Segment:
Performance Compact Sedan / Rally Homologation Special
Target Audience:
Enthusiast owners, performance tuners, independent workshops specializing in Mitsubishi vehicles
Competitors:
Subaru WRX STI, Ford Focus RS, Honda Civic Type R (later generations)
Distinguishing Features:
Advanced AWD system with ACD and S-AYC, powerful 4G63T engine, rally-bred performance, robust chassis
Manual Value Proposition:
Essential resource for maintaining and repairing the highly complex and performance-oriented Evo IX, saving on dealership labor costs and enabling enthusiasts to perform their own work.
Engine:
4G63T 2.0L MIVEC Turbocharged, Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emissions, engine electrical
Transmission:
6-speed Manual (New Venture Gear NV3500), clutch system, transmission overhaul, transfer case, propeller shaft
Drivetrain:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with Active Center Differential (ACD), Super Active Yaw Control (S-AYC), differentials (front, rear), driveshafts, hubs
Suspension:
MacPherson strut front, multi-link rear, springs, shock absorbers, bushings, sway bars, alignment specifications
Brakes:
Front Brembo 4-piston calipers, Rear Brembo 2-piston calipers, ABS, EBD, brake hydraulics, pad/rotor replacement, bleeding procedures
Steering:
Power assisted rack and pinion, steering column, linkage, fluid specifications
Electrical:
Complete wiring diagrams, fuse box layouts, relay locations, battery, alternator, starter, lighting, accessories, ECU diagnostics
Body And Chassis:
Body panel removal/installation, interior trim, glass, doors, bumpers, chassis components, rust prevention
HVAC:
Air conditioning system, heater core, ventilation, blower motor, refrigerant handling
Restraint Systems:
Airbags, seatbelts, SRS system diagnostics
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, spark plug replacement, timing belt inspection/replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting guides, electrical system diagnostics
Repair:
Engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake system repair, electrical component repair
Diagnostics:
OBD-II diagnostics, specific system diagnostic procedures, ECU flashing/reprogramming information
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values
Rebuilding:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for complete engine and transmission rebuilds with exploded views
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced diagnostics and troubleshooting
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
Horsepower Usdm:
286 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque Usdm:
289 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
Horsepower Jdm Eedm:
290 PS (approx. 286 hp) @ 6500 rpm
Torque Jdm Eedm:
392 Nm (approx. 289 lb-ft) @ 3500 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with Sequential Turbo
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, premium (91+ octane recommended)
Turbocharger:
MHI TD05H-15G (or similar variant)
Intercooler:
Air-to-air front-mounted (FMIC)
NHTSA Front Crash:
Likely 4-star (based on typical performance of the era and platform)
IIHS Side Impact:
Likely Acceptable or Good (based on typical performance of the era and platform)
ABS:
Yes, with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
Traction Control:
Yes, Active Traction Control (ATC)
Stability Control:
No dedicated Electronic Stability Control (ESC) on most USDM models, but ACD/AYC provide dynamic stability
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags, side airbags (optional/specific trims)
Seatbelts:
Three-point front and rear seatbelts with pre-tensioners and load limiters
Body Structure:
Reinforced chassis and body structure for rally homologation requirements
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD audio system with optional Rockford Fosgate premium sound
Gauges:
Driver-focused dashboard with boost gauge, oil pressure gauge, volt meter (depending on trim)
Traction Control:
Standard, Active Traction Control (ATC)
AWD Features:
Active Center Differential (ACD) and Super Active Yaw Control (S-AYC) are key technological highlights
Bluetooth:
Not standard on most models, aftermarket integration common
Usb:
Not standard, aftermarket integration common
Oil Change:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (severe duty: 3,000 miles)
Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed
Spark Plugs:
Replace every 30,000-60,000 miles depending on plug type (iridium recommended)
Timing Belt:
Inspect every 60,000 miles, recommended replacement every 105,000 miles or 7 years
Engine Oil:
API SG or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 (synthetic recommended for performance driving)
Coolant:
Mitsubishi Super Long Life Coolant (or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant)
Transmission Fluid Mt:
API GL-3 or GL-4, SAE 75W-90 (manual transmission)
Transfer Case Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90
Rear Differential Fluid:
API GL-5, SAE 80W-90 (LS/LSD type for models with limited slip differential)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Engine Wear:
Valve stem seals, piston ring wear (especially on high-mileage or poorly maintained examples), turbocharger wear
Transmission Wear:
Bearing wear in 6-speed gearbox, synchro issues (less common but possible)
Suspected Issues:
ACD pump failure, AYC sensor issues, differential seal leaks, rear subframe cracking (rare but documented)
Motorsport Legacy:
Direct descendant of Mitsubishi's highly successful World Rally Championship (WRC) Lancer Evolution models
Previous Generations:
Evolution I through VIII, each progressively refined based on rally feedback
Evolution Ix Advancements:
MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control) system on the 4G63 engine, lighter aluminum engine block, revised turbocharger, improved ACD and S-AYC systems, 6-speed manual transmission, updated aero and interior
Production Years:
2005-2007
Manufacturing Plant:
Mizushima Plant, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan
Key Markets:
Japan, North America (USDM, EUDM), Europe, Australia, Asia