joey_crandall Posted November 8, 2008 Report Share Posted November 8, 2008 History and development of the Mitsubishi Starion and Chrysler Conquest 1982 to 1989 In the beginning: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, the parent company to Mitsubishi Motors is one of the worlds largest corporations, dating back prior to 1937. Mitsubishi Motors Division is ranked among the 10 largest automobile manufacturers in the world. As a side note, Mitsubishi is also the only automotive manufacturer in the world that builds their own turbochargers! In 1972, Chrysler Corporation purchased a minor percentage of Mitsubishi Motors stock that gained them a seat on the board of directors. This opened up Chryslers ability to introduce a variety of low cost, fuel efficient cars toting the Chrysler, Plymouth or Dodge banner. We saw many cars, such as the Champ, Colt, Arrow, Challenger, Sapporo, mini trucks roll off Chrysler's lots and home in the hands of happy consumers. Many of Chryslers US built cars shared Mitsubishi power plants (i.e. LeBaron, Dodge 400, Reliant, and Aries.) It was to no-ones surprise when they announced their intended entry to the US automotive market in 1983. Having gained knowledge of what the US consumers wanted through their partnership with Chrysler Corporation, the car manufacture stood ready to strike out on their own. To introduce themselves in October of 1982, a modest line-up of models prove sufficient. These were the Cordia, Tredia, Montero, 2WD and 4WD trucks, and of course, their Flagship, the Starion. The Starion was to be designed and built to go head to head with other Japanese sports coupes that were now enjoying an exclusive niche in the US market. These were the Datsun 280ZX, powered by an in-line-6, and the Toyota Celica Supra, also with an in-line 6. Needless to say, Mitsubishi's quick little 4 cylinder turbo sent Datsun and Toyota scrambling back to the design departments for turbos of their very own! Chrysler also released the Starion under their own banner in 1984, displaying the name "Conquest", and they played a major role in refining the cars capabilities and appearance. With joint cooperation between the two industry leaders, we saw the Star/Quest grow and mature through its 7½ ~year production life. while other manufacturers were redesigning their whole car, in an attempt to stay ahead. The Star/Quest, however, simply got better, proving an already excellent design. General Information: POWER Plant: Mitsubishi Built 2.6 liter(2555cm³/155.9 cid) inline 4 Model G54B Mitsubishi built TD05 Turbocharger Single Overhead Cam, Chain drive Hemispherical combustion chambers Patented MCA Jet valve (for Combustion chamber "Swirl") Patented Twin Silent Shafts for engine balance * Throttle Body Injection (EFI) Bore/Stroke 3.59"/3.86" Compression Ratio 7.0:1 Clearance Volume 6.39cc 145hp @ 5000rpm 185 lb-ft torque @ 2500rpm Clutch Diameter: 8" 5th gear (overdrive)ratio 0.86:1 Final drive ratio 3.54:1 Starter; 900w direct drive Chassis: Uni-Body construction Front engine, rear drive Length 173.2" Weight 68.3" Height 50.2" Wheel base 95.9" Curb Weight 3037lbs (5spd) 3097lbs (auto) Drag Coefficient = 0.35 Suspension: Front: Independent, McPherson Strut Design With Stabilizer Bar Rear: (Chapman design) Independent, McPherson Struts With Stabilizer Bars (front & Rear) Brakes: Power Assisted 8" Ventilated Disks front and rear *Later licensed to Porsche for use on 944 Subtile Differences Between the Conquest and Starion Starion's grill was painted black while Conquest's is Body Color Starion Taillights had wide grooves while Conquest's were tight Starion wasn't available with a lighted vanity mirror 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1983: Starion EX, 2+2 Coupe (base Model) Starion LS, 2+2 Coupe (Luxury Sport) First production year of the Starion was actually mid 1982. LS included Air-conditioning, 6 way adjustable seats, digital display, and 8 speaker sound system standard. 7.0:1 compression Flat sided body only. Identified by fake hood scoops, and :TURBO decal behind doors. Introduced unique door mounted seat belts 5spd manual transmission only Transmision production change ('82.5-03/83)(04/83-04/85) Block change (82.5-01/83)(02/83-08/85) Oil pump change (82.5-01/83)(02/83-end) Oil cooler added (06/83-05/87) 14"x 6" 4 Bolt rims Available colors: Exterior Sand Metallic Interior Red Available Options: Air Conditioning (EX) Sunroof (EX/LS) Leather Seat Package (LS) Limited Slip Differential Technica Package included: Limited slip Differential Anti lock rear brakes Digital Insturmentation 1984: Starion LS Starion LE Starion ES First production year of the Conquest. Sold under Dodge, and Chrysler/Plymoth banner (Note: The "Conquest" was never sold in Japan) Drivetrain Changes: P195/70R-14 on 14"x6" alloy rims standard First year Automatic was offered (Used 1200w, reduction drive starter) Conquest receives quicker stearing gear (14.3:1 instead of Starions 16.0:1) Manual transmition change, ?? models (12/84-09/85) Chassis Changes: Hood Scoops removed "Turbo" logo shrunk and moved to door handles Conquest had "Voice Box" Grill changes to body color Front Chin spoiler moved forward, and angled back "B-pillar" vent changed to single slot (Conquest) Front bumper looses license-plate aperture Pin striping removed (Conquest) New ABS computer designed Available colors: Starion: Black Exterior w/ Red Interior Red Exterior w/ Gray Interior Conquest: Maroon Exterior w/ Maroon interior Available Options: Automatic Transmission (Starion LE, Conquest) Air conditioning (Starion LS, Conquest) Sunroof Tire Package P215/60R-15s on 15" x 6.5" alloy rims Lower gold body treatment TSB 21-18-90 1985: Starion LS Starion LE Starion ES Starion ESI (1985½) Conquest LE Drivetrain Changes: Water cooled turbine bearing housing (All) Stronger Driveline (5 lug tire hubs on ESI ) Manual transmition change ??model (10/85-05/87) Manual transmition change ??model (06/85-05/87) Block change (09/85-end) Chassis Changes: Available Colors: Pearl Exterior w/ Blue?? Interior Gold Exterior w/ ?????? Interior White Exterior w/ Tan Interior (Conquest) Burgundy Exterior w/ Burgundy Interior Red and Black?? w/ Gray Interior Available Options: Auto Transmission (Starion LE, Conquest) Air Conditioning (Starion LS, Conquest) Technica Package (Conquest) Digital Instrument Cluster Electronic Voice Alert Body Side Trim ESI Package (actually a 1985.5 model) 170hp @ 5000rpm (SAE Net) 220ft/lbs @ 2500 7.5 PSI boost Intercooler Compression 7.0:1 Rear Wheel ABS (EIS only) 15"x6.5" 5-bolt Rims P215/60HR-15 tires Limited Slip Differential Available w/Manual Transmission only 9.92" rotors (front), 9.65" (rear) Steering Ratio: 14.3:1 Stabilizer Bars = .83"(front), .71"(Rear) Technical Service Bulletins Issued: TSB 18-52-86 TSB 21-10-90 TSB 21-18-90 1986: Starion LE Starion ESI-R Conquest LE Conquest TSI Introduction of the Starion ESI-R (Euro Sport Intercooled-Rally) Introduction of the Conquest TSI (Turbo Sport Intercooled) Drivetrain Changes: Automatic Valve lash adjusters installed Brake rotors increase to 10.8" (front) and 10.4" (rear) 215/60R-15, 15 x 6.5" 4 bolt alloy rims standard New computer, with High altitude compensation Chassis Changes: First Wide Body (Flared Fender) design (ESI-R & TSI) B-Pillar Vent changed to one vertical slot, (Starion) Rear Spoiler, made standard New Cyclops Brake Light Improved ETACS Computer w/wiper speed control, doorlock control, and 30 delay for power windows New Interior trim Bodyside moldings made standard Rear washer/wiper made standard Steering ratio increased from 3.0 to 2.8 turns lock to lock Control arm pivot point raised (ESI-R/TSI) Control arms are 1" longer (ESI-R/TSI) Stearing Knuckle angles adjusted (ESI-R/TSI) Stouter Idler arm (ESI-R/TSI) Stronger Struts (ESI-R/TSI) Wheel Offset Changed (ESI-R/TSI) Available colors: Black Exterior w/ Black Interior (Conquest) Silver Exterior w/ Black Interior (Starion) Red Exterior w/ Burgandy Interior (Conquest) White Exterior w/ Burgundy Interior (Starion) Available Options: Air Conditioning (Conquest) Automatic Transmission (Starion LE, Conquest) Leather/Digital Package (Starion LE) Illuminated Vanity Mirrors Technica Package (Conquest) ESI-R Package 176hp @ 5000rpm (SAE Net) 223ft/lb @2500rpm Compression 7.1:1 Flaired Fenders 16"x 7" (F) 16"x 8"® 5 bolt alloy rims Service Bulletins Issued: TSB 18-52-86 TSB 21-08-90 TSB 21-10-90 TSB 21-18-90 1987: Base Model = 146hp @ 5000rpm, 185 lb-ft torque @ 2500rpm Starion LE Starion ESI-R Conquest LE Final year of the ES Model? Drivetrain Changes: 15"x 6.5" Wheels P215/60HR15 Improved fuel management system Fuel cut circuit removed Manual transmition change (06/87-end) Piston and pin change (82.5-05/87)(06/87-end) Flywheel change (82.5-05/87)(06/87-end) Oil cooler change (06/87-end) Chassis Changes: Rear Axil Ratio 3.54:1 TC05 Turbocharger Passive Restraint seat belts Available colors: Bright Silver Exterior w/ Dark Red Interior (Starion/Conquest/TSi) Black Exterior w/ Black Interior (Starion/Conquest/TSi) Bright Red Exterior w/ Black Interior (TSi) Dark Red Exterior w/ Dark Red Interior (Starion/Conquest> Driftwood Exterior w/ Dark Red Interior (Conquest/TSi) Gold Exterior w/ Black Interior (Starion/Conquest/TSi) Medium Blue Exterior w/ Black Interior (Conquest/TSi) White Exterior w/ Dark Red Interior (Conquest/TSi) Available Options: Air Conditioning (Conquest) Leather seat trim Sunroof Floor Mats AM Stereo/FM Stereo (Standard on TSI) Automatic Transmission (Starion LE, Conquest) Technica Package (Conquest Only) Digital Instrument Cluster AM Stereo/FM Stereo Leather Wrap Steering Wheel w/radio controls TSI/ESI-R Package: 176hp @ 5000rpm, 223 lb-ft torque @ 2500rpm 7.5 PSI Boost Intercooler Rear Wheel ABS 16" Wheels P205/55VR16 (7"front) P225/50VR16 (8"Rear) Unique Air Dam Fender Flares Lower Bodyside Sill Extensions Leather wrap Steering Wheel w/radio controls AM Stereo/FM Stereo Performance sound exhaust Remote/heated outside mirrors Limited Slip Differential Service Bulletins Issued: TSB 18-52-86 TSB 21-10-90 TSB 21-18-90 1988: Starion ESI Starion ESI-R Conquest TSI Drivetrain Changes: Boost increased to 10 PSI 188HP @ 5000rpm 234 lb-ft torque @ 2500rpm Chassis Changes: Available Colors: Electric Blue Exterior w/ Black Interior (TSi) Canary Yellow Exterior w/ Black Interior (TSi) White Exterior w/ Dark Red Interior (Conquest) White Exterior w/ Beige Interior (Starion) Red Exterior w/ Black Interior (Starion/Conquest) Black Exterior w/ Black Interior (Conquest/Starion) Maroon Exterior w/ Maroon Interior (Conquest) Available Options: Sport Handling Package (Starion ESI-R, Conquest TSI) 225/50-16 on 8"rims (front) 245/45-16 on 9"rims (rear) 8 position, manually adjustable shocks Cosmetics aero Wheel covers Air Conditioning (Starion ESI, Conquest TSI) Leather seat trim (Starion ESI-R, Conquest TSI) Automatic Transmission (Starion EIS-R, Conquest TSI) Service Bulletins Issued: TSB 21-08-90 TSB 21-10-90 TSB 21-18-90 1989: Starion ESI-R Conquest TSI Final production year for both cars. Drivetrain Changes: Chassis Changes: New Three point harness for rear passengers New One Touch automatic down for Power windows New two position power antenna New standard sport bucket seats Available Colors: Red Exterior w/ Black or Buckskin/Black Interior White Exterior w/ Dark Red or Buckskin/Black Yellow Exterior w/ Black or Buckskin/Black Interior Black Exterior w/ Black or Buckskin/Black Interior Buckskin Exterior w/ Black or Buckskin/Black Interior Blue Exterior w/ Black Interior Silver Exterior w/ Dark Red or Black Interior Available Options: Air Conditioning Floor Mats Performance Handling Package 5-Way Adjustable leather sport bucket seats Sun Roof Service Bulletins Issued: TSB 21-08-90 TSB 21-10-90 Technical Service Bulletins Discription: TSB 18-52-86 Rough Idle, Faulty ECU TSB 20-08-90 5spd Buzz through Shifter, Replace shifter TSB 21-10-90 5spd Model KM132 redesigned 5th gear. TSB 21-18-90 Auto Trans Overdrive switch Recalls: 1988 Catalytic Converter 1988 Rod Bearings SOME UNKNOWN DATA: Rim increase from 14" to 15" ? Clutch size Increase 8"-9"-10" ? Bumper to Bumper Warrantee 3yr/36,000 mile Drive train Warrantee 3yr/50,000 mile Rust Warrantee 5yr/unlimited mile Acknowegements: This data has been collected through data released by a number of publications. Chrysler Publications Archives Chrysler Service Department Mitsubishi Motors Corperation Turbo and High performance Magazine Mitsubishi Sports Car Club of America Road and Track Car an Driver Popular Science Motor Trend Chiltons Haynes NADA Blue Book NOTE: Production changes with dates, have been identified by part number changes. This section is not intended to infringe on any publication rights, but to provide information to fellow enthusiasts of the Conquest and Starion Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loye Posted November 8, 2008 Report Share Posted November 8, 2008 References? Sorry, not trying to be a wise a** this time, but there is always someone claiming they have personal correspondence withe Mitsubishi dating back to 198x . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joey_crandall Posted November 8, 2008 Author Report Share Posted November 8, 2008 i just found this on the net somewhere and though it had some interesting info. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mech Posted November 8, 2008 Report Share Posted November 8, 2008 (edited) I remember reading this years ago. You would think who ever wrote it would check for spelling mistakes. New One Touch automatic down for Power windows The auto down was for the drivers window only. New two position power antenna I dont recall my 89 having this. Edited November 8, 2008 by Mech Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shift1313 Posted November 8, 2008 Report Share Posted November 8, 2008 83 was on the roof. 84+ had the "new position" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2manytoyz Posted July 29, 2009 Report Share Posted July 29, 2009 refresher course,lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IntercooledFlatty Posted July 29, 2009 Report Share Posted July 29, 2009 I remember reading this years ago. You would think who ever wrote it would check for spelling mistakes. The auto down was for the drivers window only. I dont recall my 89 having this. me either but my 280zx had it :hmm3grin2orange: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Killtodie Posted July 29, 2009 Report Share Posted July 29, 2009 Throw that on wiki Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UltimateLurker Posted July 29, 2009 Report Share Posted July 29, 2009 References? Sorry, not trying to be a wise a** this time, but there is always someone claiming they have personal correspondence withe Mitsubishi dating back to 198x . I had such correspondence, and can prove it. The original post is so full of holes and inaccuracies that if it were a ship, it'd sink before it left the port. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IntercooledFlatty Posted July 29, 2009 Report Share Posted July 29, 2009 ^ long time no see UL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spoolinturbo Posted July 30, 2009 Report Share Posted July 30, 2009 wow you made UL come out of his hole...now look what you have gone and done hahaha yea i saw that a long time ago too... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Starwolf Posted July 30, 2009 Report Share Posted July 30, 2009 89 got a redesigned 5th gear? Making it stronger or what? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
strang3majik Posted July 30, 2009 Report Share Posted July 30, 2009 89 got a redesigned 5th gear? Making it stronger or what? no changes were made. They simply designed it again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shadow89 Posted July 12, 2015 Report Share Posted July 12, 2015 SHADOW Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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