DSM history, long but good
Originally, the Laser coupe, which was test named the X2S, was to carry a 2.6L V6 as its top motor choice. This prototype engine was from the Starion/Conquest. Turbocharging was to be an option as well. As you know, the turbocharged inline four was chosen.
(note: DSM cars produced from 1990-1994 are known as First Generation (1G), DSM cars produced from 1995-1999 are known as Second Generation (2G).
Obviously, the next step was to select the location for the DSM manufacturing facility. Many locations were researched. With the data complied, Bloomington-Normal, Illinois was selected for its "prime location, enviable quality of life, and a community spirit second to none." Construction began immediately. With its completion, the Diamond Star Motors plant could produce up to 240,000 vehicles per year. The plant was to produce the Eagle Talon, Mitsubishi Eclipse, Plymouth Laser, Mitsubishi 3000GT, Dodge Stealth, and the Mitsubishi Galant. At the time of its construction, the plant was was and still is one of the most technologically complex car manufacturing centers in the world. The manufacturing process is so flexible that it is able to produce up to six different models on a single line. 600 industrial robots are used to achieve 90% automation in the welding and 20% automation in the final assembly line. See Production Numbers Here.
1990
* Inagural model year of the DSM.
* Pop-up headlights.
* Some high-end models had wheel covers.
* All ECUs had EPROMs.
* Front brakes change during the model year.
* 1.8L models have the 4G37 engine, all others have the 4G63 engine.
1991
* ECU changes mean that 1991+ ECUs don't operate the 1990 tachometer correctly.
* Most ECUs had EPROMs.
* First model year with ABS available. ABS not available with limited-slip differential (LSD).
* All high-end models had alloy or mesh wheels.
* First year of the Galant VR-4 - 2000 sold in the American market.
1992
* Non-popup headlights introduced on all models.
* The first AWD Lasers were introduced.
* Few (or no) ECUs have EPROMs.
* ABS now available with LSD.
* The engine changes from the 6-bolt version to the 7-bolt version in April.
* Second and final year of the Galant VR-4 - 1000 sold in the American market.
* The last year of the Dodge 2000GTX.
1993
* "Big brake" 2-piston front calipers become standard on turbo models.
* 7-bolt engines are now standard.
* No ECUs have EPROMs.
* Diamond-Star Motors ceases to exist.
1994
* All cars built to California emissions standards - there are no "Federal" cars.
* The last year of the 1G car and the 1.8L NT models.
* The last year of the Plymouth Laser.
1995
* The inagural year of the 2G DSM.
* Significant changes to the engine, body, and electronics.
* New transmissions.
* All ECUs have EPROMs.
* Non-turbo models are based on the Chrysler 420A engine instead of the Mitsubishi 4G63 engine.
* OBD-II becomes standard on DSMs, along with two oxygen sensors.
* Mitsubishi begins using some substandard crankshafts, leading to crank walk on some 2G cars.
1996
* The first year of the convertible Spyder.
* The Mitsubishi 4G64 engine is offered, in the Spyder models only.
* ECUs stop having EPROMs.
1997
* Additional body changes from the 1995/1996 models.
* Minor changes to the ECU code.
1998
* Minor changes to the ECU code.
* After many years, Mitsubishi finally issues a recall on the AWD DSM transfer case.
1999
* The last year of the 2G car, and of the 4G63/AWD DSM platform.
* The last year of the Eagle Talon. Chrysler drops the Eagle marque.
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Originally Posted by JDM Is Ghey
