Selecting the right oil for your Mitsubishi Evolution can be quite challenging. There are loads of different options so what is the correct one for your car?
In this article we are going to be looking at the best engine oils and oil filters for all generations of the Evo (I through to X). Evo models I to IX were fitted with Mitsubishi’s 4G63 engine and as such have similar requirements when it comes to the engine oil and oil filter. Evolution X models were fitted with a different engine known as the 4B11T.
We have also included information on when to change the oil and the oil filter. Carry on reading below. You can also find more information in our comprehensive Mitsubishi Evo buyer’s guide.
Table of Contents
How Is Engine Oil Classified?
There is a lot of conflicting information on what the best engine oil weight is for a Mitsubishi Evo. This is because the recommended oil for the 4G63 engine in an Evo will change depending on a number of factors from the environment/temperature where the car is located, to what the car is used for (track use, general use, etc.) and whether or not the vehicle has any modifications.
If you are unsure what the “XW-XX” oil classification system means, here is a quick rundown of it. The number/letter combo at the beginning indicates the oil’s viscosity at -17.8 degrees Celsius (0 degrees Fahrenheit). In simple terms this means that the lower the number, the less the oil thickens in lower temperatures.
The two numbers at the end (XX) indicate the viscosity of the oil at 100 degrees Celsius and represent the oil’s resistance to thinning at high temperatures.
If we compare a 5W-40 grade oil vs a 10W-40 grade we will find that the former thickens less in colder weather. However, a 5W-30 grade will thin out quicker at higher temperatures than something like a 5W-40 grade.
What this means is that an oil with a lower winter viscosity (XW) will usually be better for your Evo in cooler temperatures or months. If you live in a hotter climate or regularly track your Evo you may want to select an oil with a higher viscosity at 100 degrees Celsius.
Some owners like to change the oil in their Mitsubishi Evo depending on the season. They will run a an oil with a lower winter viscosity in the winter and one with a higher viscosity at 100 degrees Celsius in the summer.
What Is the Best Engine Oil for a Mitsubishi Evo?
For general driving conditions it is usually recommended that a 10W-30, 5W-40 or 10W-40 be used. In cooler temperatures a 5W-30 or 10W-30 will be better while a 10W-40 will be better for warmer temperatures. Additionally, if you find that your Mitsubishi Evo has oil burning problems on thinner oils it is recommended that you move up to a thicker engine oil to try and solve the problem.
It is recommended that a fully synthetic oil be used in both the 4G63 and 4B11T engines, so we will be focusing on synthetic oils below. Semi-synthetic oils can be used to ‘bed the engine in’ up to around 7,000 km (4,500 miles), but as 99% of Mitsubishi Evos out there are well past this distance you will want to go fully synthetic.
Our Recommendations for the Best Engine Oil for a Mitsubishi Evo
Below you can find our recommended engine oils for a Mitsubishi Evo:
Mobil 1 5W-30 Engine Oil
Mitsubishi shipped Evo models from the factory with 5W-30 engine oil, so it is a good option for most driving conditions. For winter months this engine oil weight is an excellent option, however, it is not recommended for really warm temperatures.
Mobil 1 10W-30 Engine Oil
It is often recommended that a 10W-30 engine oil be used for general use and Mobil 1’s full synthetic 10W-30 is an excellent option. This engine oil will be perfect for most temperatures and for stock engines, however a 5W-30 may be a better option for really low temperatures.
Amsoil 5W-40 Fully Synthetic Engine Oil
Amsoil engine oils are often recommended by the Evo community, however, they can be a bit more difficult to find in some locations. Amsoil’s 5W-40 engine oil is an excellent option for general use and will perform slightly better than a 5W-30 oil at higher temperatures.
Motul 300V 10W-40 Synthetic Oil
If you live in a slightly hotter climate or drive your Evo hard on a semi-regular basis you may want to opt for a 10W-40 engine oil. Motul’s 300V fully synthetic 10W-40 engine oil is an excellent choice for an Evo and comes highly recommended.
Fuchs Titan Race Pro 10W-50
If you have a modified Mitsubishi Evolution or one that came with more power from the factory it can be a good idea to run a thicker oil such as Fuchs’ Titan Race Pro 10W-50. This is an excellent 10W-50 engine oil, however, we would not recommend it for use in stock Evos that are located in cooler climates.
As you can see there are quite a few different options available when it comes to the engine oil. In reality the best option depends on where you live and how you drive your Evo.
When Does the Oil Need to be Changed on a Mitsubishi Evo?
It is generally recommended that the engine oil in a Mitsubishi Evolution be changed every 7,000 km (4,500 miles). Some careful owners may change the oil in their cars more regularly, however, this is not really needed with modern synthetics.
A good synthetic engine oil will probably last longer than the 7,000 km distance stated above, but it is always better to be safe than sorry with older vehicles.
If you own an Evo I through to III it is recommended that you change the engine oil every 5,000 km (3,000 miles).
For those that don’t use their Evo much it is recommended that you replace the engine oil every six to twelve months regardless of mileage. The reason for this is because old oil that sits at the bottom of an Evo’s crankcase will breakdown overtime and become diluted in the presence of contaminants.
If you feel that the oil in your Mitsubishi Evo could go a bit further between changes we recommend that you send it to an oil testing lab. They will be able to tell you the condition of the oil and whether or not it is still good for a few more miles.
Best Oil Filter for Mitsubishi Evo
There are quite a few options when it comes to oil filters for both 4G63 and 4B11T engined Mitsubishi Evos. However, it is generally recommended that you stick with the OEM oil filter. OEM oil filters can be found at your local Mitsubishi dealer or online.
OEM Oil Filter Part Numbers
- MD356000 – fits Evos IV to X
- MZ690116 – fits Evos VII to X
- MD322508 now 1230A153 – fits Evos I to III
If you want an aftermarket oil filter you can get good ones from the likes of Mobil 1 (M1-108) and Amsoil.
When Should the Oil Filter Be Changed?
The oil filter should be replaced with every second oil change. However, some owners will do it with every oil change as they are fairly cheap to buy.
If you want to know more about the Mitsubishi Evo or about buying one, check out our Mitsubishi Evo Buyer’s Guide here.
