Evo IX Complete Guide
Complete Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX information hub. 4G63T MIVEC specs, maintenance, mods, parts, history.
Complete reference for the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX (CT9A) covering GSR, MR, RS variants, the 4G63T MIVEC turbo engine, ACD/AYC active differential systems, and Tommi Makinen rally heritage. Includes the FP turbo upgrade path and competition tuning.
Articles
Group A Rally Era: When Japanese Cars Dominated the World Championship
Between 1987 and 1996, the **World Rally Championship (WRC)** was run under **Group A regulations** — a set of rules that required manufacturers to homologate 5,000 production versions of each rally car. This meant that every WRC-winning rally car had a legal, road-going counterp
Mitsubishi 4G63T: The Evolution Engine That Refused To Die
The 4G63T is the engine that won four consecutive World Rally Championships. It powered the car that made Tommi Mäkinen a four-time WRC drivers' champion. It's the reason a generation of tuners believed "1,000 HP from a 4-cylinder" was not only possible but regular. It's the engi
Mitsubishi Evo IX: The Final Pure Rally Warrior
Mitsubishi Evo IX: The Final Pure Rally Warrior WRC Heritage Born to Race The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX CT9A launched in March 2005 as the 9th generation of Mitsubishi's rally-bred sedan. By this point, the Evo h
Common Questions
Which Mitsubishi EVO years can I legally import?
EVO generations I through VI (1992-2001) are all fully importable under the 25-year rule. EVO VII through IX (2001-2007) are entering eligibility now through 2032. The EVO X (2007-2016) overlapped with US sales of a related model but the full JDM spec version differs. For EVOs VIII and IX especially, Japanese domestic models have higher-spec engines and gear ratios than their US counterparts, making them desirable imports.
Which Lancer Evolution is most collectible?
The Evo VI Tommi Mäkinen Edition (2,500 units built in 1999) is considered the most collectible mainstream Evolution. It commemorates Tommi Mäkinen's 1999 WRC championship. Clean examples sell for $80,000-120,000+ USD. The rare Evo III (1,998 units) and Evo IX MR are also highly collectible.
Why is the 4G63T called the Evo engine?
The 4G63T 2.0L turbocharged inline-four powered the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution I through Evo IX (1992-2007). During this 15-year run, it won four consecutive WRC Drivers' Championships (Tommi Mäkinen, 1996-1999) and established Mitsubishi as a rally racing powerhouse. The Evo X switched to the aluminum 4B11T engine in 2008.
What was the 1999 Tommi Mäkinen Edition Evolution VI?
Limited to 2,500 units, the 1999 Lancer Evolution VI Tommi Mäkinen Edition commemorated Tommi Mäkinen's fourth consecutive WRC Drivers' Championship (1996-1999). Features include Ralliart-specific Recaro seats, unique Ralliart 17-inch wheels, red interior trim, and 'Tommi Mäkinen' plaques. It's the most collectible mainstream Lancer Evolution ever produced.
What fluids should I never mix in a Japanese car?
Never mix: different engine oil brands (completeness), universal green coolant with OEM-specific red/blue/pink, DOT 3 brake fluid with DOT 5 silicone-based fluid, standard gear oil with LSD fluid (friction modifier required), automatic transmission fluid between different OEMs (specifications vary). Always check your service manual or use OEM-specified fluids.
Key Terms
Standalone ECU
An aftermarket engine management system that fully replaces the factory ECU, offering complete control over all engine parameters. Popular options for JDM builds include Haltech, Link, AEM, and Motec for high-power or heavily modified applications.
Corner Weighting
The process of equalizing weight distribution across all four corners of a vehicle using adjustable coilover platforms. Proper corner weighting ensures consistent handling balance and is done after all other alignment settings are complete.
CP9A (Lancer Evolution VI)
The chassis code for the 1999–2001 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI, including the celebrated Tommi Mäkinen Edition. It refined the 4G63-powered AWD rally weapon formula that began with the Evolution I and set the template for later generations.
Nismo
Nissan Motorsports International — Nissan's factory motorsports arm founded 1984. Produces OEM-approved race parts and complete performance vehicles.
Mugen
Honda family-owned tuner founded 1973 by Hirotoshi Honda. Produces OEM-quality Honda performance parts and complete upgraded vehicles.
D1 Grand Prix
Japanese professional drifting championship, founded 2000 by Keiichi Tsuchiya and Daijiro Inada. First organized, judged drifting championship worldwide.