Segment:
Compact Sports Coupe/Convertible
Reputation:
Known for performance, tuning potential, and distinctive styling, especially the turbocharged AWD variants.
Competitors:
Nissan 240SX, Toyota Celica, Honda Prelude, Mazda MX-6, Ford Probe
Drivetrain Options:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) and All-Wheel Drive (AWD) available
Engine Options:
Naturally aspirated and turbocharged 4-cylinder engines, including the legendary 4G63T.
Performance Variants:
High-performance GS-T (Turbo FWD) and GS-X (Turbo AWD) models offered.
Year Coverage:
1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999
Trim Level Coverage:
All trims including GS, GST, GSX, RS, ES, Base
Type:
Comprehensive Service & Repair Manual
Engine Systems:
Engine Mechanical (2.0L 4G63 SOHC & DOHC, 2.4L 4G64 SOHC, 1.8L 4G37 SOHC), Fuel System, Ignition System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Emission Control Systems
Transmission Systems:
Manual Transmission (F5M33, W5MG1), Automatic Transmission (F4A33, F4A51), Drivetrain (FWD, AWD)
Chassis Systems:
Suspension (Front MacPherson Strut, Rear Multi-link), Steering System, Brake System (Front Disc, Rear Disc/Drum), ABS
Electrical Systems:
Wiring Diagrams, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting, Instruments and Gauges, Audio System, Power Accessories (Windows, Locks, Mirrors), ECUs and Sensors
Body And Interior:
Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Seats, HVAC System, Interior Trim, Exterior Trim
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil and Filter Change, Spark Plug Replacement, Air Filter Replacement, Coolant Flush, Brake Fluid Flush, Belt Inspection and Replacement, Battery Service
Repair Procedures:
Engine Overhaul, Turbocharger Rebuild, Transmission Repair, Clutch Replacement, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake Caliper Rebuild, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Replacement, Body Panel Repair
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Symptom-based Troubleshooting Guides, Component Testing Procedures
Depth:
Complete from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and specifications.
Engine Code:
4G63 (DOHC Turbocharged)
Displacement:
2.0 Liters (1997 cc)
Configuration:
Inline 4-Cylinder, DOHC, 16 Valves
Horsepower Gsx Gst:
210-215 hp @ 6000 rpm (varies slightly by year and spec)
Torque Gsx Gst:
200-215 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm (varies slightly by year and spec)
Engine Code Na:
4G63 (SOHC Naturally Aspirated)
Displacement Na:
2.0 Liters (1997 cc)
Horsepower Na:
135-140 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque Na:
130-140 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Engine Code 2 4:
4G64 (SOHC Naturally Aspirated)
Displacement 2 4:
2.4 Liters (2351 cc)
Horsepower 2 4:
140-150 hp @ 5500-6000 rpm
Torque 2 4:
150-155 lb-ft @ 4000-4500 rpm
Injection Type:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Turbocharged Fuel System:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI) with Electronic Boost Control (EBC)
Manual Transmission:
5-Speed Manual (F5M33)
Automatic Transmission:
4-Speed Automatic (F4A33)
AWD Transmission:
5-Speed Manual AWD (W5MG1 on later models)
Limited Slip Differential:
Optional LSD available on AWD models (GS-X)
Active Aero Spoiler:
Some high-performance models featured active rear spoilers.
Length:
Approx. 179.1 inches (4550 mm)
Width:
Approx. 69.1 inches (1755 mm)
Height:
Approx. 51.2 inches (1300 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 98.8 inches (2510 mm)
Curb Weight FWD:
Approx. 2850 - 3100 lbs (1293 - 1406 kg)
Curb Weight AWD Turbo:
Approx. 3200 - 3400 lbs (1451 - 1542 kg)
NHTSA Driver Front Impact:
Not rated or varies by year and specific test protocols.
IIHS Small Overlap Front:
N/A (Vehicle predates this testing protocol)
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (Standard on many models, especially AWD turbo)
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Airbags (Standard on later models)
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM Cassette stereo with optional CD player. Aftermarket head unit installation is common.
Speakers:
Typically 4-6 speaker configurations.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims.
Anti Lock Brakes:
Available, often standard on higher trims or AWD models.
Early Diagnostics:
OBD-I diagnostic system for earlier models, transitioning to OBD-II for later production years.
Engine Oil Change:
Every 3,750 - 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first. (Consult manual for specific interval based on driving conditions).
Engine Oil Type:
Refer to manual; typically 5W-30 or 10W-30 API SG or higher.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 US Quarts (4.3 Liters) with filter (for 4G63/4G64).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles or 4 years for 4G63 and 4G64 engines. Critical for non-interference engine design.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles, depending on type (standard vs. platinum).
Coolant:
Ethylene Glycol based, typically Mitsubishi DiaQueen Super Long Life Coolant or equivalent (50/50 mix).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron III ATF or equivalent.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil (e.g., 75W-90 or 80W-90).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
DiaQueen SPII-M, SPIII, or equivalent ATF (e.g., Dexron III).
Turbo Failure:
Turbocharger failure due to lack of lubrication or oil coking, especially if maintenance is neglected.
Clutch Wear:
Clutch wear is common, especially in performance driving scenarios.
Suspension Bushings:
Worn suspension bushings leading to noise and poor handling.
Ignition System:
Weak spark or intermittent misfires from ignition components (coils, plugs, wires).
Rust Corrosion:
Rust and corrosion, particularly on wheel wells, rocker panels, and frame rails, especially in humid or salty climates.
Mitsubishi Motors:
Mitsubishi Motors has a long history in motorsports and performance vehicle development.
First Generation Dsms:
1990-1994: Shared platform with Eagle Talon and Plymouth Laser. Introduced both naturally aspirated and turbocharged variants, FWD and AWD options.
Second Generation Dsms:
1995-1999: Redesigned with a curvier aesthetic. Continued offering NA and Turbo engines, FWD and AWD. Turbocharged models were particularly popular for tuning.
Manufacturing Location:
Normal, Illinois, USA (at Diamond-Star Motors plant)
Production Years:
1990 - 1999
