DSM FTW!

[Bob Glaub]

Anyone here drive/own a DSM?

For those who don't know, DSM - Diamond Star Motors, a joint operation between Chrysler and Mitsubishi.  They were built between 1989 adn 1998?  something like that.  They included,

Mitsubishi Eclipse
Eagle Talon
Plymouth Laser

Possibly others, those are the ones that DSM refers too.

They came in a few trim levels, the most sought after however is the AWD Turbo.  Straight 4, turbo can easily produce 400-450 on stock internals, however, i do not recommend it.

I owned a 1992 Eagle Talon TSi AWD. 
Evo III 16g
Turbo back Exhaust
2g intake
2g Exhaust manifold
Adjustable Cam Gears
Some other minor mods.

I loved it, but as DSM's go, they break, someone at utdsm.org said it best:
Build, Boost, Break, Repeat.

Anyone else out here drive one of these beautiful cars?

[DaveSims]

Well I do know the term DSM, and quite a bit about the DSM lineup, but sadly never owned one.  Now that I am old enough to afford one, I'm not sure if I want to invest in a 10 year old car (1999 was the last year of the true DSM).  The Starion is considered by some to be the first DSM, depending on which circle you travel in.

As for breaking them, any car you mod you are asking to break.  The DSM's actually handle being modified pretty well all things considering.  The worst problem that has hurt them is crankwalk, which was a big issue for the 2nd generation (1995-99) models.  To me, the best DSM there is out there is a 1995, with a 1994 build date.  It combines the new body style, with the older, tougher engine.

[The Ruptured Duck]

At first glance I was wondering why this was in the autos forum.  The only DSM I own is the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders.  Its a great read if anyone gets the chance

[ShaneG_old]

I don't remember them by that name, I remember Diamante, not sure if they're the same group.

I own a 1993 Plymouth Laser, 1.8L , no turbo, fun little car.

[DaveSims]

I don't remember them by that name, I remember Diamante, not sure if they're the same group.

I own a 1993 Plymouth Laser, 1.8L , no turbo, fun little car.

The only Diamante I remember was a sedan, and was not considered one of the DSM lineup. 

[ShaneG_old]

I'm glad someone else remembers it, I wasn't sure if my mind was playing with the words.

So it was a car, and not a brand.  I'm guessing that DSM went away when Eagle did?

[DaveSims]

Diamond Star Motors was a joint venture of Mitsubishi, Eagle, and Chrysler, that produced the Eclipse, Talon, and Lazer series of cars.  The series ended in 1999, and only the Eclipse name was carried on.  Now that I think about it, I believe there was also a line of Galant's that were part of the DSM line, the VR-4 series that used the same turbo/AWD setup as the other three cars.

[ShaneG_old]

I remember the VR-4 , was the Stealth & 3000gt VR-4 part of the DSM line up?

[DaveSims]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diamond-Star_Motors

I didn't realize the co-op existed that long, but the only cars commonly called DSMs were the Eclipse, Talon, and Lazer.

[DaveSims]

http://members.shaw.ca/costall/1000Q/an ... ctlyisaDSM

Another link with info on the DSM.