Market Position:
Iconic rally-bred performance sedan, positioned as a highly capable and tunable street-legal sports car
Competitors:
Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Ford Focus RS, Honda Civic Type R, Volkswagen Golf R
Key Features Vehicle:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, turbocharged 4G63 engine, advanced active center differential (ACD) and active yaw control (AYC), Brembo brakes, robust chassis
Regions Covered:
Global (specific to Lancer Evolution VIII/IX variants)
Page Count:
Approximately 2000+ pages (typical for a complete factory service manual)
Manual Type:
Factory Service Manual (FSM)
Completeness:
Factory-level detail for all mechanical and electrical systems
Engine:
4G63 (2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4)
Engine Management:
ECU, sensors, actuators, ignition, fuel injection
Drivetrain:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system (ACD, AYC), transfer case
Transmission:
5-speed Manual (G5M31), 6-speed Manual (Getrag Type)
Brakes:
Front Brembo 4-piston calipers, Rear Brembo 2-piston calipers, ABS, EBD
Suspension:
Front MacPherson struts, Rear multi-link independent suspension
Steering:
Power assisted rack and pinion
Electrical:
Complete wiring diagrams, fuse box locations, component testing
Body:
Exterior panels, interior trim, glass, seals
HVAC:
Air conditioning, heating, ventilation
Safety Systems:
Airbags, seatbelts
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation, component testing
Repair:
Engine rebuilds, transmission overhaul, brake system repair, suspension component replacement, electrical system repairs
Installation:
Component installation and replacement procedures
Adjustment:
Wheel alignment, clutch adjustment, handbrake adjustment
Depth:
Comprehensive: from basic fluid checks to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including electronic diagnostics and wiring schematics
Engine Type:
2.0L DOHC Turbocharged Inline-4 MIVEC
Bore X Stroke:
85.0 mm x 88.0 mm
Power Hp:
271-291 hp (depending on market and trim)
Torque Lb Ft:
273-295 lb-ft (depending on market and trim)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Premium (91 octane or higher recommended)
ECU Part Number Example:
MD364370 (example for Evolution VIII)
Transmission Type:
6-speed Manual (Getrag Type, MR models)
Transmission Type Optional:
5-speed Manual (G5M31, standard models)
Drivetrain Configuration:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (SAWD)
AWD System:
Active Center Differential (ACD) with driver-selectable modes (Tarmac, Gravel, Snow)
AWD System Rear:
Active Yaw Control (AYC) or Super AYC (on some MR models)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4 or GL-5, viscosity SAE 75W-90 (check manual for specific OEM recommendations)
Transfer Case Fluid:
API GL-4, viscosity SAE 75W-90 (check manual for specific OEM recommendations)
Manual Transmission Capacity:
Approx. 2.1 Liters (4-speed) / 2.3 Liters (5/6-speed) - verify with manual
Length:
4490 mm (176.8 in)
Height:
1415 mm (55.7 in)
Wheelbase:
2625 mm (103.3 in)
Track Width Front:
1515 mm (59.6 in)
Track Width Rear:
1505 mm (59.3 in)
Curb Weight:
Approximately 1400-1500 kg (3086-3307 lbs) depending on trim and options
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 1850 kg (4079 lbs) - check manual for exact figure
Towing Capacity:
Not specified/recommended
Cargo Volume:
Approx. 0.30 m³ (10.6 cu ft)
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (for Evolution IX, specific testing may vary by year/region)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good (for Evolution IX, specific testing may vary by year/region)
Active Safety Systems:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Active Center Differential (ACD), Active Yaw Control (AYC/Super AYC)
Passive Safety Features:
Driver and front passenger airbags, side curtain airbags (on some models), reinforced chassis construction, front and rear crumple zones, three-point seatbelts with pretensioners
Infotainment System:
Basic AM/FM/CD audio system (upgrades available from factory and aftermarket), optional Rockford Fosgate premium audio system
Instrument Cluster:
Digital odometer, trip meter, engine temperature gauge, boost gauge (on some models/trims), tachometer, speedometer
Driver Assistance Features:
ABS, EBD, ACD, AYC/Super AYC, limited traction control (on some models)
Connectivity Options:
Limited; typically standard audio features, no Bluetooth or USB in base models, aftermarket solutions common.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles or 6 months (severe duty/performance driving), 7,500 miles or 12 months (normal driving) - consult manual for exact mileage/time
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months (or sooner if conditions warrant)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles depending on plug type (Iridium recommended)
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles or 5 years (critical component)
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 Synthetic (API SN/SN Plus or ILSAC GF-5/GF-6 rated, check manual for specific OEM API classification)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 Liters (4.8 US Quarts) with filter change - verify with manual
Coolant Type:
Mitsubishi DiaQueen Super Long Life Coolant (SLLC) or equivalent (Ethylene Glycol based, pink color)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual for specific recommendation)
Common Issues:
Head gasket failures (especially on earlier models/heavily modified), turbocharger wear/failure, clutch wear, differential issues (ACD/AYC), rusting in certain climates
Maintenance Tips:
Regularly inspect for coolant and oil leaks, maintain strict adherence to service intervals (especially timing belt), use high-quality synthetic oils, consider upgraded cooling systems for high-performance use.
Brand Heritage Motorsport:
Mitsubishi has a rich history in motorsport, particularly in the World Rally Championship (WRC), with the Lancer Evolution series being a direct beneficiary of this development.
Evolution Viii Launch:
Introduced to North America for the 2003 model year, marking a significant expansion for the model's global reach.
Evolution Ix Launch:
Launched for the 2006 model year (based on 2005 production), featuring the MIVEC engine technology for improved performance and emissions.
Production Era:
2003-2005 (for this specific manual coverage, representing Evo VIII and Evo IX)
Manufacturing Plant:
Mizushima Plant, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan