This 1989 Chrysler Conquest TSi is a final year model that features a rebuilt engine and excellent cosmetics with only a few flaws to report. The Conquest is also an unusual automatic transmission-equipped example, which we don’t often see in this captive import sportscar. The Conquest looks sharp in Mexican Red paint with a black leather interior, and it’s listed here on craigslist for $13,900.
The later Conquest (and its twin, the Mitsubishi Starion) featured wide, flared fenders with staggered wheels, right from the factory. The wheels could be upsized even further if the original owner opted for the upgraded suspension package, but this one remains true to its base model form. Of course, “base” model is hardly an insult here, as the Conquest came loaded up right from the factory – and this one is even more generously equipped, thanks to its automatic transmission.
In the last few months, I’ve developed a greater appreciation for automatic-equipped cars and trucks. Put simply, a vehicle with a well-built automatic transmission is quite pleasant to drive, especially around congested suburban streets. I have a 1989 Isuzu Trooper RS with an Aisin automatic that is quite slow but also quite pleasant to drive owing to its relaxed demeanor – you aren’t going fast, and the transmission won’t let you. This causes one to just drive without obsessing over what time you’ll arrive, as there’s no rushing a vehicle like that. Is a turbocharged Conquest as much fun to drive with an automatic? Well, that might be a stretch.
As much as I enjoy driving a truck with an automatic, a legitimate turbocharged sports car may be a different story. I could see that one factor alone being a big driver in this seller not getting his asking price despite the impressive list of recent maintenance. This includes a rebuilt engine with new pistons and rings, polished valves, ARP head studs, balance shaft elimination kit, new injectors, and much more. The asking price is likely fair in this market, but may make it a challenge to find a Conquest buyer who is content with two pedals.
Too bad that with the engine out, a third pedal couldn’t have been added.
My brother had TSI manual trans and it was red but with black suede interior. The 2.6 is a good engine. But I wonder if the timing chain and all the guides where done? I know this engine very well. Drove Montero 2dr with a stick with the 2.6 non-turbo. Had fun off roading with it. On this TSI since it’s a Automatic it’s not fast but very quick. At the light you could do a brake Rev spool up the turbo and it will move out real fast. This car handles really well always have fun on the goat trail across from Bear Mountain. Since all this works been done to it and still have issues a fair price will be 10 to $11,000. As long as all the electronics work on the dashboard and the EQ stereo which is really great sounding works than worth it. Good luck to the next owner..🐻🇺🇸
Ahh, the hell with the 2.6, just add an LS and call it real fun
🤦🤦
And yet another LS suggestion. Am I the only one tired of the LS lovers?
Balance shaft delete …or too cheap to do the job right? I can’t imagine deleting the balance shaft is going to improve performance enough to deal with the rough running engine that results from such an “improvement”.
this just came up in discussion with an inlaw who races. the balance shaft delete meant less rotating mass so quicker acceleration and he also claimed higher top end. it was very common in the four cylinder classes when running the 2.5 mopars. he was actually looking at picking up a car with it.
Very helpful, Eric.
I owned one for two years and worked on them at the dealership. I agree with the comment on the electronics. The head is prone to cracking between the valve seats. It can cause a miss, so a radiator pressure test is important to see if the cylinders have water. The intake manifold on mine was porous and dripped gasoline out the bottom. I would heliarc a plate on the bottom if this starts to happen. The most fun and secure car next to my Eagle Talon Turbo. I would love to park this in my garage. Just turn up the boost slightly and it flies even faster.
werent there a few like this then? a shelby this and a farrari that, Japanese, dodge (datona, omni) etc? (no europeans as I recall tho?)
Always thought these were one of the best unsung Japanese hot rods for the time, though especially with a stick.
One of the guys we used to autocross with in Reno bought a wrecked Mits Starion Turbo (Overfender? Wide Body?) with a FIVE speed manual. As he was an outstanding engineer he modified the drivetrain, suspension, etc. to fit his Dodge D50, much as he’d done with an RX7 for his Mazda pickup previously!
Fun to watch the big city snotty drivers with their expensive toys as Walt kicked them to the curb time wise-it didn’t matter they were in a different class, the expressions on their faces as some old mini truck was stomping their Porsche or Corvette into the parking lot asphalt was hilarious to watch..
That swap prolly didn’t even require a whole lot of engineering/modification, as Mitsubishi applied a lot more parts-sharing across their models than other Japanese makes of the time.
The (non-turbo) 2.6L engine was already an option on their compact pickups (also rebadged as the Dodge D-50 or later Ram 50), think the manual trans may also have been the same, so the 2.6L Turbo mill would have been fairly straightforward to swap over along with its EFI wiring/ECU/sensors (w/ or w/o the Starquest trans also attached), hook up to the pickup’s driveshaft, sort out any minor bugs, and done.
Automatics do pair well w Turbocharged cars. I recall the 300zx twin turbo surprising the Car and Driver staff w its 0-60.
The hacks from Car and Driver were surprised they woke up every day. Good riddance to bad rubbish.
Maybe a twin turbo is okay with an auto because it can be designed to have one spool up at low RPMs and then the other ready for the right foot mash.
Early single turbos were horrendous performers when paired with an auto. Check the 0 – 60 figures between the 2 in the same car.
And, single turbo engines have come a long way in 30+ years. My ’85 XR4Ti manual had 175 HP out a 2.3 liter 4. I test drove an auto and it was a terrible performer.
Fast forward to my ’22 Bronco with a 2.3 liter turbo with 300 HP and auto and it has great pickup – no need for a performance tune.
I had one of these and drove it for 3 years. I had the manual version, silver with maroon interior. A great driver’s car, with a 24 gallon fuel tank. The Achilles heel is itch these was the little black box under the hood that controlled the fuel delivery. Hopefully this was addressed during the rebuild and it was also refurbed.
More and more buyers only know how to drive an auto. In the future they will be worth more than a stick.
Automatic for the People
I truthfully don’t think I’ve ever seen one of these Starquest widebody turbos with an automatic. Automobile-Catalog.com doesn’t even list it! But the Hemmings write up on this notes that it became available for 1988 on the Starion ESI-R and Conquest TSI models, so it’s almost certainly legit. Hemmings further notes that fewer than 2000 ESI-Rs and TSIs were built for 1989, by far the rarest of the four model years. So this literally could be the only one still on the roads, LOL!
Might be a hard sell for the clientele usually drawn to these though. Rare does not always equate to desirable.
I think the Chrysler Laser and Dodge Daytona made more sense at the time. Plus, I don’t remember them having those stupid automatic seat belts. Never underestimate the idiocy of government rule makers. Where I live, Harley riders get away with loud pipes and don’t have to wear a helmet (Most do not, but when a few hit the payment that way, well, its a little quieter here), but, they strongly enforce mandatory seat belt use in a car. Huge fines.
“Asphalt-the quickest tattoo remover”..
I also had a Dodge Daytona turbo. It was another great car to drive. Between the Conquest and the Daytona, the Conquest was much better, as it was RWD vs the Daytona and had many more options, including a fantastic stereo system. Well, it was much better than the Daytona’s. The Daytona was a bit of a handful when pushed hard around turns, being FWD.
says already “listing has expired: !!