Mitsubishi Starion Used Parts Online

The Mitsubishi Starion is a three door, turbocharged four cylinder rear-wheel drive four seat sports car that was in production from 1982 to 1990. It was also marketed in North America as the Conquest under the Chrysler, Dodge, and Plymouth names both the Starion and Conquest came to an end in 1989. Although preceded by earlier turbocharged designs such as the Porsche 930 (1975), Saab 99 (1978) and the Mitsubishi Lancer EX 2000 Turbo (1980), it is considered to be one of the originators of the modern Japanese turbocharged performance automobile genre. The Starion's appearance in 1982 occurred during a period in which a number of Japanese Grand Tourer (GT) sports cars were increasing in popularity. The Starion's turbocharged four cylinder engine enabled it to be very competitive. The Starion used a traditional front mounted engine with rear wheel drive layout, which most sports cars use. Many came with a limited slip differential and anti lock brakes (single channel, rear wheels only) as standard features. The entire chassis was derived from the previous high performance variant of the Mitsubishi Sapporo or Mitsubishi Galant Lambda sports coupe, with a MacPherson strut suspension and swaybars that were fitted to front and rear. Engine capacity was 2.0 L with the now well known Sirius 4G63 2.0 L engine, subsequently featured in DOHC form in the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution series of automobiles. However, American customers received the larger Astron G54B 2.6 L engine, but without any additional horsepower. Neither engines were DOHC. After 1987, European Starion models were also fitted with the 2.6 L engine, as was the GSR VR for Japan. Both engines featured computer controlled fuel injection and turbocharging.

Motorsports The Starion was a prominent competitor in motorsports up to International level during the 1980s and performed well on the circuit in Group A and Group N races of the era. Andy McLennan driving a Simmons drums sponsored Starion was very successful,picking up many race wins and a Monroe championship, this against the semi works car of Colin Blower. In Holland, John Hugenholtz won the over 2L class in the Dutch Championship, with the Colin Blower prepared Mitsubishi Dealers car. In the United States, the Starion became best known for successes in endurance racing. Starions from Dave Wolin's Team Mitsubishi, with turbocharged 2.6 L G54B engines built by noted Lotus engine guru Dave Vegher, captured the prestigious "Longest Day of Nelson Ledges", 24 hour endurance race, an incredible four years running, from 1984 through 1987. Team Mitsubishi Starions also won the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) U.S. Endurance Championships three of those four years, competing against the fully factory backed efforts from Chrysler, Audi, Nissan and Mazda. Although not commonly seen in modern motorsports, a number are still raced on both circuit and in special stage rally events, usually by privateers. Major results circuit International 1984 Australian Production Car Champion 1984 SCCA Nelson Ledges 24 Hour Race 1st 1984 SCCA Playboy Endurance Championship 1st 1985 British Saloon Car Championship 2nd in championship 1985 Guia Race in Macau Grand Prix 3rd 1985 Guia Race in Macau Grand Prix 4th 1985 SCCA Nelson Ledges 24 Hour Race 1st, Despite heavy rollover crash damage. 1985 SCCA Playboy Endurance Championship 1st 1986 SCCA Escort Endurance Championship 2nd 1986 SCCA Nelson Ledges 24 Hour Race 1st 1986 SCCA Showroom Stock A National Championship 1st 1986 Dutch National Touring Car Championship 1st 1987 SCCA Escort Endurance Championship 1st 1987 SCCA Nelson Ledges 24 Hour Race 1st 1988 SCCA Showroom Stock A National Championship 1st 1990 SCCA Showroom Stock A National Championship 1st