I've read over several of the documented rebuild threads, seems straight forward. What I've been wondering is, are there any sensible internal upgrades to increase performance on the 2.6? The conquest is basically the same platform with endless performance components. There might be but I didn't see any threads regarding the installation of aftermarket conquest/starion internals to the raider/montero... Perhaps the payoff is simply not enough.

I just thought that if I'm going to tear it down to do a rebuild why not take advantage and make it as powerful as possible...

Thoughts?

In terms of dollars per horsepower, installing aftermarket performance parts on the stock motor doesn't stack up to the power you'd get from doing a turbo conversion. You could spend thousands of dollars on high compression pistons, stronger rods, headwork, big valves, camshaft, carb, etc, and still not have the kind of power that you'd easily get from a G54BT.

Look up Jason's thread on the 2.4L rebuild he's doing, a hi-po turbo that is the next-gen Mitsu engine. Search for "87Monty" and have a good read.

I have a stock rebuild Starion engine with a 10G turbo (??) in a Mighty Max. Lots more power than the NA engine!

Also, the turbo block is an upgrade from the NA block - forged crank and oil squirters to deal with the added heat and power.

As Mike on breaking bad said, "no more half measures" Unless you make a major change such as an engine swap, turbo, or supercharger, don't bother.

This topic comes up every 6 months. Last time it was about the 3.0. A bunch of us anylized and discussed the pros/cons of this and one guy even reported on how he spent thousands yet gained 30hp. That thread will answer your questions.

"the conquest is basically the same platform with endless performance components"... Lol. Dig,in and you'll see there are very slim pickings on parts.

"I just thought that if I'm going to tear it down to do a rebuild why not take advantage and make it as powerful as possible..." You know your dealing with a 109hp forklift motor from the 70s. Every mod will only increase output by a small percentage. My buddy had a cobra and on the dyno changed to a k/n filter gaining ~40hp. He averages 650hp, so that's not much past a 5% gain. For you that's 6hp.... Woo.

So yes, the starquest has oil squirters and a coated crank. When doing the turbo swap on my Montero, the donor motor was trashed. I used my Montero motor, no oil squirters or fancy crank, and just dropped in the cheapest starquest pistons rockauto had. I'm at 7psi, going to 16g and 10psi soon. No heat issues, nothing. I prob make 190hp. Fancy internals are for the starquest runners shooting for 300hp. You can sink $3k into your n/a motor, but my sloppy $300 turbo motor will still make more power.

So to answer the question, since the engine is already out and all this effort and more power... Engine swap. It will be cheaper too.

Got a 2.6 go starquest turbo or 4g64 dam. Both are bolt in. Did mine on the street with no power tools.
More from a v6 angle, Chevy 4.3 or mitsu 3.5/8 but neither bolt in.

I completely understand that you get more bang for your buck when you multiply it against 4cyl/6cyl/8cyl. I had a 2.5 tj that I eventually put a sb350 in. But I completly regretted it!
I want to retain my 2.6, I just want to rebuild it a little stronger... If nothing else, maybe down the road I'll swap in some lower geared drive train.
I bought it running on one cylinder, flushed the engine, installed a 38 weber and away I went. It's always smoked, ticks like a bomb but it will go anywhere.
I'm sure a rebuild alone will make loads of difference. I thought about a pace setter header and a performance muffler for some better flow. I already eliminated the cat.
So end of story, I just want a strong original motor:)

In that case just do a stock rebuild. I found eliminating back pressure on the 2.6 actually LOWERS torque. Save the money on that useless junk for gears down the road.

Actually, you mean scavenging, not necessarily back pressure. Gears are the way to go, though.

John B.

If'n you want to do some reading, in the mitsubishilinks.com site there is a manual on hopping up the 2.6. Check that out.

Well, again, your making 105hp... Its strong as is. Even I'm pushing it close to 200hp with the 105hp spec components. Its fine.

Want strong, don't over build, but build well. Address the issues. Handle the balance shaft situation however you want, but do something. Top notch cooling is needed. Rod or replace the radiator and have the full shroud on it. Overheat it onc3 and you can expect problems. Do the head bold retorque procedure... honestly, the one thing you can benefit from would be ARP head studs.

Again, you make 105hp, unless you got a line on those headers used, it's a waste of cash. You'll gain 10hp at best? I agree, get gears, that you will def feel a difference. I,did.