Mitsubishi 3G8 engine

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.

Its 3G81 three-cylinder engine has a displacement of 548 cc 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.

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

3G81
Engine dimensions — 548 cc inline three-cylinder Bore — 62.3 mm Stroke — 60.0 mm Fuel type — Unleaded regular gasoline

Versions

3G82
Displacement — 796 cc Bore — 65 mm Stroke — 80 mm Engine type — Inline three-cylinder SOHC 6 valves Power — 33 kW at unknown rpm

This was built only for the Taiwanese market Mitsubishi Towny (Minica) and Minicab 800, from 01.87 - 11.88. Most specifications are unknown.

3G83
Displacement — 657 cc Bore — 65 mm Stroke — 66 mm Fuel type — Unleaded regular gasoline

Double carb (1990)

 * Engine type — Inline three-cylinder SOHC
 * Power — 29 kW at 6000 rpm
 * Torque — 51 Nm 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 at 7500 rpm
 * Torque — 56 Nm 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 at 7,500 rpm
 * Torque — 96 Nm at 4,500 rpm

4G82
Displacement — 1061 cc Bore — 65 mm Stroke — 80 mm Engine type — Inline four-cylinder SOHC Power — 43 kW JIS at 5,500 rpm Torque — 9.1 kgm at 3,500 rpm

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).