Diamond in the Rough? You decide.

[Aaronbrook37]

Hey folks... I'm back with another potential project car. I've decided that my '68 Cougar isn't the right car. Too much rust, way too big, way too small, and needs a lot more TLC than I can provide. It's been on the market for a week now, and I'm basically just waiting for a mediocre offer just so it's out of my hair and the driveway opens back up for something potentially better and more fun. Nevertheless, I've been pursuing some replacement options for a project because I'm an absolute addict. Here's one I'm on the fence about:

1983 Mitsubishi Starion. It has been sitting for four years with a fuel delivery issue and no battery. Supposedly it has spark and compression. Replacement taillight and some spare parts are included. He's asking $1000 firm. I haven't been out to see the car yet, but he's already told me that he's a hands-off seller and won't let me tinker with it to try and repair the fuel delivery issue. It's as-is where-is, meaning high risk and a must-tow.

Some positives:

1. Five speed manual.
2. Four wheel disc brakes.
3. Recently replaced turbocharger.
4. Recently rebuilt engine.
5. Turbo.
6. Fuel delivery looks like a $5 fix.

Some negatives:

1. Parts are very rare for these.
2. Passenger's side collision may not have been repaired properly.
3. Fuel system has to be completely drained and rebuilt.
4. Brakes are probably toast.
5. Rust/mold/mildew potential is very high.
6. 7.0:1 CR + 2555cc = terrible fuel economy.

[jake88maro]

well good luck with the sale of the cougar! I'd chime in about the mitsubishi but i've never ever heard of that car!

[1chrisapple]

I know where 2 parts cars are right now if u need parts

[Bert]

A "G" note for a 30 year old non-collectible unknown parts availability car you cannot even tinker with in hopes of finding a fuel issue fix. Meaning you can't even hear it run, try out the tranny or drive it around the block. I'd run not walk away from that one.

[David88]

Hi my name is David. I'm addict too. It was the Chrysler Conquest here. I bet turbo parts are expensive! There is one (conquest) in the local salvage yard here. Rare to see. From one junkie to another- looks like a can of worms to me but I never got into the turbo stuff. I always did like the style of those though. Their styling was very sleek for 1982! It can't hurt to go look at it..... :evil2:


Now when I go "look" I leave my money at home!

[leapin]

After working at Mistubishi and having owned a rare Mitsu turbo car, I would say stay away. Parts (if you can find them) are stupid expensive and hidden chassis rust is plentyful. About four weeks after I sold mine the rear strut blew through the wheel well with no warning. The car looked rust free. But it was corroding under the strut mounts away from sight.

[eurotiva]

I've owned two over the years. The AC drain went into the frame rail, and they all have rot. Period.

I had an 88, and an 89 "shp" both conquests, but same car.

The starion was more rare but was not widebody like the conquests. Look up 89, they had the best parts

You can running examples of the same car for around the same price.

Also the early ones were non intercooled, and had major fuel issues.

They run the engine off of one injectors, then a second comes on when needed.

They also have a "jet valve" in the head, they we're very prone to cracking. Some upgrades are early dodge caravan, or Mitsubishi forklift heads.

On the positive side, a 4g63 will bolt right it, using two passenger side conquest mounts. Wiring is another story.

I hope this helped

[defprun]

For 4g63 swap Id prefer Dodge 50 with the narrowblock motor. Just wiring required...and its a truck!!!

Sent from the trash can.

[Aaronbrook37]

well good luck with the sale of the cougar! I'd chime in about the mitsubishi but i've never ever heard of that car!

Appreciate it, mate. Got another guy coming by today who's doing a three or four hour drive to see it. Here's hoping he makes me an offer. That's actually part of the appeal to it truth be told haha. I love rare cars... and this would be a perfect candidate for collector plates with enough TLC.

I know where 2 parts cars are right now if u need parts

Good to know. Appreciate it, good sir.

A "G" note for a 30 year old non-collectible unknown parts availability car you cannot even tinker with in hopes of finding a fuel issue fix. Meaning you can't even hear it run, try out the tranny or drive it around the block. I'd run not walk away from that one.

Good thoughts. I disagree with you on the collectible status, but it's all good. These cars were quite impressive compared to their domestic counterparts even without the fancy intercooler kits, widebody fenders, and so on.

Hi my name is David. I'm addict too. It was the Chrysler Conquest here. I bet turbo parts are expensive! There is one (conquest) in the local salvage yard here. Rare to see. From one junkie to another- looks like a can of worms to me but I never got into the turbo stuff. I always did like the style of those though. Their styling was very sleek for 1982! It can't hurt to go look at it..... :evil2:

Now when I go "look" I leave my money at home!

Yes the style is just phenomenal. I've always had a thing for the domestic 2.2L/2.5L turbos that came in all sorts of cars, but this one seems even cooler. I think I will swing by the check it out and take more photos... just so I have a better sense and to fulfill my urges haha.

After working at Mistubishi and having owned a rare Mitsu turbo car, I would say stay away. Parts (if you can find them) are stupid expensive and hidden chassis rust is plentyful. About four weeks after I sold mine the rear strut blew through the wheel well with no warning. The car looked rust free. But it was corroding under the strut mounts away from sight.

Given your resume, I was hoping you'd chime in! Which turbo car did you own? I don't remember you ever mentioning it!

I've owned two over the years. The AC drain went into the frame rail, and they all have rot. Period.

I had an 88, and an 89 "shp" both conquests, but same car.

The starion was more rare but was not widebody like the conquests. Look up 89, they had the best parts

You can running examples of the same car for around the same price.

Also the early ones were non intercooled, and had major fuel issues.

They run the engine off of one injectors, then a second comes on when needed.

They also have a "jet valve" in the head, they we're very prone to cracking. Some upgrades are early dodge caravan, or Mitsubishi forklift heads.

On the positive side, a 4g63 will bolt right it, using two passenger side conquest mounts. Wiring is another story.

I hope this helped

Oh hey there Greg... wasn't aware you owned a couple of these badboys. Great advice... thanks for chiming in. Will take this into consideration for sure. Were I to pick this one up, I definitely wouldn't be able to justify a $1000 as it sits. Hopefully he gets fed up with it and will go down to Scrap + $50 or something.

For 4g63 swap Id prefer Dodge 50 with the narrowblock motor. Just wiring required...and its a truck!!!

Sent from the trash can.

Agreed... I'd love to do a D50 4G63T swap. Were I to pick this one up, I'd probably build up the G54B with a better cylinder head, better than 7.0:1 compression, and a nice big exhaust.

[koRnhead]

I'd run from that one personally, and knowing the masochistic streak that will consume you once you start wrenching on a turbo Mitsu. If the body is solid, id 4G it fast and flip it. But like others have said, rust WILL be an issue.

[db2u]

I have to agree with the run dont walk away.... Sitting 4 years, in what looks to be a very damp climate is going to wreak havoc on this. Not only is the rust/mold potential high, rodent damage is too. What was meant by not collectable, is that even in mint condition, these are not likely to fetch very high prices.. Someone might love it, but the $$ value isnt there. I would say it's rough in the rough, definitely not a diamond.

[Aaronbrook37]

I'd run from that one personally, and knowing the masochistic streak that will consume you once you start wrenching on a turbo Mitsu. If the body is solid, id 4G it fast and flip it. But like others have said, rust WILL be an issue.

Roger that. Thanks bud!

I have to agree with the run dont walk away.... Sitting 4 years, in what looks to be a very damp climate is going to wreak havoc on this. Not only is the rust/mold potential high, rodent damage is too. What was meant by not collectable, is that even in mint condition, these are not likely to fetch very high prices.. Someone might love it, but the $$ value isnt there. I would say it's rough in the rough, definitely not a diamond.

Ah okay I see what you mean. Yes, I agree... it would be hard to sell this car in pristine condition for more than 2000.