CLUNKBUCKET

Everything but the same old cars

Starions-a-Plenty

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Mitsubishi StarionWhile not quite the usual sub 500-dollar car, the Starion will be an omnipresent  and endlessly ongoing project here at Clunkbucket. Purchased back in 2004 as a replacement for an Evo8 that was garnering way too much attention from the authorities, the Mitsubishi Starion (aka Chrysler Conquest) has been a source of both enjoyment and frustration over the last few years. Keeping 25 year old machines running is fun enough. Making them go faster or handle better makes for even more entertainment. We’ll share what we’ve learned along the way.

Comments

  1. Viggen says

    Was just talking about this with some buddies the other day — Starion was hot in its day and is still hot today. Just saw one a month ago in NJ (Where else?) — mint and spectacular.

    For its day, designed-in wheel arch blisters (like a 944, unlike other cars of its day) and big bold wheels were ahead of its time…

  2. Ade says

    When I was in school one of the teachers had a classic Triumph Stag, it was white and was in top condition for a 20 year old car at the time. He sold it and bought a Mitsubishi Starion, dark blue and only few years old, we all thought he was mad to sell a classic car and replace it with a Japanese coupe. The Starion was nice but at the time I didn’t really get why he did it. Now the Japanese coupe’s are turning into the 20+ year old motors, maybe its just me but I can’t see them being classic cars, just old ones.

  3. MikeL says

    Sorry. Triumph Stag and classic are three words that should never go together. The v8 in the stag, basically two of their 4 bangers with a new block, were notorious for overheating, leaking, puking, and just generally being a total lump. [the Astron engine is also famous for this – ed] Also, it was a Leyland. God, what an awful car.

    The Starion on the other hand, with a good bit of throttle would spool up, fry the tires, and just plain get. A friend of mine had one and it was our ride of choice to tour the topless joints of Detroit in our youth.

  4. HughM says

    I’ll be interested in reading more about your Starion project. I remember when the Conquest TSI just came out. My dad had a new Dodge dealership at the time and the fender flares introduced with the TSI really made the car look so much cooler. Fast forward to now and I have an Evolution 8 myself but I still want a Conquest/Starion of my own. One of these days…

  6. Brian DR1665 says

    Incredible. You’re a Mitsubishi guy too. This site is awesome.

    I’d love a Starion myself, but I’m sticking with my Galant VR4s. The *original* Evo, imo.

    Will be looking forward to more updates on this project. Sharp looks, rear wheel drive, and becoming more and more rare by the day. Great choice!