Mitsubishi Galant: The Final Information — JDMBUYSELL

Mitsubishi was one of many largest Japanese automobile producers within the late 20^th Century, however in accordance with fanatics, that’s not the case as we speak. To not say that they don’t make nice vehicles; it’s simply that they don’t make them like they used to. Corporations like Mazda and Honda Couldn’t come near what Mitsubishi did. That they had nice vehicles, particularly tuner vehicles, such because the Mitsubishi GTO, Eclipse, and the just lately discontinued Mitsubishi EVO, thought-about one of the best Mitsubishi ever made. However certainly one of them has been forgotten and could be very underrated, the Mitsubishi Galant, also called the Mitsubishi Legnum.

The Mitsubishi Galant was launched to the Japanese market in 1969 and was accessible as a coupe, sedan, and wagon, enabling Mitsubishi to compete evenly with different opponents akin to Toyota. Due to its success in Japan, the Galant grew to become Mitsubishi’s first automobile to be exported and bought in the US. On account of their partnership with Mitsubishi, Chrysler Motors badge-engineered the Mitsubishi Galant and bought it underneath completely different names, such because the Dodge colt and Chrysler Sigma.

Unknown to many, the Mitsubishi Galant was the primary to get the turbocharged 4G63T engine carried on to the EVO. For that reason, it was nicknamed the EVO Zero and is typically known as the EVO’s godfather. When Mitsubishi entered the Galant within the WRC, they produced an all-wheel-drive variant as a homologation automobile in 1987 often called the Galant/Legnum VR-4, which is probably the most desired Galant spec.

The Mitsubishi Galant has lived on US roads since its early years, however little or no is understood about it because it’s shadowed by the EVO and its largest competitor, the Subaru Legacy. Nevertheless, earlier than you bounce headfirst into shopping for one, it’s an amazing automobile, no lie; there are some components you need to know and contemplate, all of that are included on this information.

Execs and Cons

Execs

Cheaper and Extra Sensible

Only a few JDM automobile consumers contemplate practicality which is the primary cause the JDM automobile scene is especially made up of sports activities vehicles than sedans and wagons. Those that purchase sedans and wagons need one thing that has one of the best of the practicality and tunability worlds, and the Mitsubishi Galant has each. Nevertheless, it’s nonetheless cheap, which makes it much more fascinating. Costs begin at roughly $5,000 for the standard rear-wheel-drive variant, whereas AWD variants retail for above $10,000.

 Mitsubishi constructed the Galant on a extra prolonged platform than the Mitsubishi EVO, which enabled them to provide it as a sedan and a wagon. In distinction, solely the EVO 9 was made as a sedan and wagon. The Galant’s seating capability could be the identical because the EVO’s, nevertheless it has a bigger trunk area, headroom, and legroom, and trunk area is even bigger within the wagon. This makes it the proper automobile for street journeys and market runs that may embarrass any Miata proprietor who tries to hoon at you.

Working and Upkeep Prices

Proprietor critiques present that the Mitsubishi Galant has a median reliability ranking of three.5/5.0. However not all mannequin years are dependable, and most present and former homeowners suggest mannequin years made between 1986 and 1995. However does it make the proper newbie automobile or day by day pushed automobile? Effectively, it relies on the automobile’s situation, because the Mitsubishi Galant will be problematic, particularly should you get a excessive mileage or a poorly maintained one.

Upkeep prices, particularly in relation to mechanicals, are usually not that prime however are definitely not low cost in comparison with a Mazda Miata’s prices. Nonetheless, evaluating the general shopping for and upkeep prices, you continue to get worth for cash with a Mitsubishi Galant. Variants with naturally aspirated engines are the best to keep up, whereas these with turbocharged engines have increased upkeep prices. On the upside, some turbocharged engines within the Mitsubishi Galant are extremely tunable.

Some Engines are Extremely Tunable

When shopping for any JDM automobile, one of many important mods most homeowners have deliberate is engine modification and tuning. However it’s not possible to do this on all engines since they arrive in several variants, with some having the ability to deal with extra energy than others. Regardless, all are dependable and sturdy when inventory, and that modifications the second the modifications start. Listed below are a few of the finest tunable engines accessible within the Mitsubishi Galant.

Mitsubishi launched the 4G63 engine to exchange the 4G52 for the Mitsubishi Galant and different fashions such because the Lancer. They later made a DOHC turbocharged variant, the 4G63T, first used within the Galant earlier than different fashions. Dubbed the 2JZ of the 4-cylinder engine world, the 4G63T is among the many most simple engines to tune and modify. Nevertheless, it takes deeper pockets and persistence to tune older variants.

The one draw back with tuning the 4G63T within the Mitsubishi Galant is that it’s detuned. However this doesn’t imply that it isn’t as succesful. Some homeowners solely go so far as modifying with EVO-borrowed components such because the oil pump, injectors, and intakes, then upgrading the turbo and turbo manifold. Some variants have a plastic blow-off valve that needs to be upgraded to steel to deal with extra enhance. Rebuilding the engine with solid internals and aftermarket peripherals is one of the best street to over 400 horsepower and perhaps a four-figure energy output.

The 4G63T didn’t dwell lengthy earlier than the 6A12TT, a twin-turbo V6 with an identical 2.0-liter displacement, changed it in 1992. Nevertheless, it was solely used within the AWD spec, which can also be the case for the two.5-liter twin-turbocharged 6A13TT. Each engines are comparable in construct construction. Other than the displacement, the 6A13TT makes 280 horsepower with none mods in comparison with 240 horsepower within the 6A12TT.

Widespread mods on the twin-turbo V6 engines embody upgrading to greater turbos or a single turbo setup, ECU remapping, and upgrading the skinny rods to thicker ones. Most energy output is identical because the 4G63T, roughly 400 horsepower, with manufacturing unit internals regardless of having two extra cylinders.

Pleasing To Look At

One factor about previous JDM vehicles, they by no means miss displaying up trying good on the get together, and the Mitsubishi Galant isn’t any exception. It’s not so long as a Toyota Chaser however not as quick as a Mitsubishi EVO; it has the proper wheelbase. Even early generations nonetheless look mint as we speak, particularly the coupes. If appears are a precedence, get a Galant made between 1987 and 2006.

Just a few tasteful mods, such nearly as good wheels, a neat paint job, and an EVO-inspired wing, could have you trying again at a Mitsubishi Galant severally each time you park it or come throughout one, particularly if it’s a wagon. Each automobile proprietor and fanatic does that, however a automobile has to have one thing particular to have you ever look again at it greater than as soon as. Jeremy Clarkson himself discovered the Galant’s styling terrific. He mentioned, “It’s like a type of ladies who, while you first meet them, don’t seem enticing in any respect. However after a couple of hours, you’re at her toes, slobbering.”

Thrilling To Drive

Driving a Mitsubishi Galant, particularly one with a turbocharged engine, will put a smile in your face stretching from ear to ear. You fall in love the primary time you set that throttle down, and by the point you’re getting to 3rd gear, the choice to purchase it has already been cemented. The one drawback in comparison with the Mitsubishi EVO is that the Mitsubishi Galant is heavier and base-sped variants made after 1983 are front-wheel-drive, however that weight helps it stick onto the street.

AWD variants have AYC (Energetic Yawn Management), which works equally to an lively LSD by transferring torque to both rear wheel with probably the most grip. Feathering the throttle could have the automobile effortlessly sliding round corners, and if that’s your driving pleasure, you’ll benefit from the Mitsubishi Galant. Even perhaps flip it right into a drift automobile.

Cons

Strenuous To Work On

The Mitsubishi Galant with a V6 engine isn’t as straightforward to work in comparison with one with a 4-cylinder engine. Getting work carried out within the engine bay takes hours and would possibly require engine removing for one thing so simple as a camshaft belt change. Because of the identical cause, upkeep can also be costly as most mechanics are both inexperienced in engaged on the automobile or will spend an excessive amount of time engaged on the car. Nevertheless, scraping components from different Mitsubishis, such because the EVO and Lancer, and Dodges, such because the Dodge Magna and Starion, is simple.

Poor Construct High quality

One of many largest cons of JDM vehicles is their poor construct high quality. Positive, it may be blamed on previous age and fixed use and abuse, however in some, it’s evident that poor construct high quality will be blamed on the producer, not solely the earlier homeowners.

When shopping for a Mitsubishi Galant, examine the situation of the paint by checking for cracks and chips whereas feeling the thickness of the paint. Some homeowners will repaint over a rust spot with out eradicating the rust first, thus inflicting uneven thickness. Different frequent rust spots on the Mitsubishi Galant embody the trunk, engine bay, and beneath. Additionally, examine the situation of the climate trims, particularly on doorways, that may trigger water to seep in and accumulate.

Widespread Points

Excessive Gas Consumption and Oil Leaks

Such points on previous JDM vehicles are unavoidable and might’t be fastened 100%. Nevertheless, some homeowners have attributed extreme gas consumption to a faulty throttle body. This would possibly occur in any Mitsubishi Galant, however throttle physique failure is frequent in V6 engine variants. It clogs up with filth and dirt and turns into defective attributable to getting old. Additionally, the electricals on older Mitsubishis aren’t that nice and would possibly trigger throttle physique failure.

Changing or cleansing the throttle physique and its wiring simply solves extreme gas consumption, nevertheless it’s not assured to be the identical as when new. On high of that, examine if the fuel tank gauge studying is appropriate since it may be defective on some mannequin years.

Oil leaks on the Mitsubishi Galant are primarily from the driveshaft seal and worn-out or wrongly-seated piston rings. If oil is leaking from the driveshaft seal, the primary signal you’ll discover is an oil patch on the bottom after parking the automobile for an prolonged interval. This occurs if the shaft is free attributable to improper set up or regular put on and tear, because it causes seal harm. The driveshaft’s situation determines whether or not it have to be changed with a brand new seal, and a brand new seal lip must also be put in.

Defective or wrongly positioned piston rings enable oil to leak into the combustion chamber, thus leading to what is named “burning oil,” characterised by white smoke and spluttering. Relying on the oil rings’ dangerous, there could be a lack of energy attributable to inadequate compression within the combustion chamber. Changing the oil rings have to be carried out fastidiously, not bending or breaking them throughout set up.

Entrance Suspension Points

A entrance suspension overhaul is among the first upgrades most Mitsubishi Galant and Legnum homeowners suggest even earlier than engaged on the engine. Common faulty front suspension components embody the management arms, bushings, and wheel hub meeting. The control arms are bound to develop issues first, leading to a loud clunking or popping sound when cornering or going over bumps. Uneven tire put on additionally signifies beat-up management arms. Fortunately changing the management arms is simple, however they need to get replaced with the bushings.

The Mitsubishi Galant’s poor construct high quality additionally extends to mechanical elements such because the wheel hub meeting, which are supposed to final by means of the automobile’s lifetime. It can’t be defined how they break, however as soon as they do, the wheel hubs have to be changed instantly. Possibly even contemplate swapping to 5-lug nut hubs when you’ve got an older Galant with 4-lug nut hubs. Different elements you need to examine on the entrance suspension embody U-joints, ball joints, and the engine mounts, which aren’t suspension associated however needs to be checked for security functions.

Automated Transmission Failure

Transmission failure is frequent in Mitsubishi Galants with an computerized whatever the mannequin yr. There’s one thing about computerized transmissions not belonging to sports activities vehicles and sedans. Most homeowners will swap to a handbook transmission nearly instantly after shopping for one with an computerized transmission.

But when that’s your alternative, you need to know that servicing have to be carried out commonly, and becoming a cooler would possibly improve the transmission’s lifespan by stopping overheating. Swap to a handbook transmission if modifying and tuning the engine is in your bucket checklist because the computerized transmission can’t deal with enthusiastic driving.

Causes of computerized transmission failure range from minors, akin to transmission fluid leaks and regular gear put on on excessive mileage vehicles, to damaged transmission bands and clutch failure. Repairing the transmission will nearly price as a lot as you paid for the automobile, and swapping with a handbook transmission or a greater computerized is really helpful.

AYC Pump Points

Identical to the Mitsubishi EVO, the Mitsubishi Galant has an Energetic Yawn Management (AYC) system, however solely in AWD variants, which acts like an lively LSD. Mitsubishi claims it’s higher than a standard lively LSD because it impacts velocity by means of the corners, in contrast to the LSD, which impacts velocity solely when coming into a nook however not a lot when exiting a nook.

The AYC system is flawless all through its complete design aside from the AYC pump. Over time rust accumulates within the pump, consuming away internals which de-pressurizes the system. The pump’s internals additionally jam towards one another if corrosion happens, the fallacious AYC pump fluid is used, or the automobile is not noted for prolonged intervals through the winter. AYC pump failure is so frequent in AWD Mitsubishis that the majority sellers will point out pump failure within the sale particulars. In the event that they don’t and the pump is already out, you’ll discover issue accelerating and dropping grip when cornering or driving on a free floor.

Consultants suggest changing the AYC pump on Mitsubishis, together with the Galant, with a brand new one as an alternative of rebuilding the previous one. This may be carried out with new internals, such because the bearings and sandwich plate, however a rebuilt AYC pump won’t last more than a brand new one.

Common Costs

If a fairly quick JDM sedan or wagon has been in your bucket checklist for some time, why not get a Mitsubishi Galant? Costs begin at roughly $5,000 for RWD and FWD variants, whereas AWD variants promote for a $10,000 minimal. Fortunately you will get one listed for decrease than retail costs if it’s regionally used or the vendor has listed some faults with the automobile. Uncommon spec Galants, such because the Sort II Galant AMG, of which 500 models had been made, are additionally not overpriced. For instance, one Galant AMG bought for $8,900 on Bring A Trailer two years in the past.

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What To Look For When Shopping for A Mitsubishi Galant

For the reason that Mitsubishi Galant could be difficult to work on, examine for poorly carried out or half-done repairs. Typically the vendor offers a reduction and throws in components within the deal should you discover such points. However attempt to negotiate decrease relying on how the repairs are carried out. There are some minor points not listed that you need to examine for when shopping for a Mitsubishi Galant. For instance, some fashions have plastic radiator high tanks that crack, inflicting coolant leaks. It could be in good situation however examine it for weak spots.

On some proprietor boards, homeowners state that the Mitsubishi Galant may not cross the emission check attributable to a defective catalytic converter. It helps if the earlier proprietor has changed the previous catalytic converter, particularly should you’re in a state with strict emission legal guidelines. A sulfuric odor from the exhaust is the easiest way to gauge if the catalytic converter is completed with, and typically black smoke.

When taking the automobile for a check drive, really feel the brakes because the grasp cylinder and brake booster will be problematic in previous vehicles. A stiff or spongy brake pedal signifies faults within the braking system. Lastly, like when shopping for another car, make sure the title is clear and get an in depth upkeep report if doable.

Comparable Alternate options

Fashions and Specs

1969-1973 Mitsubishi Galant (A50, A53)

When Mitsubishi unveiled the first-gen Galant, it was solely accessible as a coupe (A50). The wagon and sedan variants (A53) entered manufacturing in 1970. You get the A50 and A53 eclipse with a 1.3-liter, 1.4-liter, 1.5-liter, 1.6-liter, or 1.7-liter engine driving the rear wheels through a 3-speed computerized or 4-speed handbook transmission. Sportier fashions such because the 1600gs have additional styling options akin to chrome bits on the bumpers, chrome badges, and pretend louvers on the rear fenders.

1973-1976 Mitsubishi Galant (A112-A115)

There’s not a lot distinction between the second-gen Mitsubishi Galant and the first-gen, because it was produced when the first-gen was nonetheless in manufacturing. It was extra of a facelift since Mitsubishi adopted the “coke bottle” styling, which gave the Mitsubishi Galant a easy curvy physique. Transmission choices are just like those within the first-gen Galant. Nevertheless, the second-gen was bought with a 1.6-liter or two 2.0-liter engine variants as the one engine choices.

1976-1982 Mitsubishi Galant (A120, A130)

Like its predecessors, Mitsubishi made the third-gen Galant as a coupe, wagon, and sedan. In 1976, Mitsubishi used the first-turbocharged engine, a 2.0-liter 4G52T, within the Mitsubishi Galant, nevertheless it was solely accessible for the Australian market. Different markets, together with US and Japan, bought the Galant with the identical 1.6-liter and a pair of.0-liter engine used within the second era along with a 2.5-liter engine. Consumers might both go for a 4/5-speed handbook transmission or a 3-speed computerized.

1980-1987 Mitsubishi Galant (A160)

1980 might be probably the most important yr for the Mitsubishi Galant because it was when Mitsubishi unveiled the notorious 2.0-liter turbocharged 4G63T. Nevertheless, solely models bought in Japan bought it, and the Australian-spec Galant was nonetheless utilizing the previous 4G52T. Different fourth-generation Galant engines embody a 1.6-liter and 1.8-liter engine and naturally aspirated variations of the turbocharged engines. A 4-speed transmission was made non-compulsory alongside the 3-speed and 4/5-speed handbook transmission. Sadly, Mitsubishi discontinued the rear-wheel-drive platform for the Mitsubishi Galant, however one thing much more thrilling entered manufacturing later in 1987.

1983-1989 Mitsubishi Galant (E11-E19)

The fifth-gen Mitsubishi Eclipse might be probably the most boring era, primarily as a result of Mitsubishi discontinued the rear-wheel-drive platform and hadn’t launched the VR-4 spec but. All engines used within the earlier era had been retained besides the turbocharged 4G52T, which Mitsubishi changed with a 2.0-liter and three.0-liter V6 engine. Transmission choices had been carried over from the fifth-gen Galant, however the 4-speed handbook was changed by a 4×2-speed Tremendous Shift handbook transmission just like the one utilized in previous vans. For that reason, Mitsubishi made the fifth-gen Galant with a front-wheel-drive platform because the Tremendous Shift Transmission couldn’t be used on RWD vehicles.

1987-1994 Mitsubishi Galant (E31-E39)

Since they began rallying, Mitsubishi entered the sixth-gen Galant within the WRC as their third automobile in 1987. However it was not simply any bizarre Galant. The Galant utilized in Group A racing had the turbocharged 4G63T, which revamped 300 horsepower sending energy to all 4 wheels. It additionally had four-wheel-steering (4WS); thus, it attracted a lot consideration within the rallying scene. On account of WRC laws, Mitsubishi produced homologation vehicles for the WRC Galant with the identical engine mated to a 4-speed computerized or 5-speed handbook transmission bought because the Galant VR-4.

Base spec variants bought the naturally aspirated 4G63 engine and two 1.8-liter engine variants coupled to the identical transmission choices because the VR-4 spec. Unknown to many the sixth-gen Galant bought AMG remedy, however solely 500 models had been produced in collaboration with Mitsubishi and AMG. The Galant AMG was the second Mitsubishi that acquired AMG remedy after the Debonair V3000 AMG.

Energy was amped as much as 170 within the Galant AMG from the 4G63T in comparison with the VR-4’s 143 horsepower. It additionally bought particular touches akin to a large physique package, picket trims within the inside, and new wheels, and you may’t miss the AMG badges should you occur to return throughout one.

1992-1998 Mitsubishi Galant (E52-E88)

The seventh-gen Mitsubishi Galant was unveiled in 1992 on the Tokyo Motor present, and when it went into manufacturing, it had extra V6 engine choices than earlier generations. You get the 7G Galant with a 1.8-liter, 2.0-liter, or 2.5-liter engine, all V6 engines. 4-cylinder engines with comparable displacements had been additionally used, however the largest is a 2.4-liter. Like its predecessor, Mitsubishi retained the FWD platform, 4-speed computerized, and 5-speed handbook transmission.

Mitsubishi discontinued the 4G63T within the Mitsubishi Galant, nevertheless it was nonetheless used within the EVO. The Galant was now not within the WRC. Thus, WRC homologation restrictions had been lifted, enabling Mitsubishi to make use of a extra highly effective 2.0-liter twin-turbo V6 within the Galant VR-4. Energy output was rated at 240 horsepower making the Galant VR-4 probably the most highly effective vehicles of its time. Mitsubishi went towards the gents’s settlement of 1988 and restricted the VR-4’s velocity to 240km/h, nevertheless it was nonetheless electronically restricted.

1996-2006 Mitsubishi Galant (EA1-EA7, EC1-EC7)

1992 noticed the return of the Galant wagon bought because the Mitsubishi Legnum in Japan. The powertrain used within the seventh-gen Galant was carried over into the eighth-gen with the addition of a 1.8-liter GDI engine. Mitsubishi additionally launched a 2.5-liter V6 and three.0-liter V6 to exchange the previous V6 engines and a pair of.5-liter twin-turbo V6 used within the Mitsubishi Galant/Legnum VR-4. Nevertheless, the Legnum had an non-compulsory 5-speed computerized transmission which was not accessible within the base mannequin Galant.

2003-2012 Mitsubishi Galant, PS platform

The final era Mitsubishi Eclipse was produced in the US, like different Mitsubishis utilizing the PS platform, which Mitsubishi Motors North America developed. It’s also called the Venture America platform. For this era, manufacturing was scaled down as solely two engine choices had been accessible, a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder and a 3.8-liter V6 driving the entrance wheels through a 4-speed or 5-speed computerized transmission. Mitsubishi didn’t make an AWD variant of the 9G Galant, however the eighth-generation Galant/Legnum VR-4 was nonetheless in manufacturing and was discontinued in 2006.

FAQ

Easy methods to Import a Mitsubishi Galant

Learn our Final Information on How to Import a Car from Japan