The Mitsubishi 3G8 engine is a range of three-cylinder powerplant from Mitsubishi Motors, introduced in the fifth generation of their Mitsubishi Minicakei car. In common with other contemporary engines in the class, it could be specified with many advanced technologies despite its diminutive size, including multi-valvecylinder 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]
3G81
Engine dimensions — 548 cc (33.4 cu in) inline three-cylinder Bore — 62.3 mm (2.45 in) Stroke — 60.0 mm (2.36 in) Fuel type — Unleaded regular gasoline
Displacement — 657 cc (40.1 cu in) Bore — 65 mm (2.56 in) Stroke — 66 mm (2.6 in) Fuel type — Unleaded regular gasoline
Double carb (1990)
Engine type — Inline three-cylinder SOHC
Power — 29 kW (39 PS; 39 hp) at 6000 rpm
Torque — 51 N⋅m (38 lb⋅ft) at 4000 rpm
Fuel system — two-barrel down-draft carburettor
Compression ratio — 9.8:1
DOHC (1990)
Engine type — Inline three-cylinder DOHC
Compression ratio — 9.8:4
Fuel system — ECI multiple
Power — 38 kW (52 PS; 51 hp) at 7500 rpm
Torque — 56 N⋅m (41 lb⋅ft) at 5700 rpm
Turbo (1990)
Engine type — Inline three-cylinder DOHC 15-valve intercooled turbo
Compression ratio — 8.5:1
Fuel system — ECI multiple
Power — 47 kW (64 PS; 63 hp) at 7,500 rpm
Torque — 96 N⋅m (71 lb⋅ft) at 4,500 rpm
4G82
Displacement — 1,061 cc (64.7 cu in) Bore — 65 mm (2.56 in) Stroke — 80 mm (3.15 in) Engine type — Inline four-cylinder SOHC Power — 43 kW (58 PS; 58 hp) JIS at 5,500 rpm Torque — 9.1 kg⋅m (89 N⋅m; 66 lb⋅ft) at 3,500 rpm[4]
Of the same dimensions as the 3G82 but with a fourth cylinder, this was built in Taiwan by CMC (China Motor Corporation). Used in the Mitsubishi Varica (LWB version of fourth generation Mitsubishi Minicab).