🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mitsubishi

Model:

Lancer Evolution IV, V, VI

Common Name:

Evo IV, Evo V, Evo VI, Lancer Evo

Chassis Codes:

CN9A (Evo IV), CP9A (Evo V, Evo VI)

Generation Covered:

Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Generations of Lancer Evolution

Engine Codes:

4G63 (2.0L DOHC Turbocharged MIVEC/MPI)

Transmission Codes:

W5M51 (Manual), F4A51 (Automatic - less common for performance variants)

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IV-VI are iconic rally-bred performance sedans, renowned for their advanced four-wheel-drive systems (including AYC), turbocharged engines, and exceptional handling. They occupy a significant niche in the enthusiast automotive market, bridging the gap between streetable performance and motorsport pedigree.

Competitive Analysis:

Competed against performance variants of Subaru Impreza WRX/STI, Ford Escort Cosworth, and other homologation specials of its era. The Evo series differentiated itself with its sophisticated AYC system and a powerful, highly tunable 4G63 engine.

Key Features:

Four-wheel drive with Active Yaw Control (AYC), turbocharged 4G63 engine, advanced intercooler and cooling systems, robust chassis, rally-inspired aerodynamics, performance braking systems, and a focus on driver engagement.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

All models and engines within the specified 1997-1999 Lancer Evolution IV-V-VI range.

Page Count:

Typically over 1000 pages (indicative for comprehensive workshop manuals).

Manual Type:

Workshop Repair Service Manual

Language:

English (assumed for sale in primary markets, official manuals often multi-lingual)

Format:

Digital (PDF) - common for modern sales, or Printed Booklet.

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine Mechanical, Engine Control System (MPI/ECU), Fuel System, Ignition System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Exhaust System, Turbocharger System, Transmission (Manual & Automatic), Drivetrain (All-Wheel Drive, AYC - Active Yaw Control), Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Braking System (including ABS), Electrical System (Wiring Diagrams, Components), Body & Chassis, HVAC System, Emissions Control, Diagnostic Procedures, Troubleshooting Guides.

Procedures Included:

Routine Maintenance, Scheduled Service, Engine Tune-up, Component Removal & Installation, Overhaul Procedures, Diagnosis of Faults, Repair Techniques, Electrical Component Testing, Suspension Alignment, Brake System Bleeding, Turbocharger Rebuild, AYC System Calibration, Wiring Harness Repair, Body Panel Replacement, Interior Trim Removal.

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic fluid changes and inspections to full engine and transmission rebuilds, advanced electrical diagnostics, and chassis component overhauls. Includes torque specifications, clearances, timing procedures, and diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF (Searchable Text, Printable Pages)

Print Quality:

High-resolution scans or professionally formatted digital files, ensuring clarity of diagrams and text.

Binding Type:

N/A (for digital) / Professional coil binding or comb binding (for physical copies) for lay-flat usability in a workshop.

Paper Type:

N/A (for digital) / High-quality, durable paper suitable for workshop environments (for physical copies).

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve, turbocharged, intercooled, EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection)

Engine Code:

4G63

Displacement:

1997 cc (2.0 Liters)

Horsepower Evo Iv:

280 PS (276 hp) @ 6,500 rpm (JDM spec, often limited by gentlemen's agreement)

Torque Evo Iv:

34.8 kgf·m (341 Nm / 252 lb-ft) @ 5,000 rpm (JDM spec)

Horsepower Evo V Vi:

280 PS (276 hp) @ 6,500 rpm (JDM spec, minor increases in torque).

Torque Evo V Vi:

35.2 kgf·m (345 Nm / 254 lb-ft) @ 5,000 rpm (Evo V JDM), 37.5 kgf·m (368 Nm / 272 lb-ft) @ 5,000 rpm (Evo VI JDM)

Redline:

Approx. 7,000 rpm

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Premium Gasoline (95 RON or higher recommended)

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI), Bosch Motronic or similar ECU for engine management.

Ignition System:

Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with coil-on-plug or coil-near-plug ignition.

Engine Control Unit:

ECU controlling fuel, ignition, boost pressure, and AYC.

Turbocharger Model:

Mitsubishi TD05HR-16G (Evo IV), TD05HA-16G (Evo V), TD05HRA-16G (Evo VI, some versions with titanium-CFRP turbine wheel)

Intercooler:

Front-mounted, large capacity air-to-air intercooler.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

5-speed Manual Transmission

Transmission Code Manual:

W5M51

Transmission Type Optional:

4-speed Automatic Transmission (less common on performance models)

Transmission Code Automatic:

F4A51

Drivetrain:

All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with Active Yaw Control (AYC) for enhanced cornering stability and agility.

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically actuated, single dry plate clutch.

Gear Ratios Manual:

Specific ratios vary by model year but are designed for performance acceleration and high-speed cruising. (Manual section will detail these).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 4,350 mm (171.3 in)

Width:

Approx. 1,770 mm (69.7 in)

Height:

Approx. 1,415 mm (55.7 in)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2,600 mm (102.4 in)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1,400 - 1,470 kg (3,086 - 3,241 lbs), depending on specification and model year.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Specified in manual, typically around 1,800 kg.

Trunk Volume:

Limited by AWD components and chassis design, typically around 350-400 liters.

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Ratings:

As these vehicles predate widespread standardized crash testing for performance cars, specific ratings (e.g., NHTSA, Euro NCAP) may not be directly comparable or available. The manual will detail the structural design and safety systems.

Active Safety Features:

Four-Wheel Drive, Active Yaw Control (AYC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Limited-Slip Differential (LSD) in some configurations, performance-tuned suspension for stability.

Passive Safety Features:

Reinforced chassis structure, driver and passenger airbags (standard or optional depending on market/year), three-point seatbelts with pre-tensioners, energy-absorbing steering column.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Basic factory fitted audio systems (radio/cassette or CD player), often with speaker upgrades. Limited by era's technology standards.

Driver Assistance Features:

Primary focus on mechanical driver aids: advanced AWD, AYC, and ABS. No electronic stability control (ESC) or traction control (TCL) systems were standard on these models.

Connectivity Features:

No integrated Bluetooth, USB, or smartphone connectivity. Auxiliary inputs may be present on later units.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or 6-12 months, whichever comes first. Performance driving may necessitate more frequent changes.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Typically every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km), depending on plug type (e.g., iridium recommended for longevity).

Timing Belt Replacement:

Every 60,000-90,000 miles (96,000-144,000 km) or 5-7 years. Crucial due to interference engine design.

Coolant Flush:

Every 2-3 years or 30,000-45,000 miles (48,000-72,000 km).

Transmission Fluid Change:

Manual: Every 30,000-50,000 miles (48,000-80,000 km). Automatic: More frequent, often 30,000 miles (48,000 km).

Engine Oil Type:

API SG/SH or higher. Viscosity: 10W-30, 10W-40, or 5W-40 (depending on climate). Full synthetic recommended for performance use.

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 4.5 Liters (4.8 US Quarts) with filter change.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based, Japanese long-life coolant. Mitsubishi DiaQueen Super Long Life Coolant (SLLC) or equivalent.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, 75W-90 or 75W-85 viscosity (specific Mitsubishi recommendation often DiaQueen LSD Gear Oil).

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Dexron III or equivalent ATF.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4, high-temperature racing fluid recommended for performance applications.

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF Dexron II or III, or specific Mitsubishi power steering fluid.

Known Issues Engine:

Piston ring land failure (especially with aggressive tuning/abuse), head gasket issues (due to high boost pressures), turbocharger wear, spark plug blow-out (less common in stock form), and crank angle sensor failures.

Known Issues Drivetrain:

AYC pump failures, AYC hydraulic line leaks, differential wear (especially center diff under high load), clutch wear, and gearbox synchro issues.

Known Issues Suspension:

Wear in control arm bushings, ball joints, and wheel bearings; rear strut top mounts can fail.

Known Issues Electrical:

Corrosion in engine bay connectors, failing power window regulators, and intermittent issues with dashboard warning lights or sensors.

Part Number Example Oil Filter:

MD342832 (for many 4G63 applications, though specific models may have variations).

Part Number Example Timing Belt:

13077AA160 (Subaru timing belt for EJ20, example for comparison; Mitsubishi specific part numbers are detailed in the manual).

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Mitsubishi Motors has a strong heritage in motorsport, particularly in the World Rally Championship (WRC), where the Lancer Evolution series achieved legendary status. This lineage heavily influenced the design and engineering of these road-going performance vehicles.

Model Evolution:

The Evo IV introduced a completely new chassis and styling compared to the Evo III. The Evo V featured widened bodywork, larger wheels, and suspension revisions for improved handling. The Evo VI introduced a revised turbocharger (some with titanium impellers), improved cooling, and different front-end styling, along with the RS Evolution VI Tommi Mäkinen Edition variant.

Production Years:

Evo IV: 1996-1997; Evo V: 1998-1999; Evo VI: 1999-2001.

Manufacturing Location:

Mizushima Plant, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Rally Success:

The Lancer Evolution's direct lineage from WRC-winning cars (driven by drivers like Tommi Mäkinen) is its most significant award and testament to its engineering prowess. The Evo VI Tommi Mäkinen Edition specifically commemorates his WRC championships.

Performance Car Ratings:

Consistently ranked among the top performance cars of its era by automotive journalists and publications for its handling, acceleration, and driver feedback. Often lauded for its 'analog' feel.