Japanese Giant Killer: 1988 Chrysler Conquest TSi
Originally developed in Japan by Mitsubishi and sold in various markets as the Starion, the Chrysler Conquest TSi is a turbocharged giant-killer. Its engine might be low in capacity, but it lacks nothing in the performance stakes when push comes to shove. In fact, it is a model that achieved a reasonable level of success on the international motorsport stage during its lifetime. Finding original and unmolested examples in reasonable to good condition today is becoming increasingly difficult, but it appears as though that is what this particular car represents. The Conquest is located in Woodinville, Washington, and has been listed for sale here on Craigslist. The owner has set the sale price for the little Chrysler at $6,500.
The original Starion has become known in recent times as the “narrow-body” car because it didn’t feature the flared fenders that you see on this car. The additional width of the “wide-body” cars served a genuine purpose, allowing the manufacturer to increase the wheel track by around 1″ both front and rear. It also gave the car a far tougher appearance and made it easier to fit fatter wheels and rubber under the car, if needed. Both of these attributes resulted in a car with vastly improved handling characteristics. The body on this Conquest generally looks quite good, with no sign of any major dings or dents. Rust is not an issue with the Conquest, and in reality, these were not a model that was particularly prone to those sorts of problems anyway. What the owner is candid about is the state of the paint. He says that the Chrysler would benefit from a repaint and that the paint looks better in the supplied photos than it does in the flesh. Beyond that, it is nice to see the car still rolls on its original wheels, because these had a tendency to be changed in the vast majority of cases.
The owner describes the condition of the Conquest’s interior as being 8/10, which I think would rate as a fair assessment. I think that it is above average for a vehicle of this age, as the plastic trim pieces look to be solid and free of defects, which is a bit of a miracle given the fact that these items can deteriorate quite easily. The biggest issue is the wear on the outer seat bolster on the driver’s seat. This is a really common problem with the Conquest, but the fact that this car features leather upholstery has undoubtedly helped its cause. There is also some wear on the wheel rim, but there is no other appreciable wear or deterioration to consider. When you consider how long it has been since the conquest rolled off the production line, it was a car that came with a relatively high level of equipment. This includes ice-cold climate-control air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power exterior mirrors, cruise control, remote releases for both the hatch and the fuel filler door, and a really funky AM/FM radio/cassette player with an oh-so-1980s 9-band graphic equalizer.
What made the Conquest special was what we find occupying the engine bay. In this case, it is a 2,555cc 4-cylinder engine that features fuel-injection, a turbocharger, and an intercooler. The result of all of this technology is a little engine that pumps out 188hp, which finds its way to the rear wheels via a 5-speed manual transmission. That power figure might not sound that impressive, but it allows the 3,031lb Conquest to cover the ¼ mile in 15 seconds. That’s a pretty impressive level of performance from such a relatively small motor. Thanks in no small part to Mitsubishi’s involvement in motorsport via its Ralliart branch, it is possible to extract quite a bit more power from that little engine utilizing off-the-shelf factory components. In fact, 300hp is not that difficult to obtain, while aftermarket tuning can push that figure even higher. This car remains unmodified, which is another factor that makes it something of a rarity. The owner has fitted a new shifter and shifter boot, along with a new stainless exhaust. He says that it runs and drives very well, and he even goes as far as to state that it is a blast to drive. These were that sort of car when new, and if they have been properly maintained, there is no reason why that can’t be the case today.
The Chrysler Conquest TSi earns the tag of giant-killer because it can achieve a sub-16-second ¼ mile with a 4-cylinder engine. The vast majority of these little cars have either reached the point where they have been heavily modified, or they have been mercilessly thrashed within an inch of their life. This particular car hasn’t suffered either of those fates, and it really wouldn’t take a lot of time or money to have it sparkling once again. These aren’t a car that will command huge prices, but immaculate, low-mileage examples can top out at $20,000 or more. This car isn’t in that sort of league, but given its overall condition and originality, it would seem to represent a pretty decent buy at the asking price.
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Comments
I want it…white though. Would need to see the Red in person, these cars turn Pink fast.
Nice car and in red! Always loved this design, especially the bulging rear quarters.
If I had the room, I’d pounce on it.
I’ve owned two of these over the years and even when the stable incuded an 06 GTO and a 91 ZR-1 the conquest was usually the first choice for a road trip.
This one appears to be a good buy, and if it was closer I’d seriously consider it…
Go ahead and try to find more fun for 6,500. Its a decent car probably ready for a motor/turbo refresh. Now you have a reason to build the motor and as Adam stated, “kill some giants.” They still are great to look at too.
Wish I still lived in Snohomish. I’d buy it.
A technician whom I worked with had one he modified to drag race on a professional level. Still had the Mitsubishi engine running some serious boost coupled to a cast iron 2-speed powerglide. I don’t remember his et’s but I do remember being surprised his et’s were pretty amazing. Apparently the 2.6 is pretty stout like the Supra 6’s.
Drove one new at a dealership. Really made me smile but I was just wasting the salesman’s time. I was a family man with teenagers at home then, not very practical for me. Told that to the salesman, he suggested I could use it to get back and forth to the office and obviously I had another car at home for the family. Gave it some serious thought, but decided college for our daughter was a more noble idea. Do not regret my choice, but it was one mighty fine automobile, I can tell you that.
I drove one of these cross country in the late 80’s, great car and super fun.
I was working at a dealership when these came out. Just sitting in the driver’s seat was a hoot, it was decked out like a space ship. Seemed so futuristic back then, and the design has stood the test of time. Wouldn’t be surprised to see these continue to increase in value in coming years.
At this time I would have one if these over the same age Supra, but only if as original as this one. This is cheap and you’ll own it for free no mater what you do at this price.
Had the exact car, overall I loved it, perfect for a single guy, turbo lag prevalent but not bad for the day, turbo was going after as 3 year lease was expiring, had to limp home the last month or so
Buy it…
DSport Magazine has had an on going segment (yes the last tuner mag in paper form) featuring a Starian. The build consists taking an original car and upgrading all the factory electrical flaws and upgrading the car to modern fuel management. Lots of problems are and can be corrected. Still a very good looking car that is impressive today at any angle.
In Japan Mitsubishi built these with the 4G63 which if anyone knows Mitsu these are the engine. Much better then the 2.6.
I have a DSM GST with a stock bottom and Evo turbo and a few other mods and makes around 425 at the wheel. Driving the car to work (normal) you would never know it. On occasion I do show it.
Upgrading a flaw – somehow that doesn’t sound quite right.
But, I get what you mean.
Love these cars, the wheels are very cool looking.
Remember test driving one in 1988, salesman had a radar detector in the car, as the test drives always seemed to be way above the legal limits at the time. Wonderful car, would’ve bought had the timing been right, but was just finishing up a degree at the time. Only issue I had was the driving position was a bit tight for me at 6’3”. Loved the car!
My buddy had one same color back in the day, and even went so far as to install some trick copper alloyed head on the motor which iirc was sourced from Argentina? Fun car.
I worked at a Mitsu dealer back in the time these came out. Get on the boost and it took off. THe turbo was not water-cooled, it needed extra care so the bearings didn’t coke. Not a bad car to work on. I owned one in the late 80’s. Had the head rebuilt as it cracks between the valve seats. Turned the boost up, rebuilt the rear axles and it was a car that made me feel secure inside. It was my daily commuter car. I miss that car, and if I was in a place to buy this, it would be gone to my garage.
I can picture myself cruising in this beauty with the Talking Heads “Once in a Lifetime” booming out of those speakers, perfectly tuned through that graphic equalizer lol. Nice car
I love cranking that song in my current ride. Almost all Talking Heads songs sound great at high volume.
I had one of these back in 1993, I picked up more girls when I had it then ,but it was always in the shop. Thank god I had a extended warranty. even still I couldn’t wait to get rid of it cause it never had it long before it went back in the shop. I still loved the car, but my god I couldn’t keep it as a picture window. I had a 87 conquest in white with the most amazing leather seats. I still dream of her but my wallet doesn’t
I had this exact same car. When they came out I only dreamed of getting one.Found a well cared for one a few years later, and had to have it. Loved this car, a real head turner. I had no problems with it.
I have an 88 thats been in moth balls for 10 years but I know with a new battery and some turbo tubing some throttlebody cleaner and an air compressor to blow off the dust it’d be running in an hour. Very low miles missing the intercooler and lower air dam in front. Needs paint and a windshield. Everything else is in buildbible condition if serious I might consider selling it. Make me an offer that’ll stop me from my dream. 725.465.0695 Art