Positioning:
High-performance compact sports sedan, celebrated for its rally-bred pedigree and advanced all-wheel-drive system.
Competitors:
Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Honda Civic Type R (later generations), Ford Focus RS.
Performance Focus:
Iconic 4G63 engine, sophisticated AWD with ACD and AYC, potent braking, and stiff chassis.
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, performance drivers, motorsport participants, and DIY mechanics seeking in-depth knowledge.
Purpose:
Essential resource for maintaining, diagnosing, and repairing the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII.
Engines Covered:
4G63 (2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4)
Trim Levels Covered:
All US Market Trim Levels (e.g., GSR, MR)
Transmissions Covered:
6-speed Manual Transmission
Type:
Workshop Repair Service Manual
Powertrain:
Engine Mechanical, Fuel System, Ignition System, Exhaust System, Turbocharger System
Drivetrain:
Manual Transmission, Transfer Case, Front Differential, Rear Differential, ACD (Active Center Differential), Super AYC (Active Yaw Control)
Chassis:
Suspension System (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brake System (ABS, EBD)
Electrical:
Engine Control Module (ECM), Body Control Module (BCM), Lighting, Instrumentation, Audio System, Power Accessories, Wiring Diagrams
Body:
Exterior Panels, Interior Trim, Climate Control System, Safety Restraints (Airbags)
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks and Replacements
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Guides, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Common Issues and Solutions
Repair:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake Service, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Replacement
Specifications:
Torque Specifications, Clearances, Timing Specifications, Component Dimensions
Special Tools:
Required Special Tools for Specific Repairs and Adjustments
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic fluid changes to full engine/transmission rebuilds)
Displacement:
2.0 Liters (1997cc)
Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve, turbocharged
Horsepower Usdm:
271 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque Usdm:
273 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
Induction:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) with Mitsubishi TD05HR-16G turbocharger and intercooler
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded (91 octane or higher recommended)
Coolant Type:
Mitsubishi DiaQueen Super Long Life Coolant (Green) or equivalent
Ignition Type:
Electronic Ignition (Distributorless Twin-Ignition Coil System)
Type:
6-speed Manual Transmission (F5M51)
Type:
N/A (Evo VIII USDM was exclusively manual)
Drivetrain Layout:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with Active Center Differential (ACD)
Rear Differential:
Helical Limited-Slip Differential (LSD) or Active Yaw Control (AYC) depending on trim/spec
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4 or GL-5, SAE 75W-90 (Check manual for specific Mitsubishi recommendation)
Acd Fluid:
Mitsubishi Genuine ACD Fluid (or equivalent spec DEXRON III/VI)
Ayc Fluid:
Mitsubishi Genuine AYC Fluid (or equivalent spec DEXRON III/VI)
NHTSA Frontal Driver:
5 Stars (for models equipped with side airbags)
NHTSA Frontal Passenger:
4 Stars
IIHS Front Offset:
Good (for models equipped with side airbags)
ABS:
Yes, with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
Traction Control:
Yes (AYC/ACD system contributes)
Airbags:
Driver and Front Passenger Airbags, Optional Side Curtain Airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts with pretensioners
Structural Enhancements:
Reinforced chassis for rigidity and impact resistance.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD player, optional Rockford Fosgate premium audio system.
Display:
Digital odometer, trip computer, external temperature display.
Acd:
Active Center Differential (ACD) with driver-selectable modes (Tarmac, Gravel, Snow).
Ayc:
Active Yaw Control (AYC) for enhanced cornering stability (standard on some trims, optional on others).
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD).
Original Features:
Limited by 2003 standards; no factory Bluetooth or USB connectivity.
Oil Change:
Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (under severe driving conditions, recommended)
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 7,500 miles (12,000 km), replace as needed
Cabin Air Filter:
Replace every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months
Spark Plugs:
Replace every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) (Iridium type recommended)
Timing Belt:
Replace every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years (Crucial component, failure is catastrophic)
Engine Oil:
5W-30 Synthetic (API SN or higher, ILSAC GF-5 or higher), Capacity: 4.5 US quarts (4.3 L) with filter
Coolant:
Mitsubishi DiaQueen Super Long Life Coolant (Green) or equivalent (50/50 mix), Capacity: Approx. 7.8 US quarts (7.4 L)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Engine:
Head gasket failures (especially with aggressive tuning), turbocharger wear, valve stem seals.
Drivetrain:
ACD pump failure, clutch wear, rear differential bearing noise.
Chassis:
Subframe rust, wheel bearing premature wear, bushing degradation.
Electrical:
Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor issues, idle air control (IAC) valve problems.
Motorsport Link:
Direct lineage from Mitsubishi's World Rally Championship (WRC) success.
Eighth Generation:
Represents the first generation of the Lancer Evolution officially sold in the United States.
Key Upgrades From Evo Vii:
Revised front bumper, HID headlights, optional Recaro seats, larger intercooler, revised AYC system for some models.
Production Years Globally:
2001-2003
Us Market Introduction:
2003
Factory:
Mizushima Plant, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan