No problem at all finding parts for the 3.5. Factory/Mitsu, aftermarket and scrap yard (although scrap yard finds are more rare) are all available.

What horror stories? From people who didn't get their timing belt serviced and it broke? From engines that have leaky valve stem seals at 200,000 miles that make the engine smoke at prolonged idle? Properly maintained, this is a very reliable, well-built, high performance engine.

Let's see how many of us in the AZ Crew depend on that particular engine to get us home: Toasty (wife's rig), RyanY, Dylan, Pa_Jero, Lloyd (coming soon), Scottie 2113 (it's a '96, right?, otherwise, never mind) and his brother, and myself. I may have left someone out, I dunno.

The engine is 'recommended' for use with premium fuel, but has a sophisticated enough computer to keep detonation at bay when used on regular. It just retards the timing a touch and a bit of HP is lost. No big deal. Siphon your neighbor's Corvette and it'll reset itself as needed.

When you floor the accelerator pedal, it makes noise and the vehicle moves out. Every time. Don't be leery of this 'plant.'

John B.