Mitsubishi 3G8 engine

Mitsubishi 3G8 engine
Overview
ManufacturerMitsubishi Motors
Production1987–present
Layout
ConfigurationStraight-3
Displacement548 cc (33.4 cu in)
657 cc (40.1 cu in)
796 cc (48.6 cu in)
1,061 cc (64.7 cu in)
Cylinder bore
  • 62.3 mm (2.45 in)
  • 65 mm (2.56 in)
Piston stroke
  • 60 mm (2.36 in)
  • 66 mm (2.60 in)
  • 80 mm (3.15 in)
Cylinder block materialCast iron
ValvetrainSOHC, DOHC
Compression ratio8.5:1, 9.8:1, 10.0:1
Combustion
SuperchargerAvailable 1987–1990
Turbochargerwith air-to-air intercooler (on 1989-1990 models)
Fuel systemCarburetor
Electronic fuel injection
Fuel typeGasoline
Cooling systemWater cooled
Output
Power output22–47 kW (30–64 PS; 30–63 hp)
Torque output41–96 N⋅m (30–71 lb⋅ft)

The Mitsubishi 3G8 engine is a range of three-cylinder powerplant from Mitsubishi Motors, introduced in the fifth generation of their Mitsubishi Minica kei car. In common with other contemporary engines in the class, it could be specified with many advanced technologies despite its diminutive size, including multi-valve cylinder heads and double overhead camshafts. The top-of-the-line Dangan ZZ variant was also the first kei car to benefit from turbocharging. In 1987 Mitsubishi was the first manufacturer to supercharge a kei vehicle, and in 1989 became the world's first production car to feature five valves per cylinder, ahead of similar developments by Bugatti, Audi, Ferrari and Toyota.[1][2]

Its 3G81 three-cylinder engine has a displacement of 548 cc (33.4 cu in) and the 15-valve versions feature three intake valves and two exhaust valves incorporated into each cylinder. The valves are controlled by twin overhead camshafts through roller cam followers on finger rockers with hydraulic automatic lash adjusters. Gasoline is electronically injected through triple-jet nozzles (also a technological first). The water-cooled turbocharger operates through an air-to-air intercooler. The ignition timing advance is also controlled electronically, and a knock-sensing system is included.[1]

Originally a 548 cc (33.4 cu in) engine, it was enlarged to 657 cc (40.1 cu in) in 1990 following changes in the class regulations. The four-cylinder 4A3 engine is derived from the 3G8, sharing a 72 mm (2.8 in) bore pitch.[3]

  1. ^ a b "A baby that sprints: tiny Mitsubishi engine blasts off with five valves". Ward's Auto World (April 1989).
  2. ^ Knowling, Michael (2005-10-19). "Mighty Minica ZZ-4". AutoSpeed. Web Publications Pty Limited. Archived from the original on 2012-12-30.
  3. ^ "軽自動車用の4気筒エンジン" [Kei four-cylinder engines]. a-design-for-life (in Japanese). 2014-09-27. Archived from the original on 2019-07-08.