectivity from factory. Aftermarket solutions common.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval Km Or Months:

7,500 km or 6 months (whichever comes first, with synthetic oil)

Spark Plug Replacement Km:

96,000 km (iridium type)

Timing Belt Replacement Km Or Years:

105,000 km or 7 years (whichever comes first) - CRITICAL MAINTENANCE ITEM

Coolant Flush Interval Km Or Years:

100,000 km or 5 years

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Power Steering Fluid Type:

Mitsubishi ATF SP-III or equivalent Dexron III compatible fluid

Common Issues:

Cracked cylinder head due to heat/over-boosting, turbocharger wear, clutch wear, ACD pump failure, differential issues if not maintained.

Recommended Upgrades For Reliability:

Performance intercooler, upgraded radiator, improved cooling system, robust engine management tuning, regular differential fluid changes.

📚 Vehicle History

Motorsport Legacy:

Direct lineage from Mitsubishi's rally heritage, specifically the Lancer Evolution's dominance in the World Rally Championship (WRC).

Generation Notes:

The 2003 model represents the Lancer Evolution VII (CT9A chassis), an evolution of the highly successful Evo VI. It introduced chassis improvements, electronic AWD management (ACD), and styling updates.

Manufacturing Location:

Japan

Production Years For Model:

2001-2003 (Evo VII)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Awards And Accolades:

Consistently praised by automotive journalists for its handling, performance, and rally-bred capabilities. Considered a benchmark in its class for decades.