🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mitsubishi Model: 3000GT / GTO Year: 1997 Codes Chassis Code: Z15A (AWD), Z16A (FWD) Engine Code Primary: 6G72 (DOHC, Twin-Turbocharged) 👋 Introduction Market Position Positioning: Flagship sports coupe/grand tourer, known for advanced technology and performance. Competitive Analysis Competitors: Nissan 300ZX (Z32), Toyota Supra (MkIV), Mazda RX-7 (FD), Chevrolet Corvette (C4/C5), Porsche 968. Key Features Vehicle Performance Features: Twin-turbocharged V6, All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with Active Torque Split, Active Aerodynamics (variable front spoiler, rear wing), ECS (Electronic Controlled Suspension), AWS (Active while moving) 4-Wheel Steering. Manual Value Proposition Value: Provides factory-level repair and maintenance information, enabling owners and technicians to perform comprehensive service. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Market: Global (North America, Japan, Europe) Trim Levels: SL, VR-4 (incl. Spyder variants where applicable) Page Count Estimated Pages: 1500-2000 (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals) Manual Type Type: Repair Service Manual / Workshop Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF (Digital Download) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine (6G72 DOHC Twin-Turbocharged), Fuel System, Ignition System, Exhaust System, Cooling System Drivetrain: Transmission (5-speed Manual, 4-speed Automatic), Transfer Case (AWD), Drive Shafts, Differentials, Axles Suspension: Front Independent Suspension (Multi-link), Rear Independent Suspension (Multi-link), Active Aerodynamics System (ECS - Electronic Controlled Suspension) Brakes: Front and Rear Disc Brakes (ABS), Brake System Hydraulic Components, Parking Brake Steering: Power Steering System, Steer-by-Wire (AWS - Active while moving) System Electrical: Engine Control Module (ECM), Body Control Module (BCM), Lighting System, Instrument Cluster, Audio System, Climate Control System, Power Accessories (Windows, Locks, Seats), SRS Airbag System Body: Exterior Body Panels, Interior Trim, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Glass, Seats, Safety Restraints Diagnostics: On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-I / OBD-II) Codes, Troubleshooting Flowcharts, Component Testing Procedures Included Maintenance: Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Changes (Oil, Coolant, Brake, Transmission, Differential), Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Service, Belt Inspections and Replacements Repair: Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Repair, Electrical Component Repair, Body Panel Repair Disassembly Assembly: Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, inspection, cleaning, assembly, and installation. Troubleshooting: Diagnostic procedures for identifying and resolving common and complex issues using symptom-based approaches and test procedures. Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to advanced diagnostics and complete component rebuilds. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Format: PDF Print Quality Printability: Full Printable Zoom: Zoom IN/OUT enabled Binding Type Binding: Digital Download (No physical binding) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital File) Requirements Software Requirements: Adobe PDF Reader, WinZip (for extraction) Compatibility: All Versions of Windows & Mac ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: 6G72 V6 SOHC Twin-Turbocharged Displacement: 3.0 Liters (2972 cc) Performance Horsepower Vr4: 320 hp @ 6000 RPM Torque Vr4: 315 lb-ft @ 4500 RPM Horsepower Sl: 217 hp @ 6000 RPM (Naturally Aspirated) Torque Sl: 205 lb-ft @ 4500 RPM (Naturally Aspirated) Fuel System Injection: Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPFI) with Twin Turbochargers Fuel Type: Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended) 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: 6-Speed Manual (VR-4 AWD) Optional Type: 4-Speed Automatic (SL FWD, VR-4 AWD) Features AWD System: Mitsubishi All-Wheel Drive (APLW) with Active Transfer Case (for AWD models) Fluid Specifications Manual Transmission Fluid: API GL-3 or GL-4 SAE 75W-90 (Check manual for specific OEM fluid) Automatic Transmission Fluid: Diamond SP-III or equivalent 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: 4600 mm (181.1 in) Width: 1840 mm (72.4 in) Height: 1250 mm (49.2 in) Wheelbase: 2500 mm (98.4 in) Weights Curb Weight Vr4 AWD Mt: Approx. 1670 kg (3682 lbs) Curb Weight Sl FWD At: Approx. 1580 kg (3483 lbs) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Frontal Driver: Not specifically rated for 1997 model year by NHTSA in current databases. IIHS Frontal Offset: Not specifically rated for 1997 model year by IIHS. Active Features ABS: Standard (Anti-lock Braking System) Aws: Optional (Active while moving 4-Wheel Steering System) Passive Features Airbags: Driver and Passenger Airbags (SRS - Supplemental Restraint System) Seatbelts: 3-point front and rear seatbelts, pretensioners for front seats. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory AM/FM Stereo with Cassette Player and CD Player (optional), power antenna. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard Connectivity OBD Standard: OBD-I for earlier diagnostics, transitioning to OBD-II compliant for some sensors/systems. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Engine Oil And Filter: Every 3,750-5,000 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first), using synthetic blend or full synthetic. Timing Belt: Every 60,000 miles or 5 years (critical for 6G72 engine). Coolant Flush: Every 30,000 miles or 2 years. Fluid Specifications Engine Oil: API SJ or SL, ILSAC GF-3, SAE 10W-30 (synthetic recommended for turbo models). Coolant: MITSUBISHI SUPER LONG LIFE COOLANT (Green) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant. Brake Fluid: DOT 3 or DOT 4. Known Issues Turbocharger: Potential for turbo seals to fail leading to oil consumption and blue smoke, especially if maintenance is neglected. Intercooler spray system can also be a point of failure. Ecs Suspension: Active front lift and rear stabilizer bar actuators and control...
Transmission (5-speed Manual, 4-speed Automatic), Transfer Case (AWD), Drive Shafts, Differentials, Axles
Suspension:
Front Independent Suspension (Multi-link), Rear Independent Suspension (Multi-link), Active Aerodynamics System (ECS - Electronic Controlled Suspension)
Brakes:
Front and Rear Disc Brakes (ABS), Brake System Hydraulic Components, Parking Brake
Steering:
Power Steering System, Steer-by-Wire (AWS - Active while moving) System
Electrical:
Engine Control Module (ECM), Body Control Module (BCM), Lighting System, Instrument Cluster, Audio System, Climate Control System, Power Accessories (Windows, Locks, Seats), SRS Airbag System
Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Changes (Oil, Coolant, Brake, Transmission, Differential), Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Service, Belt Inspections and Replacements
Repair:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Repair, Electrical Component Repair, Body Panel Repair
Disassembly Assembly:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, inspection, cleaning, assembly, and installation.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for identifying and resolving common and complex issues using symptom-based approaches and test procedures.
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to advanced diagnostics and complete component rebuilds.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Format:
PDF
Print Quality
Printability:
Full Printable
Zoom:
Zoom IN/OUT enabled
Binding Type
Binding:
Digital Download (No physical binding)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital File)
Requirements
Software Requirements:
Adobe PDF Reader, WinZip (for extraction)
Compatibility:
All Versions of Windows & Mac
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Type:
6G72 V6 SOHC Twin-Turbocharged
Displacement:
3.0 Liters (2972 cc)
Performance
Horsepower Vr4:
320 hp @ 6000 RPM
Torque Vr4:
315 lb-ft @ 4500 RPM
Horsepower Sl:
217 hp @ 6000 RPM (Naturally Aspirated)
Torque Sl:
205 lb-ft @ 4500 RPM (Naturally Aspirated)
Fuel System
Injection:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPFI) with Twin Turbochargers
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type:
6-Speed Manual (VR-4 AWD)
Optional
Type:
4-Speed Automatic (SL FWD, VR-4 AWD)
Features
AWD System:
Mitsubishi All-Wheel Drive (APLW) with Active Transfer Case (for AWD models)
Fluid Specifications
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-3 or GL-4 SAE 75W-90 (Check manual for specific OEM fluid)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Diamond SP-III or equivalent
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
4600 mm (181.1 in)
Width:
1840 mm (72.4 in)
Height:
1250 mm (49.2 in)
Wheelbase:
2500 mm (98.4 in)
Weights
Curb Weight Vr4 AWD Mt:
Approx. 1670 kg (3682 lbs)
Curb Weight Sl FWD At:
Approx. 1580 kg (3483 lbs)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Frontal Driver:
Not specifically rated for 1997 model year by NHTSA in current databases.
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Not specifically rated for 1997 model year by IIHS.
Active Features
ABS:
Standard (Anti-lock Braking System)
Aws:
Optional (Active while moving 4-Wheel Steering System)
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Airbags (SRS - Supplemental Restraint System)
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts, pretensioners for front seats.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM Stereo with Cassette Player and CD Player (optional), power antenna.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard
Connectivity
OBD Standard:
OBD-I for earlier diagnostics, transitioning to OBD-II compliant for some sensors/systems.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Engine Oil And Filter:
Every 3,750-5,000 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first), using synthetic blend or full synthetic.
Timing Belt:
Every 60,000 miles or 5 years (critical for 6G72 engine).
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil:
API SJ or SL, ILSAC GF-3, SAE 10W-30 (synthetic recommended for turbo models).
Coolant:
MITSUBISHI SUPER LONG LIFE COOLANT (Green) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Known Issues
Turbocharger:
Potential for turbo seals to fail leading to oil consumption and blue smoke, especially if maintenance is neglected. Intercooler spray system can also be a point of failure.
Ecs Suspension:
Active front lift and rear stabilizer bar actuators and control units can fail, leading to suspension errors or a harsh ride.
Aws System:
Actuator and control module failures for the rear-wheel steering system can occur.
Interior Components:
Cracking of the dashboard and door panels due to UV exposure, failing power window regulators.
Exhaust:
Rusting of exhaust components, catalytic converter issues.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Manufacturer:
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, Japan.
Model Evolution
Generation:
Second Generation (Z15A/Z16A) - Introduced in 1991 (JDM GTO) / 1990 (US 3000GT) and refreshed in 1993 for the 1994 model year.
Facelift Notes:
1997 model is part of the second generation, with minor styling updates and technology refinements from the 1994 facelift.
Production
Production Period:
1990-2001 (Global)
Manufacturing Location:
Japan
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver:
Car and Driver's Ten Best list for 1991 and 1992.
Ratings
Automotive Journalism Reception:
Widely praised for its technological advancements and performance capabilities upon its release.