The Mitsubishi 4G63T Evolution is a 1,997 cc, inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 1992 and 2007. It features a double overhead camshaft (DOHC), 16 valves, and a forged rotating assembly with sodium-filled exhaust valves. In standard form it delivered 210–280 kW (280–380 PS) and 343–407 Nm of torque, engineered for high‑revving performance and rally‑proven durability.
Fitted exclusively to the Lancer Evolution I–IX, the 4G63T was developed for homologation and motorsport use, offering exceptional tunability and transient response. Emissions compliance was achieved through sequential multi‑point fuel injection, closed-loop lambda control, and a three‑way catalytic converter, allowing Euro 2 compliance for early models and Euro 3 for later variants.
One documented concern is premature failure of the factory-fitted balance shaft assembly, which can cause oil pressure loss and bearing wear. This issue, highlighted in Mitsubishi Technical Service Bulletin TSB‑ME‑95‑031, is linked to gear wear in the balance shaft drive under sustained high rpm. From Evolution VI onward, many owners deleted the balance shafts entirely; Mitsubishi officially supported this modification in competition applications.
Production years 1992–1999 meet Euro 2 standards; 2000–2007 models meet Euro 3 (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/3310).
The Mitsubishi 4G63T Evolution is a 1,997 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine engineered for high-performance rally homologation vehicles (1992–2007). It combines a forged steel crankshaft, forged connecting rods, and a closed-deck cast-iron block with DOHC valvetrain and MIVEC on later variants to deliver exceptional power density and tuning headroom. Designed to meet Euro 2 and Euro 3 emissions standards, it balances motorsport heritage with road legality.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,997 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Premium Unleaded) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged (intercooled) | |
| Bore × stroke | 85.0 mm × 88.0 mm | |
| Power output | 210–280 kW (280–380 PS) @ 6,000–6,500 rpm | |
| Torque | 343–407 Nm @ 3,000–3,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Sequential multi‑point fuel injection (MPI) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 2 (1992–1999); Euro 3 (2000–2007) | |
| Compression ratio | 8.0:1 – 8.8:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled with oil cooler | |
| Turbocharger | Single turbo (Mitsubishi TD05H or Garrett variants) | |
| Timing system | Belt‑driven camshafts (service interval: 60,000 km) | |
| Oil type | Mitsubishi MTF‑04 or ACEA A3/B4 (SAE 10W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 140 kg |
The forged internals and closed-deck block provide exceptional strength for tuning, but require strict adherence to 60,000 km timing belt replacement to prevent catastrophic interference damage. Use of premium unleaded (RON 98+) and ACEA A3/B4 10W-40 oil is critical for knock resistance and bearing protection under boost. Early Evolution I–III models lack MIVEC and use smaller TD05H turbos, while Evolution VIII–IX feature MIVEC on intake cam for improved mid-range. Balance shaft deletion is common and supported by TSB-ME-95-031 for performance use; however, oil pump drive must be retained. Intercooler efficiency and fuel system capacity become limiting factors beyond 300 kW.
Oil Specs: Requires ACEA A3/B4 or Mitsubishi MTF-04 (10W-40) specification (Mitsubishi TSB-ME-95-031).
Emissions: Euro 2 certification applies to 1992–1999 models; Euro 3 applies to 2000–2007 (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/3310).
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. JDM models feature higher outputs due to less restrictive emissions (Mitsubishi TIS Doc. ME-G63T-EVO).
Mitsubishi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs ME-G63T-EVO, M10-6630, TSB-ME-95-031
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/3310)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Mitsubishi 4G63T Evolution was used exclusively in Mitsubishi's Lancer Evolution I–IX platforms with longitudinal mounting and no external licensing. This engine received model-specific adaptations—revised turbochargers in the Evolution IV–VI, MIVEC valvetrain in the Evolution VIII–IX, and strengthened oil pump gears from Evolution VII onward—and from 1999 the updated ECU calibration improved transient response, creating minor software and hardware interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the left-side block near the cylinder head flange (Mitsubishi TIS ME-G63T-EVO). The 7th VIN digit is '3' for 4G63 series. Visual cues: black cast-iron block, DOHC valve cover with 'MIVEC' logo (Evo VIII–IX only), intercooler piping, and twin-scroll exhaust manifold. Critical differentiation from non-Evo 4G63T: Evolution units feature forged internals, oil squirters, and balance shaft delete provisions. ECU part number prefix 'MR578' confirms Evolution application. Balance shaft gear wear is common in pre-1999 units per TSB-ME-95-031.
The 4G63T Evolution's primary reliability risk is balance shaft drive gear wear on pre‑2000 builds, with elevated incidence in high‑rpm or track-driven vehicles. Mitsubishi internal durability reports from 1998 indicated a significant share of Evolution I–VI engines experienced oil pressure drop before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA records show minimal emissions failures due to robust lambda control. Extended boost levels without fuel system upgrades increase knock risk, making octane quality and cooling system maintenance critical.
Analysis derived from Mitsubishi technical bulletins (1995–2007) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2005–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about MITSUBISHI 4G63T_EVOLUTION.
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