Tribute to the 1992 Dodge Stealth

[Drifting Thunda]

You could probably call them touring cars, but VR-4 is the only way to go. The non-VR-4 models are just natrually aspirated V6s and front-wheel drive from what I understand, and I don't think there's a big weight difference either.

 

[McLaren]

IMO...

this is my favorite version of the 3000GT, 1999 version...for the revised back end and headlights, and i adore that gigantic spoiler
the 1999 version of the 3000GT is a unique year, this was the only year the 3000GT looked like this, plus the last year of the car...

P.S. why did they ditch the car in 99?

P.S.S.

whats the difference between these 2 GT4 fans?

That red one is exactly like the one I owned, but I resprayed in black.

 

[1X83Z]

That's quite steep. Did they sell well?

They sold about 150 VR-4s a year over a five year period.

So no - not really.

I think they sold around 200 SL Spyders a year over the same period.

Those numbers are disproportionate though because I think about 80% (and maybe more) of the sales came in the first three years.

 

[Blackbird.]

What gave them an incentive to price it so high? As someone else said, their are alot more desirable cars then the 3000GT for the same price.

 

[Emohawk]

What gave them an incentive to price it so high? As someone else said, their are alot more desirable cars then the 3000GT for the same price.

I'd say they priced them that high because that's what they cost. The incentive to make something that pricey would be the Supra and RX-7 (ooor, not. I don't know what started production first).

 

[The359]

What gave them an incentive to price it so high? As someone else said, their are alot more desirable cars then the 3000GT for the same price.

The crappy "technology" they tried to plaster all over it.

Just like Honda with the NSX.

I think they wanted a piece of the "poor man's Ferrari" craze.

 

[Emohawk]

Usually MR models of cars are beter, but I don't know the details of how the MR is better in this case (if it is...). I have a lot of appreciation for heavy powerful cars, but still not big on the Dodge Stealth. Though in it's Mitsubishi trim I'd own one.

I was curious, so:
Supercars.net only had one 3000GT, so I compared two Lancers of the same Evo (MR and non). There was a differential of 2 years ('3 vs MR '5)
The MR was slightly heavier (20kg) and a bit more powerfull (5hp, 13lb/ft with the same bore, stroke, and compression. They really should list boost pressure). It also had 35mm smaller brakes, listed as "Brembro Vented Discs w/4-Piston Calipers" vs. plain old "Vented Discs" on the standard. The MR also got an extra gear (up to 6).
Strangely (probably an omission) their 0-60-100-1/4mi times and top speed are listed exactly the same. The MR, interestingly, gets 1 more mile per gallon.
All of those, except possibly the 6 speed, could be explaned by the model year difference. So what does MR mean? Not a clue.
Time to check another site. Mmmm, AutoZine:
"this time the Evolution count remains at VIII, but it is followed by a label "MR" which stands for "Mitsubishi Racing" officially, or in my understanding, "Minor Revision"." Mark goes on to sum up a list of little tweaks much like mine, but less numerical. It seems, at least with Lancers, that tacking 'MR' on the end is the equivalent of posting 'bump' every once in a while so your thread doesn't get forgotten.

(Emohawk gains 2 geek points for using a simile involving messageboards)

 

[TheCracker]

You know, the 3000GT VR-4 Spyder was $64900 in 1995.

I bet the same car was worth no more than $6500 in 1996

Those cars depreaciated even if you glanced at one in a showroom. Which no one did in the UK because they got universaly slated in contemporary road tests - and no-one bought them.

The Stealth was a much better looking version however.

 

[1X83Z]

I bet the same car was worth no more than $6500 in 1996

I wish - it's not particularly easy to find them for under $35000 today. But if that's what it costs, that's what I'll pay - I love the things.

The crappy "technology" they tried to plaster all over it.

Indeed. And it was stuff people didn't even want, save for the roof, which I believe was an industry first. Oh well - it still rocks.

 

[Drifting Thunda]

I was curious, so:
Supercars.net only had one 3000GT, so I compared two Lancers of the same Evo (MR and non). There was a differential of 2 years ('3 vs MR '5)
The MR was slightly heavier (20kg) and a bit more powerfull (5hp, 13lb/ft with the same bore, stroke, and compression. They really should list boost pressure). It also had 35mm smaller brakes, listed as "Brembro Vented Discs w/4-Piston Calipers" vs. plain old "Vented Discs" on the standard. The MR also got an extra gear (up to 6).
Strangely (probably an omission) their 0-60-100-1/4mi times and top speed are listed exactly the same. The MR, interestingly, gets 1 more mile per gallon.
All of those, except possibly the 6 speed, could be explaned by the model year difference. So what does MR mean? Not a clue.
Time to check another site. Mmmm, AutoZine:
"this time the Evolution count remains at VIII, but it is followed by a label "MR" which stands for "Mitsubishi Racing" officially, or in my understanding, "Minor Revision"." Mark goes on to sum up a list of little tweaks much like mine, but less numerical. It seems, at least with Lancers, that tacking 'MR' on the end is the equivalent of posting 'bump' every once in a while so your thread doesn't get forgotten.

(Emohawk gains 2 geek points for using a simile involving messageboards)

When I was at the Mitsu dealer they told me the Evo VIII MR is easily superior to the regular Evo VIII overall.

 

[Emohawk]

Well, yeah. It's a bunch of improvements. Minor, but improvements.
Also, thats what they want to be true, so that's what they'll tell you.

 

[Jerggy13]

sorry to bring back a thread from the dead. but i was searching "3000GT" on here and found this thread.

so i thought i would share some pics of my baby

It is a 1997 SL model that i have had for over 4 years now. And slowly have modified as money allows.

If you really have any true interest in 3000GT's or Stealths Please check out these websites
www.3si.org
www.us3s.org
www.stealth316.com
If you cant find anything you are looking for there. You are SOL

This is also my first post here and I really like the site

 

[VIPFREAK]

Damn, I think I know where that is.

 

[Blackbird.]

In San Jose?

 

[VIPFREAK]

No, but it's on the way to Sacramento.

 

[Jerggy13]

haha way off

i live near st louis MO

 

[1X83Z]

haha way off

i live near st louis MO

Are you in St. Clair County or Madison County?

 

[Jerggy13]

Madison County

Alton IL actually, but feeling like i spend my life in downtown Stl

 

[Layla's Keeper]

I've always regarded the Stealth as the 3000GT's prettier sister. The two cars really were pretty decent machines for a bit of spirited driving and a comfortable cruise. Unfortunately, they suffered from the same overpricing and expensive upkeep that killed a lot of Japanese sports cars in the early to mid 90's.

In fact, as a mechanic, I can tell you the one major recurring problem each Japanese sports car in that range of cars had.

3000GT/Stealth - electrical gremlins & clutches
300ZX - HICAS malfunctions, overheating
Supra - head gaskets
RX-7 - Come on, it's a turbo RX-7, you should know this one
NSX (even though it's not technically dead) - cooling system, rear suspension uprights

A shame, too. With some sales the cars probably could have justified development costs of solving each of these problems. The Z's engine was rock solid bulletproof, but the cramped engine bay and added heat from the turbos just made the cars crockpots. The Chryslerbishi pair just had too many electrically operated gizmos for their systems. One bad fuse shut down everything from the window defogger to the steering, and lord help you if it was a short. The list goes on and on.

Compared to the C4 Corvette with its deadbolt reliable Chevy smallblock and developed in 1963 suspension, these cars just weren't worth the constant flow of money.

 

[1X83Z]

Madison County

Alton IL actually, but feeling like i spend my life in downtown Stl

I would too if I lived on the Illinois side.

 

[Jerggy13]

I
In fact, as a mechanic, I can tell you the one major recurring problem each Japanese sports car in that range of cars had.

3000GT/Stealth - electrical gremlins & clutches

The Chryslerbishi pair just had too many electrically operated gizmos for their systems. One bad fuse shut down everything from the window defogger to the steering, and lord help you if it was a short. The list goes on and on.

these cars just weren't worth the constant flow of money.

You honestly dont know a lot about these cars. If you were to pick two major problems, you would have pick there leaking transfer cases, and their ability to eat the output shaft for the transfer case.

As for problems with the "electrically operated gizmos. You have the Active Aero on the 91-96 models. Most issuses arise with that from people tearing the crap off the front with a nice sized curb. Also the micro switchs in the rear wing can go bad after ~10 years. But these can be easily replaced. Some people do have issuses with the adjustable suspension(also on 91-96 models). But this is usually cause by people leaning on the strut tower caps while working under the hood and damaging the wire connectors for the struts. The AWS (all wheel steering is a hydrallic system that uses a gear pump off the rear diff and vavling in front rack to operate the rack in the back. Its a very "simple" system and you rarely ever hear any issuses about them.

As for being complete money pits, they are not. I have had my car for over 4 years, bought the car with 38,000 miles in 2001 and currently has 119k miles on it today. And other than regular manitence items. The only major issuses i have had are two bad wheel bearing.

And last time i checked. If some some reason i blow my headlight fuse, it will not kill my powersteering (electrical / mechanical system) 💡

 

[Layla's Keeper]

While I admit the shop where I work doesn't get many 3000GT's or Stealths in (we get more frequent visits from 80's American sedans like the Olds Cutlass Ciera or Dodge Dynasty than anything else) the few we have received have had glitches out the wazoo and transmission/driveline issues.

I've heard from fellow mechanics that these are fairly common issues, so that's what I go on.

 

[Jerggy13]

just visit
www.mitsubishisucks.com
for a nice laugh

 

[Driftster]

I love the car. Nothing wrong with 310HP in a AWD AWS Car....Sure, it's heavy...Oh well...IT's a TT 310HP AWD AWS Car. Thumbs up in my book.

But I'd prefer the 2000 Galant VR4

 

[toyomatt84]

I know it's a Mitsu., but it's a similar vehicle in most aspects.

 

[ND4SPD]

Check out the license plate on the 2nd pic of wrecked Mitsu's, how ironic.

 

[VIPFREAK]

thanks toyo...

 

[Jerggy13]

I know it's a Mitsu., but it's a similar vehicle in most aspects.

And he lived through that. He was sideswiped by that white full size van.

He now drives a 996 Turbo

is those pics says anything about the car. it shows how amazing well they protect the ocupents during crashes

 

[toyomatt84]

thanks toyo...

Anytime bud.

Jerggy13: If it were my choice, I'd rather have his new vehicle, if what you say is true.

 

[Emohawk]

In fact, as a mechanic, I can tell you the one major recurring problem each Japanese sports car in that range of cars had.

Supra - head gaskets

The MkIII had improperly torqued head bolts from the factory, that's why they blow gaskets all the time. Torque the bolts down right and everything's just fine.
Untill some idiot cranks the boost, of course.