DSM: The Poor bloke’s EVO

08 Dec 2015

In the late 80s and 90s Mitsubishi and Chrysler had a deal to where the pair would build certain model a cars on a shared platform, these cars would be known as DSM’s. DSM is an acronym for “Diamond-Star Motors” that was used to represent the duo . These cars were released under the Plymouth, Eagle, and Mitsubishi Brands in America. The duo released a series of different models that included the Galant, 3000gt, Mirage, and Colt. However, the most famous of the cars was the 2nd Generation 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse driven by Paul Walker on “The Fast and the Furious” in 2001. Other renditions of the Eclipse were made under the Plymouth Laser (1989-1994) and the Eagle Talon (1989-1998).

All-Wheel-Drive All-Day All-Day

The Eclipse GSX, Laser RS, and Talon TSI all had constant all-wheel drive systems that gave the DSM’s the same drive system as the famous EVO III, this means rally bread. This also gives the DSM tons of grip, which in America is used in drag racing.

4G63

The powerplant of this beast is the same one that is found on the EVO (1-3). The 4g63 is a 4-cylinder 2.0L DOHC turbocharged engine that produced 210bhp. Although these figures don’t sound too impressive for a turbocharged car compared to todays standards, you must look past stock levels and see what potential lays ahead. The 4g63 has an almost unlimited amount of aftermarket support that has these engines surpassing the 1000hp mark. The simplicity of it all makes it a great entry-level engine for those looking to learn engine-building and tuning. Crank, rods, pistons, cams, timing belt make it basic but the Hydraulic Lift Adjusters make it so that you don’t have to time the valves; making things much better.

Lets Dance the Crankwalk

The biggest drawback to this little beast is that what plagues all 2nd generation DSM’s or any 4g63 with a “7-bolt” block. Crankwalk is what engineers and DSM’ers call when the crankshaft begins to develop a considerable amount of movement or “end-play” back and forth relative to the block. This “end-play” cannot exceed the stock levels of 0.05 - 0.18mm (.0020 - .0071in.). If this “end-play” exceeds the 0.18mm mark it can reek havoc for the crank bearings (mains); spinning bearings, releasing big chunks of metal that circulate through the engine journals causing considerable amounts of damage to anything the oil touches, including the turbocharger.

What is a “7-bolt” block and how can I avoid crankwalk?

A 7-bolt block refers to the number flywheel bolts the crank holds. For example the 1st generation DSM’s from 1989-1992 had a “6-bolt” block, meaning the crank had 6 flywheel bolts. So what is the difference between 6-bolt and 7-bolt blocks? For the most part, the 6-bolt blocks had much thicker mains. This meant you can run up to 500hp without having to upgrade any of the internals for support. And because of this, the 6-bolt was almost never prone to the crankwalk epidemic that plagued the 7-bolt. There have been many tuners trying to fix the issue of crankwalk by; installing thicker thrust bearings, honing the main journals for a more balanced fit, to even swapping the 7-bolt block with the 6-bolt block. The issue is not so easy to fix in regards to your everyday average tuner.

The Bargain

So what makes DSM’s the poor bloke’s EVO? Well for starters, they are a relatively cheap car to buy. A stock 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX with all-wheel drive, 4g63 turbo engine, moon roof, leather/electric seats, manual, around 100k on the clock, and will run you about $4000 (3,700 €). This is a bargain for a car designed in the world of rally. What makes DSM’s even more special besides the value is the community.

Community

DSM’ers encompass everything that is right with the car community. They are always willing to lend a hand if you ever run into any problems, they have great knowledge in engineering, and appreciate a clean tune. They don’t care much for exterior modifications (unless its crucial for performance) and they build their engines with the passion and quality that even surpasses Mitsubishi.

Comments

My immediate thought when I read this

So glad I’m not the only one who caught that

THANK YOU! finally someone who has caught it :) This needs to catch on :D

Mmmm….bread.

Yes, thank you!

Also, we all know that it really stinks to deal with crank walk, but really?

I have a semi-stock 19987 eclipse 2G Gs, European model mind you. This was delivered with the 4g63 engine with natural aspiration and FWD, only in Europe. We have a love hate relationship, but by owning this car I learned how to fix various mechanical problems, even did a complete engine rebuild without a lot of knowledge beforehand. It’s super easy to work with, it’s rather simple and it looks stunning stock. Even though I only use it during summer, I will never part ways with this car. Cheers! Good article :)

I have been waiting to see an article on the DSM from you guys, pretty good. I would of liked to see mention of the Mitsubishi Galante vr4 also known as the Evo 0 and the fact that late production 7 bolts feature the same split thrust design as the Evo block which cured crankwall symptoms. Now can someone start producing new gear sets for the 5 speed?

did you guys hear that he said “cheap” here in europe nothing is “cheap” thats a lie. for the options you said over there i once saw an eclipse like that (1999) it got sold for 120 000 kr (swedish) after an hour, which puts it around 8000 dollars or maybe 9000 dollars

Not a lie, this article was for the American viewers which has the opportunity to buy these cars cheap. Since these were built in America that’s the place to buy them cheap, I placed the Euro price as a way for our Neighbors to get an idea of how cheap they are.

Alright. I ahte to be that guy, but I feel the need to offer somewhat of a rebuttal to this article, as a dsm owner.

AWD: Only some of the cars came in awd. Most came in fwd configurations.
4g63: parts are becoming more and more scarce, and more expensive. If youre in the US, check on facebook for local groups. 9/10 times, theres someone who needs to clean out their garage and sell some stuff on.
The Bargain: Yeah, about that. The fact fo the matter is that these cars have been cheap for a while now, meaning that every single kid thats heard of the legend of the dsm power capability has bought one, and then beat the crap out of. If youre serious about buying the cars, look for the cleanest one you can find. going cheap is so not worth the headache of dealing with some kids crappy workmanship and even crappier mods. Which leads me to…
The Community: Is made up of two groups.

The old timers, who ahve been around these cars for so long that they know every in and out of it. they know exactly where things go, and currently have at least one project car. And they hate the new guys.

The new guys (aka you): Just bought the car with the dreams of cheap horsepower. You will be told to read, and then read some more,. and when you get done with that, theres some more reading to be done. And if you still dont know, you will be told to quit being stupid, and go to the forums and use the search key.

What am I getting at? do youre freaking reading. Dont be an idiot.

PS: Your car will be on a tow truck at least once. Its just the way it is. (Pic related)

If youre still interested in these cars, heres where you can start reading.

Start here:
http://www.vfaq.com/

then, move into the forums:
dsmtuners.com/
dsmtalk.com/

and finally, theres Jafro. Jafro runs a youtube channel thats full of build videos, specifications, technical information, how tos and everything else. Definitly, DEFINITLY check this guy out

youtube.com/user/Jafromobile

Happy dsm-ing

A rebuttal to the rebuttal but not really a rebuttal
In regards to the AWD bit, I only mention that the AWD is available for the GSX, RS, and TSI. The parts are cheap, very cheap in fact and this is in regards to aftermarket pieces that are used as power adders relative to other cars. OEM parts will always go scarce, on every car that has ever existed. Meaning, OEM parts will cost more the less there are of them.
The point of this article was to prove that the DSM is the poor mans car, one that is used as a stepping stone for tuning and building. This means they will not start off clean. If one has a perfectly clean car, they will not be tempted to mod it.
In regards to the community, I stand by the article. Just because there are exceptions to the rule, does not counteract it.
Of course you will get your kids that want cheap power with horrible modifications, just like any cheap car out there ex. Honda’s. But that’s where the comparisons to other cheap cars fade, DSM’ers grow out of that then eventually want a clean DSM, that’s why the journey never ends.
And please don’t say all the old timers are a bunch of rude, bombastic group that hates on the learners. As an old-time DSMer myself, I encourage people to educate not “hate”, that sort of mindset is bad for the community as a whole.

With regards to the comment about old timers, that’s the way it is for any sports car community. It’s absolutely horrible on the RX7 forums at this point. May as well forget asking for advice there, ever.

I sure Miss my GSX , even with the Evo :(

Except the 3000gt wasn’t a DSM. It was made in Japan.

You mentionned the 3000gt was DSM, all of these were made at Mitsubishi’s plant in Nagoya, even the Dodge Stealth was made there, these cars are not DSM.

They were created with the help of both Mitsubishi and Chrysler, they are. They don’t have to be built in a specific area to be known as DSM’s just so long as they are developed by both companies.

I saw that car before i knew about what it actually was, with supra headlights and a supra back I was kind of confused

What a coincidence, i just made video about this car. Trying to educate people about them. I read on another article where the author said they were never sold anywhere else except The US. I said “ok, thats enough, if youre going to write about something, especially my favorite car, atleast do your research and know wtf youre talking about”.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAgXtonCI4E