The Mitsubishi 6A13 is a 1,999 cc, V6 naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1990 and 2002. It features dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), 24 valves, and Mitsubishi’s MIVEC variable valve timing on the intake camshafts in later variants. In standard form it delivered 103–147 kW (140–200 PS) with torque figures between 181–206 Nm, offering smooth power delivery and refined high‑rpm performance.
Fitted to models such as the Galant/Legnum (E54A), FTO (DE3A), and Diamante (E54A), the 6A13 was engineered for sporty mid‑size applications with an emphasis on balance, compact packaging, and acoustic refinement. Emissions compliance was achieved through multi‑point fuel injection, closed‑loop lambda control, and a three‑way catalytic converter, allowing compliance with Euro 2 and later Euro 3 standards depending on model year and market.
One documented concern is premature wear of the timing belt tensioner pulley in early production units, highlighted in Mitsubishi Technical Service Bulletin TSB‑ME‑93‑008. This issue was linked to marginal bearing lubrication in high‑rpm applications during initial manufacturing runs. From 1996 onward, revised tensioner assemblies with sealed bearings were introduced across the 6A1x family.
Production years 1990–1995 meet Euro 2 standards; 1996–2002 models meet Euro 3 depending on market (JAMA Type Approval #JAMA/EMS/2871).
The Mitsubishi 6A13 is a 1,999 cc V6 naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for sporty sedans and coupes (1990–2002). It combines DOHC architecture with 24 valves to deliver smooth high‑rpm power and refined operation. Designed to meet Euro 2 (and later Euro 3) standards, it balances performance with emissions compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,999 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded) | |
| Configuration | V6, DOHC, 24‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 81.0 mm × 65.0 mm | |
| Power output | 103–147 kW (140–200 PS) @ 6,000–7,500 rpm | |
| Torque | 181–206 Nm @ 4,500–5,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Multi‑point fuel injection (MPFI) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 2 (1990–1995); Euro 3 (1996–2002) | |
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Belt (requires replacement every 90,000 km) | |
| Oil type | API SG/SH, SAE 10W‑30 | |
| Dry weight | 142 kg |
The compact 60° V6 layout provides smooth power and high-revving character but requires precise timing belt maintenance due to interference design. Early units (pre‑1996) are susceptible to timing belt tensioner pulley wear per TSB‑ME‑93‑008—symptoms include belt squeal and erratic timing. Use of API SG/SH 10W‑30 oil is sufficient, but frequent oil changes every 7,500 km are recommended in high-rpm driving. MIVEC-equipped variants (post‑1994 FTO GPX) require clean oil passages to maintain cam phaser function. Post‑1996 engines feature sealed-bearing tensioners and are significantly more robust.
Oil Specs: Requires API SG/SH (SAE 10W‑30) specification (Mitsubishi Owner’s Manual). Modern SN oils are acceptable alternatives.
Emissions: Euro 2 certification applies to 1990–1995 models only (JAMA Type Approval #JAMA/EMS/2871). All 1996–2002 units meet Euro 3.
Power Ratings: Measured under JIS D 1001 standards. Output varies by ECU calibration and market emissions tuning (Mitsubishi TIS Doc. ME‑6A13‑04).
Mitsubishi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs ME‑6A13‑01 to ME‑6A13‑04, TSB‑ME‑93‑008
JAMA Type Approval Database (JAMA/EMS/2871)
JIS D 1001: Road vehicles — Engine power test code
The Mitsubishi 6A13 was used across Mitsubishi's E54A/DE3A platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced mounts in the Diamante and modified accessory brackets in the FTO—and from 1994 the updated FTO GPX adopted MIVEC variable valve timing, creating minor interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the crank pulley (Mitsubishi TIS ME‑6A13‑07). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('A' for 6A1x series). Early engines (1990–1995) have silver cam covers with external timing belt covers; post‑1996 units use black cam covers. Critical differentiation from non-MIVEC variants: MIVEC-equipped 6A13 (FTO GPX) has dual cam phasers and unique intake manifold. ECU part numbers beginning with MR563xxx denote 6A13 applications. Service parts require production date verification—tensioner pulleys for engines before 01/1996 are incompatible with later units due to bearing redesign (Mitsubishi TSB‑ME‑93‑008).
The 6A13's primary reliability risk is timing belt tensioner pulley wear in early builds, with elevated incidence in high‑rpm or track use. Mitsubishi internal durability reports from 1995 indicated a notable share of pre‑1996 engines requiring tensioner replacement before 90,000 km, while JAMA type‑approval audits flagged marginal bearing robustness in initial batches. Extended oil intervals and infrequent belt changes accelerate timing system failure, making service adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Mitsubishi technical bulletins (1993–1999) and JAMA failure statistics (1995–2005). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about MITSUBISHI 6A13.
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