1JZ Mitsubishi Starion: The Ultimate JDM Engine Swap

The Mitsubishi Starion's Identity Crisis

• 💡 The Mitsubishi Starion, and its Chrysler Conquest sibling, are often forgotten JDM cars with a cool body style but a disappointing original engine.
• ⚠️ The stock engine is described as being like a "forklift engine," lacking reliability and desirable characteristics for a sports car.

The 1JZ Engine Swap Solution

• 🚀 A 1JZ engine swap from a Toyota Supra is presented as the ideal solution, giving the Starion the performance and identity it always needed.
• 🛠️ This swap is considered so fitting that it feels like how the car should have been from the factory, offering a JDM feel with a long nose and short butt design.
• ⚙️ The 1JZ engine fits remarkably well in the Starion's engine bay, sitting low and natural, unlike some other JZ engine swaps in different chassis.

Swapping and Performance

• ✅ The 1JZ swap is surprisingly straightforward, with many factory components like the clutch line and shifter location being compatible.
• 🔊 The swapped Starion sounds great and offers a peppy, high-revving feel that makes it a joy to drive daily.
• 💨 The car's performance, especially in first and second gear, is described as satisfyingly torquey and hooking up well.

Unique Aspects and Community

• 📌 A significant challenge for Starion owners is the discontinuation of rear brake calipers, a problem addressed by custom solutions like those from MKS Motorsport.
• 💡 The interior of the Starion has held up surprisingly well over the years, contributing to its appeal as a classic JDM car.
• 🚗 The 1JZ swap is so well-suited that many people don't even realize the engine isn't original, making it a natural and impressive modification.