Galant (Sigma) Turbo hits the tarmac

[sillbeer]

Had a day out with the SilviaWA boys at MC Motorsport on Saturday (skid pan motorkhana style). Took out the Sigma because my Silvia is still not ready, but managed to be running in the Top 3 (out of 16) most of the afternoon.

http://www.driveline.net.au/gallery/200 ... G_5466.jpg
http://www.driveline.net.au/gallery/200 ... G_5483.jpg
http://www.driveline.net.au/gallery/200 ... G_5541.jpg
http://www.driveline.net.au/gallery/200 ... G_5612.jpg

The car handled really well...but as can be seen by the amount it's diving under brakes and rolling on turns, a set of sway bars would make it much better. The diff was really opening up too...if I keep this car, I'd look at changing that out.

I think someone may have got some video, so will post a link once it's up on YouTube.

Cheers
Brendan

PS> Link to car pics in sig if anyone wants to know more about this 'Starion 4-door' ;)

[Alspos]

For those that don't wanna click the links...

[groupAralliart]

Well done. Looks like a rare import for Australia. What is the history behind your car?

[mrb1]

Does it have independant rear suspension as well like the Starion?

[sillbeer]

Um, I bought the car originally back in about 1992 I think, and apart from a brief ownership by a mate for 3yrs in there, have owned ever since. From memory I recall the previous owner saying he'd bought it from someone who brought it in as a personal import in the late 1980's.

It is a Japanese import then, and was known as the Mitsubishi Galant (our Sigma). It's running a similar spec engine to the Starion in a 4G63, it has 4-wheel vented disc brakes and IRS. This particular model must have been the base spec because it doesn't have power steering or electric windows that I've seen in other models like this. They are fairly rare, but I did see one come up on the J-Spec web site about 6mths ago and they wanted $11,500 to bring it in. Not that it's worth that much. They also imported these into the UK under the Colt brand in a similar spec to mine...as far as I can tell anyway.

Mine has had the turbo replaced with a T25G off an S13 Silvia (using an adaptor plate) and posted 119rwhp on a Dyno Dynamics dyno running 8psi. It really needs some intercooling, but I'm loathe to spend any more money one it due to the huge amount of rust in it. A shame really because it's a really nice car to drive and is really rare. If I had a garage at home, I'd consider trying to fix the body work myself.

Is that enough history? ;)

Cheers
Brendan

[sillbeer]

mrb1

Yep, has the IRS in there. Even has a boost gauge in the main cluster, although it has no units on there so i have temporarily put a blitz boost gauge on the steering column cover.

Oh, and those rims are genuine Panasport Formula One's. Extremely light, and I think 14x7 or 14x6.5 in size.

Cheers
Brendan

[groupAralliart]

thanks

[JPC]

The engine is actually a bit more than 'similar spec' to a Starion. When you open the bonnet and look at the engine, you'd swear it was a Starion. The only visible difference is the fluid clutch radiator fan and the 4-bolt strut mounts.

Goodonya, Brendan :beer

[sillbeer]

Ah yeah, thanks John. Your keen eye can certainly catch a lot more detail than mine. The 4-bolt strut mounts are a pain because it means I can't use the Starion strut braces around, or at least use the end plates as a starting point anyway. I'd like to get some made up one day. That is if I keep it.

This is what the engine looks like currently:

http://www.sillbeer.com/2005/04/galant- ... plete.html

Unfortunately I have a blown oil seal on the drivers side balance shaft and I'm procrastinating about getting it fixed. Other than that it's now up to 308,000kms on a rebuild at 160,000 and it's only now starting to get a bit of blow-by.

Cheers
Brendan

[sillbeer]

Here's a bit of video from the day:



Unfortunately the person with the camera must have had a bit too much coffee.

Cheers
Brendan