Lancer Evolution VII

The Evo VII

The Lancer Evolution VII went on sale in Japan in February 2001 as the first Evo on the Lancer Cedia, under the new CT9A code. The wheelbase is longer, the track wider and the wheels larger than on the CP9A Evos, and weight went up. The 4G63 gained an improved turbo and intercooler, a magnesium rocker cover and hollow camshafts: 280 PS still, with torque up to 39.0 kgm at 3,500 rpm.

The bigger change is the Active Centre Differential (ACD), an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch between the front and rear axles, with tarmac, gravel and snow modes. On the GSR, ACD works together with AYC, and a helical front limited-slip differential was added. The RS remains the stripped grade, on steel wheels.

What Evo VII owners upgrade

Evo VII owners spend first on the driveline and the exhaust: clutch kits from ORC and ATS, and exhaust systems, manifolds and heat shields from Tomei, HKS and APEXi. The larger CT9A body brings Voltex aero kits into the list.

Brake pads from Endless and Project Mu are a regular order. Engine work runs to Tomei stroker kits and timing belts and turbo kits.

Genuine parts

With ACD and AYC both fitted, the dash lights are the first check: all three ACD mode lights should come on with the ignition, then leave one lit for the selected mode. All three staying on points to an ACD or AYC fault. A failed AYC pump is a familiar repair on AYC-equipped Evos, so look for AYC fluid changes and the cambelt in the history. Some Evo VIIs show rust bubbles on the rear arches.

For genuine Mitsubishi parts, Evo VII owners order engine and chassis pieces alike: the rocker cover, pistons and pins, rear upper suspension arms, the power steering feed tube, engine undercovers, a headlamp body and the boot lid panel.

Wheels

The Evo VII uses a 5x114.3 bolt pattern with M12 x 1.5 nuts. The GSR came on 17x8 +38 wheels with 235/45R17 tyres and the RS on 15x6 +46. A wheel that fits the Evo VII also needs spokes that clear the large front calipers.