Option — Shōwa Car Tuning & Buyers Guide (2000 Edition)

So far this magazine has introduced the well-known Showa-era tuned cars. Now it is time to hit hard: “the minor-car bomb!” This section is for people who want to express their individuality and love machines unlike anyone else’s. We will quickly introduce these proud, anti-mainstream Showa cars, starting with beginner-friendly models that are at least somewhat known. The next pages move on to more advanced territory.

Even as a minority…

Assert “I”…

…make your statement!!

Beginner-class ★ modified

Mitsubishi Starion GSR-V

Beginner-level minor-car edition

Ancestor of the GTO ☆ serious FR turbo

The one in the back is a 1987…

The VR has blister fenders plus twin turbos. Only 50 were built, making it extremely rare.

GSR-VR

…model, and…

The car in the foreground is a 1984 GSR-V,

The Starion debuted in February 1982 as Mitsubishi’s flagship model at the time. The GSR-V used a 2.0-liter inline-four SOHC G63B with a TC05 turbo and Sirius Dash variable-valve system, producing 200 gross horsepower.

…and

Near the end of the model run, the GSR-VR grade was added with 2.6 liters and blister fenders; this became the most popular Starion version.

…is equipped.

This sample car is based on a 2.0-liter GSR-V. The turbo has been replaced with a TD…

Plenty of low-speed torque

Making use of the G63B engine’s

low-speed torque

Fight back with a turbo swap!

It is converted to a G… and makes about 300 horsepower at 1.2 kg/cm² of boost. Because the G63B has a long-stroke design, it still has no shortage of low-speed torque.

Instead, its powerful low-to-midrange torque sends it surging forward, perfectly matching the body shape and looking wonderfully forceful.

I want a Starion!

~ Buyer’s guide ~

Sample car: 2.6 GSR-VR

¥800,000–unknown / ★☆☆☆☆ / varies by individual car

Market price

“I don’t think there is a standard market price for a Starion. Condition varies greatly. We have one with 18,000 km listed at ¥890,000. It is in good condition, though it is an automatic. If it were a five-speed manual, it would cost more.” (S.K. Auto Atsugi shop)

Availability

At a glance

046-242-…

3,434 (likely production/registration figure)

The G63B’s camshafts were changed to 256/256 degrees and the ports were polished. A TD06-15G turbo produces about 300 hp at 1.2 kg/cm² of boost.

The wheels are 8J Equip. The sample car uses Bilstein-based coilovers with 12 kg front and 10 kg rear spring rates.

Minor-car edition, beginner level ★ modified

Option — Shōwa Car Tuning & Buyers Guide (2000 Edition)

About this issue

Page 168 — English draft translation