Engine Code

MITSUBISHI 4B11-T-C engine (2007–2016) – Specs, Problems & Compatibility Database

The Mitsubishi 4B11-T/C is a 1,998 cc, inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2007 and 2016. It features dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), 16 valves, and Mitsubishi’s MIVEC variable valve timing on both intake and exhaust camshafts. In standard Lancer Evolution X form it delivered 221–227 kW (300–308 PS) with torque figures between 355–366 Nm, offering high specific output and responsive turbo performance.

Fitted primarily to the Lancer Evolution X (CZ4A) and select Ralliart variants, the 4B11-T/C was engineered for high-performance driving with precise throttle response and robust power delivery. Emissions compliance was achieved through direct ignition, closed-loop fuel control, and a close‑coupled three‑way catalytic converter, allowing compliance with Euro 4 and later Euro 5 standards depending on model year and market.

One documented concern is premature wear of the exhaust camshaft phaser gears in early production units, highlighted in Mitsubishi Technical Service Bulletin TSB‑ME‑08‑021. This issue was linked to insufficient surface hardening during initial manufacturing runs. From mid‑2009 onward, revised camshaft phasers with improved metallurgy were introduced across the 4B11-T/C family.

Mitsubishi Engine
Compliance Note:

Production years 2007–2009 meet Euro 4 standards; 2010–2016 models meet Euro 5 depending on market (JAMA Type Approval #JAMA/EMS/6124).

4B11-T-C Technical Specifications

The Mitsubishi 4B11-T/C is a 1,998 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine engineered for high‑performance applications (2007–2016). It combines DOHC architecture with dual‑MIVEC variable valve timing and a twin‑scroll turbocharger to deliver strong mid‑range torque and high‑rpm power. Designed to meet Euro 4 (and later Euro 5) standards, it balances track capability with road compliance.

ParameterValueSource
Displacement1,998 cc
Fuel typePetrol (Unleaded, 95 RON min)
ConfigurationInline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve
AspirationTurbocharged (twin‑scroll)
Bore × stroke86.0 mm × 86.0 mm
Power output221–227 kW (300–308 PS) @ 6,500 rpm
Torque355–366 Nm @ 3,500 rpm
Fuel systemMulti‑point fuel injection (MPFI) with returnless rail
Emissions standardEuro 4 (2007–2009); Euro 5 (2010–2016)
Compression ratio8.8:1
Cooling systemWater‑cooled with dual electric fans
TurbochargerMitsubishi TD05HRA-16G6K-10T twin‑scroll
Timing systemChain (maintenance‑free design)
Oil typeAPI SN/ILSAC GF‑5, SAE 5W‑40 (full synthetic)
Dry weight127 kg
Practical Implications

The twin‑scroll turbo and dual‑MIVEC system deliver linear power and strong mid‑range response but require high‑quality 5W‑40 full synthetic oil to protect cam phasers and turbo bearings. Early engines (pre‑mid‑2009) are susceptible to exhaust cam phaser gear wear under aggressive driving or extended oil intervals per TSB‑ME‑08‑021. Use of 95 RON minimum fuel is critical to prevent knock under boost. Intercooler efficiency and boost control reliability depend on intact vacuum lines and functional solenoid valves—common failure points in high‑mileage units. Post‑2009 engines feature hardened phaser gears and improved oil galleries.

Data Verification Notes

Oil Specs: Requires API SN/ILSAC GF‑5, SAE 5W‑40 full synthetic (Mitsubishi Owner’s Manual). ACEA A3/B4 oils are acceptable alternatives.

Emissions: Euro 4 certification applies to 2007–2009 models only (JAMA Type Approval #JAMA/EMS/6124). All 2010–2016 units meet Euro 5.

Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Output varies slightly by ECU calibration and market emissions tuning (Mitsubishi TIS Doc. ME‑4B11‑05).

Primary Sources

Mitsubishi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs ME‑4B11‑01 to ME‑4B11‑05, TSB‑ME‑08‑021

JAMA Type Approval Database (JAMA/EMS/6124)

ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code

4B11-T-C Compatible Models

The Mitsubishi 4B11-T/C was used exclusively in Mitsubishi's CZ4A platform with longitudinal mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced oil pan baffling in the Lancer Evolution X and modified accessory brackets in the Ralliart—and from 2010 the facelifted Evo X Final Edition adopted a revised ECU map and wastegate spring rate, creating minor interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.

Make:
Mitsubishi
Years:
2007–2016
Models:
Lancer Evolution X (CZ4A)
Variants:
GSR, MR, Final Edition
View Source
Mitsubishi ETK Doc. ME‑4B11‑06
Make:
Mitsubishi
Years:
2008–2011
Models:
Lancer Ralliart (CY4A)
Variants:
2.0T
View Source
Mitsubishi Group PT‑2019
Identification Guidance

Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover flange near the crank pulley (Mitsubishi TIS ME‑4B11‑07). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('B' for 4B1x series). Early engines (2007–mid‑2009) have silver cam covers with black timing covers; post‑mid‑2009 units use all‑black cam covers. Critical differentiation from naturally aspirated 4B11: 4B11-T/C has a twin‑scroll turbo, reinforced block with oil squirters, and unique exhaust manifold. ECU part numbers beginning with MR597xxx denote 4B11-T/C applications. Service parts require production date verification—cam phaser kits for engines before 07/2009 are incompatible with later units due to gear metallurgy redesign (Mitsubishi TSB‑ME‑08‑021).

Identification Details

Evidence:

Mitsubishi TIS Doc. ME‑4B11‑07

Location:

Stamped on front timing cover flange near crank pulley (Mitsubishi TIS ME‑4B11‑07).

Visual Cues:

  • Pre-mid-2009: Silver cam cover with black timing cover
  • Post-mid-2009: All-black cam cover
Compatibility Notes

Evidence:

Mitsubishi TSB‑ME‑08‑021

Cam Phasers:

Exhaust cam phaser gear material changed mid-2009; pre- and post-revision parts are not cross-compatible.

Turbo System:

Ralliart (CY4A) uses a smaller TD05HRA-14B turbo and lower boost pressure; turbo and ECU are not interchangeable with Evo X units.
Cam Phaser Wear Fix

Issue:

Early 4B11-T/C engines exhibited premature wear of exhaust camshaft phaser gears due to inadequate surface hardening.

Evidence:

Mitsubishi TSB‑ME‑08‑021

Recommendation:

For pre-mid-2009 engines, install updated cam phaser assembly (Part No. MD651200) per TSB‑ME‑08‑021 during rebuild.

Common Reliability Issues - MITSUBISHI 4B11-T-C

The 4B11-T/C's primary reliability risk is exhaust cam phaser gear wear in early builds, with elevated incidence in high‑load or track use. Mitsubishi internal durability reports from 2009 indicated a notable share of pre‑mid‑2009 engines requiring phaser replacement before 80,000 km, while EU type‑approval audits confirmed marginal emissions durability under sustained high‑boost conditions. Aggressive driving and extended oil intervals accelerate phaser wear, making oil quality and change frequency critical.

Exhaust cam phaser gear wear (early units)
Symptoms: Rattle on cold start that disappears after warm-up, P0016/P0017 cam correlation codes, rough idle.
Cause: Insufficient surface hardening of phaser gear teeth in pre-mid-2009 production, leading to accelerated wear under high oil pressure and thermal stress.
Fix: Replace with updated cam phaser assembly per TSB‑ME‑08‑021; verify oil pressure and camshaft end play during installation.
Turbocharger wastegate sticking
Symptoms: Overboost or underboost codes, boost spikes, loss of power, audible flutter under deceleration.
Cause: Carbon buildup and thermal fatigue in the wastegate actuator linkage, exacerbated by frequent high-boost operation and poor heat shielding.
Fix: Clean or replace wastegate actuator and linkage; inspect turbine housing for warpage and recalibrate boost control in diagnostics.
Intercooler hose and vacuum line degradation
Symptoms: Boost leaks, lean codes (P0171), hesitation under acceleration, reduced top-end power.
Cause: Age‑hardened silicone hoses and cracked nylon vacuum lines at the intercooler and boost control solenoid, worsened by engine bay heat cycling.
Fix: Replace all intercooler hoses and vacuum lines with OEM-spec parts; inspect solenoid diaphragms for integrity.
Oil consumption due to turbo seal wear
Symptoms: Blue exhaust smoke under boost, oil residue in intercooler, gradual oil level drop.
Cause: Degradation of turbocharger shaft seals over time, particularly in high‑mileage or infrequently serviced engines.
Fix: Rebuild or replace turbocharger with latest OEM-specified unit; verify oil return line for clogging and use correct 5W‑40 oil.
Research Basis

Analysis derived from Mitsubishi technical bulletins (2007–2014) and JAMA failure statistics (2010–2020). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions about MITSUBISHI 4B11-T-C

Find answers to most commonly asked questions about MITSUBISHI 4B11-T-C.

Research Resources

Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references

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Last Updated: 16 August 2025

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