🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mitsubishi

Model:

Laser / Talon

Production Year:

1991

Platform Code:

Mitsubishi MD platform (shared with Mitsubishi Eclipse)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Sports Coupe/Hatchback

Usp:

Affordable performance with stylish design, often featuring advanced (for its time) drivetrain options and accessible tuning potential.

Key Competitors:

Honda Civic Si, Toyota Celica, Nissan 240SX, Ford Probe, Chevrolet Cavalier Z24

Design:

Aerodynamic styling, often with pop-up headlights (depending on trim/region), sporty interior.

Performance Variants:

Availability of turbocharged engines and all-wheel-drive (AWD) systems in higher trims (e.g., Talon TSi AWD, Eclipse GSX), enhancing performance and handling.

Platform Sharing:

Shared platform and many components with the Mitsubishi Eclipse, allowing for broad parts compatibility and a large aftermarket support base.

📋 Manual Details

Engine Options:

All engines offered in 1991

Model Variants:

All trim levels and configurations

Estimated Pages:

Extensive (typically 1000+ pages for a complete factory service manual)

Type:

Complete Service & Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Detailed diagnosis, repair, overhaul, and specifications for all engine variants (e.g., 1.8L SOHC, 2.0L DOHC, 2.0L Turbo DOHC)

Fuel System:

Fuel injection systems, fuel pump, injectors, pressure regulator, emissions control

Ignition System:

Distributor, ignition coils, spark plugs, timing, electronic control unit (ECU) diagnostics

Cooling System:

Radiator, thermostat, water pump, hoses, fan clutch/electric fan, coolant specifications

Lubrication System:

Oil pump, oil filter, oil specifications, oil cooler (if applicable), lubrication passages

Transmission:

Manual and automatic transmission overhaul, clutch service, torque converter, transmission fluid specifications

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive (FWD) axle shafts, CV joints, differential service

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, struts, shocks, control arms, bushings, alignment procedures

Steering:

Power steering system, pump, rack and pinion, steering column, tie rods, fluid specifications

Brakes:

Disc brake systems (front and rear), hydraulic lines, master cylinder, brake calipers, pads, rotors, brake fluid specifications, ABS (if equipped)

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter), lighting circuits, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, diagnostic connectors

Body And Frame:

Body panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, glass, interior trim, underbody corrosion protection

Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning HVAC:

A/C system components, refrigerant, heater core, blower motor, climate controls

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation, scan tool usage (OBD-I)

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspections

Component Replacement:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for replacing major components (e.g., alternator, starter, water pump, radiators, brake pads, clutch)

Engine Rebuild:

Complete engine disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly procedures

Transmission Repair:

Detailed overhaul procedures for both manual and automatic transmissions

Suspension And Steering Repair:

Replacement of struts, shocks, ball joints, tie rod ends, steering rack

Brake Service:

Brake pad/shoe replacement, caliper/wheel cylinder service, bleeding procedures

Electrical Troubleshooting:

Step-by-step guides for diagnosing electrical faults using wiring diagrams

Body And Interior Repair:

Procedures for interior trim removal, door panel access, and minor bodywork adjustments

Technical Specifications:

Torque specifications, clearances, timing settings, electrical resistance values, pressure readings

Special Tools:

Identification of and procedures for using specialized tools required for specific repairs

Depth:

Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Text-searchable (typical for professionally created PDFs)

Printable:

Yes, printable pages

Quality:

High-resolution scans/digital creation, ensuring clarity of text and diagrams

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download PDF)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Download PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1 4G63 DOHc Turbo:

2.0L DOHC 16-valve turbocharged inline-4 (G63B)

Engine 1 4G63 DOHc Turbo Horsepower:

Approx. 195 hp @ 6000 rpm (varies slightly by specific application and regional tuning)

Engine 1 4G63 DOHc Turbo Torque:

Approx. 203 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (varies)

Engine 2 4G63 DOHc Naturally Aspirated:

2.0L DOHC 16-valve naturally aspirated inline-4 (G63B)

Engine 2 4G63 DOHc Naturally Aspirated Horsepower:

Approx. 135-150 hp

Engine 3 4G61 Sohc:

1.8L SOHC 8-valve inline-4 (4G61)

Engine 3 4G61 Sohc Horsepower:

Approx. 105-115 hp

Forced Induction System:

Mitsubishi TD05H-14B turbocharger (for 4G63T models)

Intercooler:

Air-to-air intercooler

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), multi-point injection

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended for turbocharged models)

ECU:

Engine Control Unit (ECU) with integrated ignition control for many models.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Base:

5-speed manual transmission

Transmission Type Optional:

4-speed automatic transmission

AWD Availability:

Available with All-Wheel Drive (AWD) on higher performance models (e.g., Talon TSi AWD), featuring a viscous coupling center differential and optional rear limited-slip differential.

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically actuated single-plate dry clutch

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-4 or GL-5, SAE 75W-90 (check manual for exact specification)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Dexron II (or equivalent)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 170-175 inches (4318-4445 mm), depending on specific body style (coupe/hatchback)

Width:

Approx. 68-69 inches (1727-1753 mm)

Height:

Approx. 50-52 inches (1270-1321 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 98.8 inches (2509 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 2700-3200 lbs (1225-1450 kg), depending on engine, drivetrain, and options.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Crash Test:

Data specific to 1991 models may vary; earlier models of similar platforms generally received mixed results. Consult official NHTSA archives for specific data.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on select models, typically higher trims or optional.

Airbags:

Driver-side airbag standard on most models by 1991, passenger airbag not typically available.

Seat Belts:

3-point front seatbelts, 2-point rear lap belts.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, often with optional CD player and multiple speaker configurations. Upgrades common.

Climate Control:

Manual climate controls for heating and air conditioning. Automatic climate control was rare/non-existent for this year.

Cruise Control:

Available as an option on most models.

OBD Standard:

OBD-I (On-Board Diagnostics, First Generation) with proprietary Mitsubishi diagnostic connector.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000-5,000 miles (4,800-8,000 km) or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions.

Engine Oil Filter Replacement:

With every oil change.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km), or as needed based on inspection.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km), depending on plug type (copper vs. platinum).

Timing Belt Replacement:

Crucial for 4G63/4G61 engines. Typically every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years. Failure can cause severe engine damage.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (API SG or higher). Check owner's manual for precise recommendation.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Green color.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Power Steering Fluid Type:

ATF Dexron II (or equivalent)

Turbocharger Reliability:

Early turbo models (4G63T) can be prone to turbo seal wear, intercooler leaks, and boost leaks if not properly maintained or if driven aggressively without proper warm-up/cool-down cycles.

Engine Sludge:

The 4G63 engine can be susceptible to oil sludge buildup if oil changes are neglected or incorrect oil is used, particularly on turbocharged variants.

Cv Axle Wear:

Front CV axles can wear out, leading to clicking noises during turns, especially with aggressive driving or lowered suspension.

Suspension Bushings:

Rubber suspension bushings can degrade over time, leading to creaks, rattles, and poor handling.

Cooling System Leaks:

Radiator, hoses, and water pump can develop leaks with age.

Electrical Gremlins:

Aging wiring harnesses and connectors can sometimes lead to intermittent electrical issues.

📚 Vehicle History

Motorsport Influence:

Mitsubishi's strong heritage in motorsports, particularly in rally (e.g., Lancer Evolution), influenced the engineering and performance capabilities of models like the Talon/Eclipse.

First Generation:

The 1991 model year represents the debut of the first generation of the Mitsubishi Eclipse, and by extension, its virtually identical sibling, the Eagle Talon (and Plymouth Laser). This generation ran from 1990-1994.

Collabo With Chrysler:

These models were developed under the Diamond-Star Motors (DSM) joint venture between Mitsubishi Motors and Chrysler Corporation.

Manufacturing Location:

Built in Normal, Illinois, USA at the Diamond-Star Motors plant.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

The Mitsubishi Eclipse (and by extension, the Talon/Laser) was recognized on Car and Driver's '10Best' list for 1991.

Sport Compact Of The Year:

Often praised in automotive press as a strong contender in the sport compact segment for its era.