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starion/conquest changes 1983-1989


joey_crandall
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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

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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 by Mech
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  • 8 months later...
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.

 

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  • 5 years later...
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