by "Powershiftmedia-ResidentDSMGuru" (matt-powershiftmedia)
Published 06/18/2017 at 23:15
by "Powershiftmedia-ResidentDSMGuru" (matt-powershiftmedia)
Published 06/18/2017 at 23:15
Tags: DSM
; Project cars
; 4g63
; Talon
; turbo
STARS: 14
It was a hot summer day, almost triple digits. The legendary Black Cherry 1G Talon made its’ way through the pits, everybody was watching. This particular car was holding the number one position all day, running in the mid nine second range. This pass was no different, and the Talon went on to destroy everything in its’ class that day. This was in 2002, and my life was forever changed since.
Flash forward several years, and that legendary Talon went on to hold numerous accolades, became the first all wheel drive car to run seven second quarter mile times and instilled fear into the competition in ways unimaginable. The truth is, the whole DSM community shed a tear the day John Shepherd announced he would be retiring the legend. This was a car that truly captivated an audience, when John pulled into the pits, everybody dropped everything and immediately paid attention. If your significant other called to announce she just went into active labor, it can wait seven seconds. His car truly was a rock star and always will be.
To be perfectly honest, this Talon is the car that started it all for me. Back in 2002, performance from four cylinder imports was still largely in its’ infancy, and to see a legitimate street car running nine second quarter mile times seemed almost impossible. With that being said, this was just the start for the reign of terror that DSMs would become known for. Whether you love these cars or you’re new to them, this article should hopefully bring a since of pride and cohesion, much like the community has for so many years.
So, What Is A DSM?
Since you asked, I’ll go ahead and cover that now. For the purpose of this article, we will mostly stick to the first generation model. With that out of the way, DSM stands for Diamond Star Motors, which was a joint venture between Chrysler and Mitsubishi. The naming came from the Chrysler star logo and the Mitsubishi diamonds, pretty self explanatory now that you know. Formed in 1985, this joint venture brought us three amazing cars, the Talon, Eclipse and Laser.
The Talon was the model produced by Eagle, the Eclipse was produced under the Mitsubishi Motors title, and the Laser was produced under the Plymouth name. All three cars were basically the same, with minor aesthetic differences. However, here’s the bigger differences:
The Laser didn’t offer all wheel drive as an available option until 1992
Laser was only produced from 1990-1994
Talon was produced until 1998
Eclipse produced for much longer than it should have been, second generation production ending in 1999 noting the end of 4G63 and all wheel drive availability
Back to some of those differences. The trio was sold in the USA starting in the 1990 model year, with turbocharged engines available in front wheel drive and all wheel drive trims. The 1.8 motor was known as the 4G37 and output was low, around 110-115 horsepower. These motors were found in base cars such as the Talon DL, Eclipse GS and Laser base. Many of those base cars didn’t feature the iconic hood bump, but some base models did indeed have it.
The 4G63 non turbocharged engine was rated for roughly 130 horsepower, and was found in the higher line Talon ESi, Eclipse GS 16v, and Laser RS. The turbocharged engine came in two flavors, 180 horsepower for the automatic transmission models, and 195 horsepower for the manual equipped models. These were designated Talon TSi, Eclipse GST (front wheel drive) or GSX (all wheel drive) as well as RS Turbo for the Laser. The difference in outputs between transmission choices is attributed to a few things. The automatic models had a smaller 13G turbocharger and smaller 390 cc fuel injectors. The manual models had a larger 14B turbocharger and larger 450 cc fuel injectors.
Acceleration for the day was rather impressive, with all wheel drive models going 0-60 in seven seconds flat. Top speed is something that isn’t really known per se, but I can verify a stock first generation model going well above 130 miles per hour. These cars are tremendously easy to make horsepower with, and even in stock form they are very fun to drive.
What Makes The DSM Special?
The 4G63 engine is the heart of a good DSM, and quite simply, it’s a masterpiece. The most feared four cylinder in the world, and engine with a list of accolades a mile long, if you’re a car enthusiast you’ve no doubt heard about this notorious engine. The 4G63 has been starting pissing matches with V8's for years, and winning the fights with great regularity.
Featuring a cast iron block, forged crankshaft, forged connecting rods, and a cylinder head that outflows Niagara Falls, the 4G63 was an instant recipe for rally and drag strip domination. There were two distinct flavors of the 4G63, the six bolt and the seven bolt. The six bolt was available from 1990 until roughly a third of 1992. Around April 1992, the cars went to a new seven bolt motor. Here are some of the differences:
Six bolt featured the beefiest connecting rods
Six bolt and seven bolt head ports varied in size, this is a controversial subject for another day
Seven bolt featured lighter weight connecting rods
Seven bolt features a main cap girdle
These are just basic differences. All Evolution models featured seven bolt engines. Despite some mass hysteria over “crank walk” the issue was largely blown out of proportion and only affected a fraction of all cars produced. Crank walk refers to an issue in which the crank shaft thrust bearing becomes very worn and allows the crankshaft to quite literally walk inside the block. Again, this is a largely misunderstood topic for another day.
The three models also underwent other changes in 1992, and here are some of those changes:
Elimination of pop up headlights in favor of fixed headlights
Tail lights and other face lift changes such as bumpers, grille and the obvious headlights
All wheel drive models went from the three bolt rear differential to a far stronger and more desirable four bolt design.
Some rare 1992 models were available with the six bolt 4G63 and the four bolt rear differential. These are considered to be one of the most desirable models out there.
1G model designation changed from 1GA to 1GB to notate these changes
That brings us to a few discussions. For the most part, the six bolt engine is the most desirable due to the ability to push the stock engine rotating assembly to stratospheric numbers. With that being said, don’t discount the seven bolt engine either. The factory main cap girdle is very desirable and huge power numbers are very achievable from either motor. In 2011, OSTAR Motorsports was able to run 9.93 at 149 miles per hour on a completely OEM rotating assembly. After being met with skepticism, they were quick to post a live disassembly video, which proved the point that their engine was completely unchanged from new. There have been multiple ten second passes on completely stock engines, featuring turbocharger upgrades, fuel system upgrades, and the obvious bolt on upgrades. This simply goes to show just how capable the 4G63 truly is.
How Capable?
Before the R35 Nissan GTR went on sale, DSMs were completely unrivaled in the all wheel drive arena. In terms of four cylinder all wheel drive models, they still hold every record possible.
Quickest and fastest H pattern manual transmission in the world – Red Demon 2G Eclipse, 7.49 at 199.9 miles per hour. Still all wheel drive.
World’s quickest DSM, quickest and fastest all wheel drive four cylinder car – Jeff Bush 1G Talon, 7.38 at 187.94 miles per hour
First all wheel drive seven second pass, previous world’s quickest and fastest – John Shepherd 1G Talon. 7.70 at 191 miles per hour
Brent Rau – 2G tube car that ran 6.83 at 193 miles per hour making it the first four cylinder in the sixes until recently.
A Nasty Reputation
Word spread very quickly of the capabilities of these cars, and people were quick to scoop them up and start modifying the crap out of them. The problem was, nobody was really maintaining them. As with any aging turbocharged car, special attention is required, and unfortunately it’s rarely given. Instead, people bought their DSMs, cranked the boost through the roof without supplying proper supporting modifications (fuel system, tuning etc) and problems were quickly arising. As this became a trend, these cars were labeled unreliable.
The truth is, DSMs are always as reliable as their owners, and give equal respect. I’ve personally owned multiple Talon and Laser models with nothing bad to report. The day I picked up my beloved 1990 TSi all wheel drive I had driven 250 miles to pick it up and drove it home the same day. The difference was simple, this Talon had been well maintained and I wasn’t an idiot. What I’m trying to say here is that DSMs are as reliable as any other car, they just require a little more love. Don’t knock a car because you lack restraint and common automotive knowledge. The DSMs I’ve owned have offered me excellent service as daily drivers and weekend toys alike.
Final Thoughts
No matter how hard I try and convey my thoughts on this subject, I can never give these cars the proper justice they deserve. Like a good friend, Talons, Eclipses and Lasers have always been a huge part of my life. I’ll make this very clear ahead of time, you don’t simply buy a DSM and stop there. Just like a desperate stray, you feed it once and it becomes a part of your everyday life. There isn’t a way out, and you’ll find yourself comparing other cars to your DSM. The ability to offer insane levels of performance for such small monetary investment attracts many people, and it holds so many of us enthusiasts hostage. Take me for example, I have well over five thousand dollars invested into my Audi 5000 Turbo Quattro, and if I had invested that amount of money into a 1G Talon I would easily be over 500 horsepower.
Add the nostalgic and always iconic appearance of the first generation cars, and you have a recipe for a life long disease. Sure the interior is very cheap in appearance, but it’s truly something you grow to love and embrace. These cars have so much character, and a certain level of panache that is virtually unrivaled from cars of this vintage. For roughly five thousand dollars you can find a very clean first generation all wheel drive Talon, Eclipse or Laser. You’ll be buying into a lifestyle, for better or for worse. With it, you will make friendships, enemies, and memories you won’t ever want to give up. The friendships I cherish today, the friends I’ve had for over a decade, they all spawned from DSM talk and ownership.
We all share the same paralyze, the same sickness, and we typically stick together through thick and thin. As these cars become extinct and rare due to part outs, we hoard parts and buy up all the models we can in hopes of saving them. Someday, I look for my daughter to be sliding the key in her first Talon, and she too will understand the meaning of automotive pride. Nothing makes you quite as proud as a clean DSM, and the fear and respect they demand on the street or at the track. Everybody knows just how fast they can be, and when they see it pull up they tend to assume the worst. Don’t expect to hustle street race money, DSMs won’t fly under anybodies radar, and they certainly aren’t sleepers. Instead, they’re misunderstood, respected, loved, loathed and feared universally.
I hope this helps convince you that buying a DSM is indeed worth it, or maybe helps settle some of the myths. Again, my best advice is simple, buy one knowing that there is no going back, and be prepared to win races that your friends couldn’t.
My Name is Matthew, and I’m an author of mediocre articles. If you liked this article be sure to share it and give feedback!
"cbell04" (cbell04)
06/18/2017 at 23:41, STARS: 1
Around 1997 I had a cousin who’s fiance owned a gsx it was mental for its time. It made noises that just weren’t associated with speed in USA at the time. Then I met a good friend and later roommate who owned a 91 laser turbo fwd that had a decent amount of mods. Good times were had. Since then I’ve had a few buddies with quick dsm cars but those 1st will always hold a spot in my heart. This post brought me back good times. Never owned one but always respected them big time.
"Powershiftmedia-ResidentDSMGuru" (matt-powershiftmedia)
06/18/2017 at 23:46, STARS: 0
These cars truly raised the bar and challenged the status quo that imports were known for. They make memories and they make haters haha. It’s hard to find a car that offers more smiles per dollar than a DSM! Thanks so much for your feedback!
"cbell04" (cbell04)
06/18/2017 at 23:54, STARS: 1
To be completely fair I also had another roommate who got so fast and furious that his extremely poorly modded base 96 eclipse was the laughing stock of our circle of friends and another good buddies turbo 94 burned itself to the ground but both of these were much much later and could have been avoided with common sense and good taste:)
"RallyWrench" (rndlitebmw)
06/19/2017 at 00:03, STARS: 2
Man, this really took me back in time, thanks. My friend Mike owned Diamond Star Specialties, and his white 1G Talon was fairly notorious as the car to beat around here. We took it to one of the first Sport Compact Car “Ultimate Street Car Challenge” events around 2000 and did pretty well, it still had a full interior, stereo, AC, no street compromises. As I recall the car was good for 11's on R-compound 17's, no drag radials, but it’d do that literally all day, or at Buttonwillow, or wherever. Daily driven. In an era when we were dicking around with Civics and N/A 240SXs (before they were really the drift car du jour), and Skylines only existed in Gran Turismo 1, that Talon was a god, on an altogether different level. Mike also had an original FWD Ralliart Eclipse factory race car too, really cool. It helps that he’s a hell of a wheelman, one of the best drivers I know. I remember we’d hear about what Shepherd’s car did, and that’d kind of be the new goal post. His car wasn’t the all-rounder that Mike’s was though, so it was a bit of a rivalry between them.
My buddy Jeremy had a blue N/A 1G in high school, then a black/silver Talon TSi, those got me interested in them and that’s how we found Mike. I hate pretty much all Mitsubishis for being a pain in the ass to work on, including Evos, but the 1G (along with the Montero) gets a pass. Good trip down memory lane.
"BeaterGT" (beatergt)
06/19/2017 at 00:12, STARS: 1
Had a few friends get stranded by DSMs and/or spending more time wrenching than driving the car which turned me off to them. I wouldn’t say they are any worse than a 90s F body. Fast as hell...when it is running right.
"Powershiftmedia-ResidentDSMGuru" (matt-powershiftmedia)
06/19/2017 at 00:14, STARS: 0
Yes unfortunately we seen a lot of that happen in the early 2000s haha. It claimed many otherwise good cars.
"Powershiftmedia-ResidentDSMGuru" (matt-powershiftmedia)
06/19/2017 at 00:16, STARS: 1
Thank you for the feedback! I’m familiar with the white car you mention, I remember it from the sport compact car days. Now that really takes me back!
These cars are my bread and butter. Always been a passion of mine and I’ll probably die with a DSM title to my name.
"Powershiftmedia-ResidentDSMGuru" (matt-powershiftmedia)
06/19/2017 at 00:17, STARS: 0
It’s all in getting them right. The two tone car in this article was acquired for $1100 running and driving. However it was hacked all to crap, but the previous owner had driven it 16,000 miles last year. We’re fixing what’s broken and it’s going to be the DD around here.
"TheD0k_2many toys 2little time" (thed0ck)
06/19/2017 at 00:24, STARS: 4
Great article!
I miss my DSM. 2g manual AWD Talon with a 1g 6bolt. Made 300WHP and 330Tq. I still with i never sold it.
"cbell04" (cbell04)
06/19/2017 at 00:26, STARS: 1
As they say. Danger to the manifold
"Powershiftmedia-ResidentDSMGuru" (matt-powershiftmedia)
06/19/2017 at 00:31, STARS: 0
Oh my, that’s a really clean 2G! 6 bolt swapped and all!!! Love is a unfair word it’s so much more!
"Powershiftmedia-ResidentDSMGuru" (matt-powershiftmedia)
06/19/2017 at 00:31, STARS: 1
Haha I needed this, excellent reference!
"TheD0k_2many toys 2little time" (thed0ck)
06/19/2017 at 00:40, STARS: 0
Yea the PO swapped the motor before i bought it and i put some work into making it nice. My first AWD car and it was a great one. Im sure i will have another some day
"RallyWrench" (rndlitebmw)
06/19/2017 at 00:42, STARS: 1
Haha, I’m amazed you remember it! Not a well publicized car, but it had a reputation. Miss that magazine too.
I’m the same way with BMWs and VW/Audi products. If I die without at least one old one of those in my name, something went wrong.
"Powershiftmedia-ResidentDSMGuru" (matt-powershiftmedia)
06/19/2017 at 00:55, STARS: 0
You never completely leave DSM life haha. Get another, you’ll not regret it.
"Powershiftmedia-ResidentDSMGuru" (matt-powershiftmedia)
06/19/2017 at 00:56, STARS: 1
We sound like brothers. I love my Audis, BMWs and DSMs.
I remember most of the OG DSMs. These cars are like a tattoo, I wear them proudly forever.
"RallyWrench" (rndlitebmw)
06/19/2017 at 02:41, STARS: 1
I’ll never own a DSM, but we’re not far off. I might even own a 5000tq soon.
"Powershiftmedia-ResidentDSMGuru" (matt-powershiftmedia)
06/19/2017 at 02:53, STARS: 0
Right on, I love my 5000TQ. It truly is a fun and rewarding car to own. Nothing wrong with that by the way, DSMs really are a commitment. They’re also insanely addicting, I cannot stress that enough haha.
"Nick the Stick" (stickman407)
06/19/2017 at 09:12, STARS: 0
Two things. The Talon was made until ‘98 and the fastest time on the stock block was 9.28 @ 154. I actually work for OSTAR.
Great article other than that, I love these cars and am currently on Talon #4. Link for stock block proof:
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"projectxmatt" (projectxmatt)
06/19/2017 at 10:28, STARS: 1
100% buy in here is an Imgur album of my 4g love my DSM’s and evo: https://imgur.com/a/57T66
"carzcarzcarz" (carzcarzcarz)
06/19/2017 at 13:41, STARS: 1
Amazing tribute and history article, thank you for all the info!
"red97rum" (d-chap)
06/19/2017 at 14:24, STARS: 1
Great article! You really touched on a lot of great details. I’ve thought about getting rid of my DSM, but it gives me anxiety thinking about not having one... It’s 1Gs for me all the way, I did own a ‘97 GSX for about 8 months and used it as a daily, now nothing against 2Gs, but it just didn’t do it for me. I’ve gone through hell and back with this car and made some amazing friends as well. For me, I’ll always own a DSM.
"Powershiftmedia-ResidentDSMGuru" (matt-powershiftmedia)
06/19/2017 at 14:53, STARS: 0
Oh me oh my, red 1GA and the champagne 1GA are minty fresh. Nine second car as well, now that’s what’s up! Hell of a collection you have there, I know I’m jealous!
"Powershiftmedia-ResidentDSMGuru" (matt-powershiftmedia)
06/19/2017 at 14:54, STARS: 0
Thank you so much for the feedback, I’m really glad you enjoyed it!
"Powershiftmedia-ResidentDSMGuru" (matt-powershiftmedia)
06/19/2017 at 14:59, STARS: 0
That is an absolutely gorgeous 1GB you have there, and I see some Hoosiers on it telling me it’s nasty fast haha. That’s amazing!
The 2G is a phenomenal car, but I agree because it’s not for me either. You know how it is, you’re a 1G guy or a 2G guy. Thank you so much for the feedback it really does mean a lot! These cars are so important to me and they mean so much to me, I’d never be able to walk away for good.
"Meatcoma" (mastapoof)
06/19/2017 at 16:10, STARS: 1
I test drove one of those black cherry awd turbo talons back in the day. I wanted it bad but couldn’t swing the payment.
"Powershiftmedia-ResidentDSMGuru" (matt-powershiftmedia)
06/19/2017 at 16:16, STARS: 1
That color is the most desirable and valuable today. It’s a rare color and one I’d kill to own. I imagine driving it New was a very special feeling!
"projectxmatt" (projectxmatt)
06/19/2017 at 16:45, STARS: 1
The worst part is I have none of them anymore :( I’m in process of TT-LS swap e36
"Powershiftmedia-ResidentDSMGuru" (matt-powershiftmedia)
06/19/2017 at 16:51, STARS: 0
That sounds absolutely insane, I love it! I’d love to see that come together.
"Andrew Pascarella" (racedinanger)
06/19/2017 at 16:56, STARS: 1
I love my DSM. I’ve owned it for 16 years now.
"Powershiftmedia-ResidentDSMGuru" (matt-powershiftmedia)
06/19/2017 at 19:42, STARS: 0
Shout out to a DSM OG, that’s awesome! Keep it forever!
"boredalways" (boredalway666)
06/19/2017 at 22:32, STARS: 1
Da feels yo
"Powershiftmedia-ResidentDSMGuru" (matt-powershiftmedia)
06/19/2017 at 23:44, STARS: 1
;)
"Meatcoma" (mastapoof)
06/20/2017 at 09:16, STARS: 1
Made it even better that the salesman was only slightly older than me and told me to “Wring it out, if I were buying a car I would.” and I did. We both enjoyed the drive. After getting insurance quotes and loan quotes I had to call him and tell him that I couldn’t swing the payment. Twas a sad day.
"Powershiftmedia-ResidentDSMGuru" (matt-powershiftmedia)
06/20/2017 at 14:55, STARS: 1
That is so cool, had to of been super memorable. Happen to remember what the payment would’ve been like back then?
"Meatcoma" (mastapoof)
06/21/2017 at 11:37, STARS: 1
I want to say 250, but I think it was around 300 and me being under 25 and having some points made the insurance more than a third of that. It just wasn’t in the cards at that time.
"Powershiftmedia-ResidentDSMGuru" (matt-powershiftmedia)
06/21/2017 at 14:10, STARS: 0
Yeah that’s very substantial for back then!
"2.3t" (maverx)
07/21/2017 at 03:58, STARS: 1
http://www.haltech.com/trevor-hollands-1252hp-7-sec-eagle-talon-tsi/
"Powershiftmedia-ResidentDSMGuru" (matt-powershiftmedia)
07/21/2017 at 09:52, STARS: 0
Yeah Holland is a beast!!!!