Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII (2003-2005)
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What fits a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII (2003-2005), and what goes wrong with it?
As of 2026-10-26, ChassisDex has 13 fitment answers, 6 known problems and 8 build entries for this car, each linked to its sources and rated with a confidence tier. Generation basics first, then every entry.
| Years | 2003-2005 |
|---|---|
| Trims | US sedan only. 2003: one model (US releases give it no trim name; owners often call it the GSR, which is the Japanese name). 2004: base and RS (RS has no ABS, EBD, rear wing or power windows, and adds a front helical LSD). 2005: RS (5-speed), Evolution VIII (5-speed) and MR (6-speed, Bilstein, BBS, aluminum roof). No Evolution VIII wagon was sold in the US. |
| Engine | 4G63 2.0-liter turbo: 271 hp / 273 lb-ft for 2003-04 (MMNA 2003 press kit); 276 hp for 2005 with a larger 10.5 cm² turbine housing (What's New for 2005). |
| Notes | Wheels: 5x114.3, 67.1 mm hub (the 2003 manual's balancer cone is 67.0 mm), M12x1.5 nuts, 98 ± 10 N·m (73 ± 7 ft-lb) per the 2003 US service manual. Factory size 17x8JJ ET38 with P235/45R17 tires (2003 manual, rated 93W; the 2004 RS release calls them V-rated; 2004-05 wheel sizes from MMNA releases and owners). Brakes: Brembo 4-piston fronts on 320 mm rotors and 2-piston rears; rear rotor wording differs between MMNA documents (F-evo-07). Drivetrain: 2003-04 viscous center coupling, open front diff (helical LSD on the 2004 RS), mechanical rear LSD; 2005 adds ACD and the front helical LSD on all trims. US cars never had AYC. |
Generation facts are drawn from: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Mitsubishi Motors North America, Mitsubishi Motors North America, Mitsubishi Motors North America, Mitsubishi Motors North America, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, Wunderladen Racing.
Wheel and hub specs
| Bolt pattern | 5x114.3 |
|---|---|
| Hub (center) bore | 67.1 mm |
| Lug thread | M12x1.5 nuts (seat type not stated by Mitsubishi; one owner reports flat-seat OEM nuts on the MR wheels) |
| Factory wheel sizes |
|
| Note | Square fitment on every trim. The 2005 MR's BBS wheels are lighter than the Enkeis (MMNA). Owners say the VIII and IX MR BBS wheels are the same wheel. |
Wheel specs from: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Mitsubishi Motors North America, Mitsubishi Motors North America, Mitsubishi Motors North America, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, EvolutionM forum, EvolutionM forum, STM Tuned, LAcar.
Other cars with 5x114.3 (sourced swap answers only).
Parts interchange
- Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution CT9A (Evolution VIII) parts on a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution CT9A (Evolution IX): what swaps (3 answers)
- Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution CT9A (Evolution IX) parts on a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution CT9A (Evolution VIII): what swaps (6 answers)
Will it fit?
Known issues (overview)
- Recall 04V-138: wrong weight ratings on the certification label (2003) Reported
- Recall 05V-335: turbocharger coolant hose may leak (2005) Reported
- Recall 16V-458: front crossmember corrosion can let the lower arms detach (salt states) Reported
- 5-speed gearbox grinds as the brass synchro rings wear Limited
- Plastic boost bypass valve leaks with age Limited
- The MR's 6-speed is weaker than the 5-speed under high power Limited
Best mods by goal
- First steps (1)
- Reliability (1)
- Drivetrain (2)
- Wheels & tires (1)
- Suspension (1)
- Power (1)
- Brakes (1)
Part of Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution · all platforms.
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