Mitsubishi/4G63

Mitsubishi · Naturally aspirated

4G63

Lancer Evo·CT9A·2001–2006

"Stock internals can handle a reliable 400hp — but most examples have been pushed well beyond that."

RISKY

62/ 100

"Legend engine, but abuse is everywhere"

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Max HP

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Torque Nm

5,000

Oil interval km

Recalls

Known issues

Known Issues

Rod Bearing Failure from High-Boost / Tuned Use€2,000-6,000 · 60,000-150,000 kmCRITICAL

The 4G63T's rod bearings are a known weak point when the engine has been pushed beyond stock boost levels or subjected to poor oil maintenance. Most CT9A examples on the used market have been modified or hard-driven, dramatically increasing this risk. Spun bearings can result in full engine rebuild or replacement.

Deep knocking noise under load

Low oil pressure warning

Metallic particles in oil

DIY: Expert

Cylinder Wall Scoring / Bore Damage from Tuning€3,000-8,000 · 80,000-200,000 kmCRITICAL

Forum data confirms that bored 4G63 blocks frequently suffer cylinder wall scoring when pushed hard. Engines bored beyond factory spec may require full sleeving. Any example with known engine work should be treated with extreme caution.

Excessive blow-by

Oil consumption

Loss of compression

White or blue smoke

DIY: Expert

Overheating and Coolant System Stress Under Boost€400-1,200 · 50,000-120,000 kmHIGH

Forum discussions highlight that the turbo coolant feed pulls from already-hot engine coolant, stressing the cooling system under sustained high-boost driving. Thermostat, water pump, and radiator failures are common on hard-used examples.

Rising coolant temperature under load

Coolant loss

Steam from engine bay

DIY: Moderate

Fuel System Degradation on Modified Examples€300-1,000 · 40,000-100,000 kmHIGH

Many CT9A Evos have had injector and fuel pump upgrades (550cc–1650cc injectors referenced in forum data). Mixing OEM and aftermarket fuel components with improper tuning causes fueling inconsistencies, lean conditions, and potential engine damage.

Rough idle

Misfires under boost

Rich or lean AFR on data log

DIY: Moderate

Turbocharger Wear and Oil Feed Issues€600-2,000 · 80,000-160,000 kmMODERATE

The stock TD05 or upgraded turbochargers on the 4G63T are subject to shaft play and seal failure, particularly on cars with inconsistent oil change intervals or prior owner neglect. Turbo oil feed line condition is critical.

Turbo shaft play

Oil in intercooler piping

Boost creep or drop

Whining from turbo

DIY: Moderate

Valve Train Noise and Timing Belt Condition€400-900 · 60,000-100,000 kmMODERATE

The 4G63T uses a timing belt that must be replaced on schedule. On neglected or modified examples, belt tensioner and idler pulley wear accelerates. A timing belt failure on this interference engine is catastrophic.

Ticking at startup

Belt squealing

Rough idle if timing has slipped

DIY: Moderate

Buying Checklist

Perform a full compression and leak-down test on all four cylinders — any cylinder below 10% of others is a red flag

Pull the oil cap and inspect for sludge; request a fresh oil sample for analysis to check for metal particles

Confirm timing belt, tensioner, and water pump replacement history — treat unknown history as overdue

Check for injector size and verify it matches the ECU tune; ask for a dyno sheet or tune file if modified

Inspect intercooler piping and charge pipes for oil residue indicating turbo seal failure

Review the full modification history — any engine that has been boosted above stock or track-driven requires a pre-purchase inspection by a 4G63-specialist mechanic

Service Reality

Community oil interval5,000 km

Oil specification5W-40 full synthetic, API SN or better — community strongly recommends 5,000 km intervals on all turbo variants, shorter on tuned builds

Est. ownership cost (2yr)€1,500–4,000/year depending on modification level and use — higher for tracked or heavily tuned examples requiring frequent consumables and potential rebuild costs

Real fuel consumptionNo data

Also Found In

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution I–VIMitsubishi Eclipse GST/GSX (1G/2G DSM)Eagle Talon TSi AWDMitsubishi Galant VR-4Chrysler/Plymouth Laser Turbo AWD

Buying Advice

The 4G63T in the CT9A Evo VII–IX is one of the most capable and well-supported performance engines ever built, but nearly every surviving example has been modified, boosted, or driven hard. A healthy stock or lightly modified car with documented service history is a rare find and worth paying a premium for. Budget for a full timing belt service, rod bearing inspection, and cooling system overhaul at purchase regardless of claimed history. Avoid any example where the seller cannot provide a clear modification and maintenance record — the failure modes on this engine are catastrophic and expensive.

Parts People Buy

4G63T Timing Belt Kit (Belt + Tensioner + Idler + Water Pump)Link unavailable

4G63T Rod Bearings (OEM or ACL Race Series)Link unavailable

5W-40 Full Synthetic Engine OilLink unavailable

4G63T Turbo Oil Feed LineLink unavailable

4G63 Thermostat and Coolant KitLink unavailable

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