Mitsubishi Starion engines

Mitsubishi Starion is a two-door sports hatchback from Mitsubishi Motors. Manufactured from 1982 to 1989. It is the first Japanese car with a turbocharger and fuel system with electronic injectors. The car immediately gained great popularity in the US market. The name Starion is derived from the combination of the words of the phrase “Stars of Orion”. In the UK, the car was sold under the name Colt Starion. In 1987-88. the car was also manufactured in an all-wheel drive configuration.

The Mitsubishi Starion was offered with 3 engines between 1982 and 1989 (3 petrol). Displacement ranges from 2.0 to 2.6 liters, power output from 87 to 175 hp. 1 use a timing chain and 2 a timing belt. 1 is turbocharged. The longest rated lifespan belongs to the Mitsubishi 4G54 (about 450,000 km).

Mitsubishi Starion engines by generation

EngineYearsVolumePowerFuelTimingOilLifespan
Mitsubishi Starion A180 1982–1989
Mitsubishi 4G541982–19892.6 L R4103–175 hppetrol, NA / turbochain4.9 L~450,000 km
Other Mitsubishi Starion engines generation not specified
Mitsubishi 4G631981–present2.0 L R487–144 hppetrolbelt4 L~400,000 km
Mitsubishi 4G641985–present2.4 L R4112–165 hppetrolbelt4 L~330,000 km

Mitsubishi Starion engine FAQ

What engines were used in the Mitsubishi Starion?

Mitsubishi Starion A180 (1982–1989): Mitsubishi 4G54.

Which Mitsubishi Starion engine is the most durable?

By rated service life the most durable Mitsubishi Starion engines are: Mitsubishi 4G54 — about 450,000 km; Mitsubishi 4G63 — about 400,000 km; Mitsubishi 4G64 — about 330,000 km. Actual lifespan depends heavily on maintenance and oil change intervals.

How much oil does the Mitsubishi Starion engine take?

Engine oil capacity with filter: Mitsubishi 4G54 — 4.9 L (5W-40); Mitsubishi 4G63 — 4 L (5W-30); Mitsubishi 4G64 — 4 L (5W-30).

Does the Mitsubishi Starion have a timing belt or chain?

Timing chain: Mitsubishi 4G54; timing belt: Mitsubishi 4G63 and Mitsubishi 4G64. Belts must be replaced on schedule: on many engines a broken belt bends the valves.

Was the Mitsubishi Starion available with a diesel engine?

No, all Mitsubishi Starion engines in our database run on petrol.

Engine details

Mitsubishi 4G54

Mitsubishi 4G54

1978–1992 · 2.6 L R4 · petrol · 103–175 hp · chain

This engine is very reliable and has an impressive resource.

Mitsubishi 4G63

Mitsubishi 4G63

1981–present · 2.0 L R4 · petrol · 87–144 hp · belt

Most of the problems with this motor are due to the use of low-quality oil.

Mitsubishi 4G64

Mitsubishi 4G64

1985–present · 2.4 L R4 · petrol · 112–165 hp · belt

All the main problems of this power unit are associated with poor or old lubrication.

Models with the same engines

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