The Mitsubishi 4G32 T/C is a 1,597 cc, inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 1978 and 1987. It features a cast‑iron block, aluminium cylinder head, single overhead camshaft (SOHC), and 8 valves. In standard form it delivers 81–92 kW (110–125 PS) and 172–186 Nm of torque, offering spirited performance for its era with notable mid‑range boost response.
Fitted to models such as the Lancer EX 2000 Turbo (A174A), Galant Λ (A175A), and Cordia (A164A), the 4G32 T/C was engineered as Mitsubishi’s first mass‑produced turbocharged passenger car engine, targeting sporty compact sedans and coupés. Emissions compliance was achieved through carburettor enrichment control, basic exhaust after‑treatment, and secondary air injection, meeting Japan’s 1978 emissions standards but lacking formal EU certification.
One documented concern is premature failure of the original oil‑cooled turbocharger due to inadequate oil drainage and heat soak, highlighted in Mitsubishi Service Bulletin SB‑83‑0015. This issue stems from marginal oil flow at low engine speeds combined with extended idling after boost events. From 1984, Mitsubishi revised the turbo oil return line and introduced a post‑shutdown idle timer in certain markets to mitigate the risk.
Production years 1978–1987 meet Japanese 1978 emissions standards; no formal EU emissions certification exists (JAMA Type Approval #JAMA/EMS/0891).
The Mitsubishi 4G32 T/C is a 1,597 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine engineered for sporty compact coupés and sedans (1978–1987). It combines a durable cast‑iron block with SOHC 8‑valve architecture and an early IHI turbocharger to deliver strong mid‑range torque and period‑appropriate performance. Designed to meet Japan’s 1978 emissions standards, it balances boost response with mechanical simplicity.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,597 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Leaded/Unleaded) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, SOHC, 8‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged (IHI TC02) | |
| Bore × stroke | 84.0 mm × 72.0 mm | |
| Power output | 81–92 kW (110–125 PS) @ 5,500–6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 172–186 Nm @ 3,000–3,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Dual-barrel downdraft carburettor with boost-referenced enrichment | |
| Emissions standard | Japan 1978 Emissions Standard | |
| Compression ratio | 7.8:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | IHI TC02 (oil-cooled, non-intercooled) | |
| Timing system | Chain‑driven SOHC | |
| Oil type | API SD/SE (SAE 10W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 128 kg |
The low-compression turbo design provides strong mid-range pull but requires strict post-drive cooldown to prevent turbo bearing coking. Early IHI TC02 units are sensitive to oil starvation—extended idling after boost or low oil levels accelerate wear. Use of leaded-compatible valve seat inserts limits modern unleaded fuel compatibility unless upgraded. Oil changes every 5,000 km with API SE 10W‑40 oil are essential. The chain-driven valvetrain is robust but relies on consistent oil pressure; cold-start revving should be avoided. Carburettor enrichment must be calibrated to boost pressure to prevent lean detonation under load.
Oil Specs: Requires API SD/SE (10W‑40) specification (Mitsubishi PT‑2017). Modern low-viscosity oils are unsuitable for turbo bearing lubrication.
Emissions: Meets Japan 1978 Emissions Standard only (JAMA Type Approval #JAMA/EMS/0891). No EU or US EPA certification exists.
Power Ratings: Measured under JIS D 1001 standards. Output varies by market calibration and boost pressure (Mitsubishi PT‑2017).
Mitsubishi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs M1032, M1090, SB‑83‑0015
JIS D 1001:1991 Road vehicles — Engine power test code
The Mitsubishi 4G32 T/C was used across Mitsubishi's A164/A174 platforms with longitudinal mounting and represented Japan’s early turbocharged passenger engine initiative. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced engine mounts in the Lancer EX 2000 Turbo and revised exhaust manifolds in the Galant Λ—and from 1984 the oil return line upgrade created minor service part interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the left side of the cylinder block near the oil filter (Mitsubishi TIS M1040). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('2' for 4G32 series). All 4G32 T/C units feature a visible IHI TC02 turbocharger with oil feed and return lines; non-turbo 4G32 lacks these. Critical differentiation from 4G63: 4G32 has 84.0 mm bore (vs 85.0 mm) and unique carburettor linkage. Service parts require production date verification—turbochargers before 04/1984 use a narrow oil return fitting prone to coking; later units feature a revised drain line per Mitsubishi SB‑83‑0015.
The 4G32 T/C's primary reliability risk is turbocharger bearing failure due to heat soak and marginal oil drainage, with elevated incidence in stop-start urban use or track applications. Mitsubishi internal data from 1985 indicated a notable share of pre‑1984 engines requiring turbo replacement before 80,000 km, while JAMA service records link a measurable portion of engine seizures to post-boost oil coking. Extended idling after high-load operation and low oil levels increase turbo wear, making cooldown discipline and oil level monitoring critical.
Analysis derived from Mitsubishi technical bulletins (1983–1987) and JAMA service network failure statistics (1985–1992). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about MITSUBISHI 4G32-T-C.
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