Mitsubishi 4B11-T-C Engine (2007–2016) – Specs, Problems & Compatibility Database

The Mitsubishi 4B11 — T/C is a 1,998 cc, inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2007 and 2016. It features dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), 16 valves, and Mitsubishi’s MIVEC variable valve timing on both intake and exhaust camshafts. In standard Lancer Evolution X form it delivered 221–227 kW (300–308 PS) with torque figures between 355–366 Nm, offering high specific output and responsive turbo performance.

Fitted primarily to the Lancer Evolution X (…

Mitsubishi Engine
Compliance Note:

Production years 2007–2009 meet Euro 4 standards; 2010–2016 models meet Euro 5 depending on market (JAMA Type Approval #JAMA/EMS/6124).

Mitsubishi 4B11-T-C Technical Specifications

The Mitsubishi 4B11-T/C is a 1,998 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine engineered for high‑performance applications (2007–2016). It combines DOHC architecture with dual‑MIVEC variable valve timing and a twin‑scroll turbocharger to deliver strong mid‑range torque and high‑rpm power. Designed to meet Euro 4 (and later Euro 5) standards, it balances track capability with road compliance.

ParameterValueSource
Displacement
1,998 cc
Fuel type
Petrol (Unleaded, 95 RON min)
Configuration
Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve
Aspiration
Turbocharged (twin‑scroll)
Bore × stroke
86.0 mm × 86.0 mm
Power output
221–227 kW (300–308 PS) @ 6,500 rpm
Torque
355–366 Nm @ 3,500 rpm
Fuel system
Multi‑point fuel injection (MPFI) with returnless rail
Emissions standard
Euro 4 (2007–2009); Euro 5 (2010–2016)
Compression ratio
8.8:1
Cooling system
Water‑cooled with dual electric fans
Turbocharger
Mitsubishi TD05HRA-16G6K-10T twin‑scroll
Timing system
Chain (maintenance‑free design)
Oil type
API SN/ILSAC GF‑5, SAE 5W‑40 (full synthetic)
Dry weight
127 kg

Mitsubishi 4B11-T-C Compatible Models

The Mitsubishi 4B11-T/C was used exclusively in Mitsubishi's CZ4A platform with longitudinal mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced oil pan baffling in the Lancer Evolution X and modified accessory brackets in the Ralliart—and from 2010 the facelifted Evo X Final Edition adopted a revised ECU map and wastegate spring rate, creating minor interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.

Make:
Mitsubishi
Years:
2007–2016
Models:
Lancer Evolution X (CZ4A)
Variants:
GSR, MR, Final Edition
View Source
Mitsubishi ETK Doc. ME‑4B11‑06
Make:
Mitsubishi
Years:
2008–2011
Models:
Lancer Ralliart (CY4A)
Variants:
2.0T
View Source
Mitsubishi Group PT‑2019

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Common Reliability Issues - MITSUBISHI 4B11-T-C Compatible Models

The 4B11-T/C's primary reliability risk is exhaust cam phaser gear wear in early builds, with elevated incidence in high‑load or track use. Mitsubishi internal durability reports from 2009 indicated a notable share of pre‑mid‑2009 engines requiring phaser replacement before 80,000 km, while EU type‑approval audits confirmed marginal emissions durability under sustained high‑boost conditions. Aggressive driving and extended oil intervals accelerate phaser wear, making oil quality and change frequency critical.

Exhaust cam phaser gear wear (early units)
Symptoms: Rattle on cold start that disappears after warm-up, P0016/P0017 cam correlation codes, rough idle.
Cause: Insufficient surface hardening of phaser gear teeth in pre-mid-2009 production, leading to accelerated wear under high oil pressure and thermal stress.
Fix: Replace with updated cam phaser assembly per TSB‑ME‑08‑021; verify oil pressure and camshaft end play during installation.
Turbocharger wastegate sticking
Symptoms: Overboost or underboost codes, boost spikes, loss of power, audible flutter under deceleration.
Cause: Carbon buildup and thermal fatigue in the wastegate actuator linkage, exacerbated by frequent high-boost operation and poor heat shielding.
Fix: Clean or replace wastegate actuator and linkage; inspect turbine housing for warpage and recalibrate boost control in diagnostics.
Intercooler hose and vacuum line degradation
Symptoms: Boost leaks, lean codes (P0171), hesitation under acceleration, reduced top-end power.
Cause: Age‑hardened silicone hoses and cracked nylon vacuum lines at the intercooler and boost control solenoid, worsened by engine bay heat cycling.
Fix: Replace all intercooler hoses and vacuum lines with OEM-spec parts; inspect solenoid diaphragms for integrity.
Oil consumption due to turbo seal wear
Symptoms: Blue exhaust smoke under boost, oil residue in intercooler, gradual oil level drop.
Cause: Degradation of turbocharger shaft seals over time, particularly in high‑mileage or infrequently serviced engines.
Fix: Rebuild or replace turbocharger with latest OEM-specified unit; verify oil return line for clogging and use correct 5W‑40 oil.
Research Basis

Analysis derived from Mitsubishi technical bulletins (2007–2014) and JAMA failure statistics (2010–2020). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.

MITSUBISHI 4B11-T-C FAQ Common Questions Answered

The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works

The 4B11-T/C is robust when properly maintained, but early models (2007–mid-2009) had cam phaser wear issues. Post-mid-2009 revisions significantly improved durability. Regular oil changes with full synthetic 5W-40 and avoiding extended high-boost operation without cooldown are essential for longevity, especially in performance-driven use.

Key issues include exhaust cam phaser gear wear (pre-mid-2009), turbo wastegate sticking, intercooler hose/vacuum line leaks, and turbo seal oil consumption. These are documented in Mitsubishi TSB‑ME‑08‑021 and related service communications. Most are preventable with proper maintenance and timely part replacement.

The 4B11-T/C powered the Lancer Evolution X (CZ4A, 2007–2016) and Lancer Ralliart (CY4A, 2008–2011). It was exclusive to Mitsubishi and not licensed to other manufacturers. The Ralliart variant uses a smaller turbo and lower boost but shares the same core architecture.

Aftermarket ECU tuning is common on the 4B11-T-C platform, but increasing boost or altering engine parameters accelerates component wear, impacts emissions compliance, and may void vehicle warranties. Any modifications should be evaluated carefully by a qualified specialist.

Moderate for a performance engine. In a 2010 Lancer Evo X GSR, typical consumption is ~12.5 L/100km (city) and ~8.2 L/100km (highway), or about 23 mpg UK combined. Real-world mixed driving typically returns 20–28 mpg (UK), heavily dependent on driving style and maintenance condition.

Yes. The 4B11-T/C is an interference engine. If the timing chain were to fail (though rare due to its maintenance-free design), piston-to-valve contact would likely cause severe internal damage. However, chain failures are extremely uncommon in this engine family.

Mitsubishi specifies SAE 5W-40 full synthetic oil meeting API SN and ILSAC GF-5 standards. ACEA A3/B4 oils are acceptable. Always use high-quality synthetic oil and change it every 10,000 km (or 6 months) to protect the dual-MIVEC system and turbocharger bearings.

Research Resources

Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references

Platform Overview

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EUR-Lex

EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).

GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C

UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.

DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT

Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.

Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)

UK type-approval authority for automotive products.

Regulatory Context

Regulation (EC) No 715/2007

Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.

Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151

WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.

GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval

UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.

VCA Certification Portal

Type-approval guidance and documentation.

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