BONKERS 515 HP Built Everything, LS Powered 1988 Mitsubishi Starion - One Take

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This 1988 Mitsubishi Starion (or is it a Chrysler Conquest? We may never know) is the years-long project of John Lazorack III, an engineer at General Motors. We can call this a full-build because John did basically every single bit of work on this car, beginning to end, himself, and the result feels like basically driving a pro-grade Formula Drift car on the street. Nothing about this car is left stock, and it is a riot to drive at any speed (but especially fast).

[@TheSamMabe]

One of the coolest cars ever featured on this channel along with one of the coolest owners and nothing but LS hate in the comments. It's almost as if the owner built his own car using his own money to his own preferences. Jesus Christ, some of you people are salty.

[@chaseventrillaquist6458]

S M I agree 100%. I would much rather see something built from scratch with true engineering and passion behind it, than another off the shelf bolt on wonderboy mobile. To see Matt Farah THAT pleased with how something runs and drives, not to mention its fit and finish, is high praise indeed.

[@Beer_Dad1975]

Yeah, I don't get it - you aren't going to get 600hp out of any Mitsubishi engine without either hopeless unreliability, or a lot of turbo lag - or most likely both. He put the engine in it he needed to put in it for the competition he is doing - it makes total sense.

[@briandonovan5434]

Well put sir

[@nathanyoung3078]

I'm still surprised more people don't understand this theory of car building. His car, his money, his own personal taste. And I ain't mad one bit!

[@Alexramos]

S M exactly

[@maxxjettfilms6322]

Mitsubishi nailed the styling with this car.

[@Ethan-qj8uq]

True tho. and it's decedent, the 3000gt

[@anthonyspadaro7731]

John was one of my clay modeling teachers back in design school years ago. It's always fun to see his car making impressions like this and seeing new changes all the time!

[@rickedmondson5154]

If I could build something half as crazy nice as this life would be complete. Love this custom build it's perfect

[@ValenNitto]

Everybody complaining about the ls swap, I'm complaining about how my wife can't be like his haha. She did the stitching for his interior, good job sir.

[@CommandoPG]

All you haters are always complaining about LS swapped anything. It's his car. He's had it since high school. Screw all those who say, "ohhhh, keep it stock because it's becoming rare, so the value goes up!" In the end, it's a damn car. It's meant to be driven ya yanks. Don't be talking about how much a damn car cost, this isn't a financial investor's channel.

[@hadriangonzalez607]

DoubleC respect for an inanimate object? So what? So the cars parents can nod in approvement at the next family gathering? This guy obviously wanted high HP with little maintenance, and he didn't rape this car (an asinine comment btw) he had to modify so much to get the perfect fitting of that engine in the car.

[@xanthopoulos1825]

DoubleC You have named every reason people LS swap and every reason people swap engines, WHO FUCKING CARES if its cliche. It makes sense and if you truly love driving you choose the best option. And for him the LS3 was that option, big power, big reliability, and he's not breaking the bank (hell the guy doesn't have money for a lift he did this all from his garage floor.) If I had the money I would make the most unique cars, an e31 with an F1 engine, an e83 with an s85 engine, but those would cost me tens of thousands if not hundreds of thousands of dollars. LS engines are a fantastic and when put in something unique like this and is engineered to handle better than stock you don't have the right to shame him for that. A true car guy knows this is insane and amazing.

[@pvkjhilk8323]

2J but he works for GM

[@christophermay4366]

Pvk Jhilk still takes some expensive electronics to get the most from a 2j....especially if boosted....

[@THEgameDeity]

Yet again- The same argument, over and over again. "Cheap" and "Easy". We understand the LS platform is great for a lot of different things, but that isn't the point. We as car guys do appreciate all the LS builds, but it just gets so repetitive. (This isn't me "Hating", but rather stating facts on how overused it is. Still a really cool build, don't get me wrong.) This Starion could've had a 4G63 or even a friggin Chrysler Hemi swap and it would've been miles cooler. A crate 5.7, 6.1, or even the more costly 6.4L would be truly mental. And no- I have no idea where people are finding these "Oh so cheap" LS3 motors at. I can barely find one online for less than $2500, and that's just the short block.

[@Zakkday]

YESS OH MY GOD YES. THIS IS MY FAVORITE CAR. THIS DUDE IS AWESOME!!!!

[@G-..-]

Zakk Day lol this is your favorite car?

[@Zakkday]

ABU-AZERA COULD YOU TELL??

[@matt2m]

I love the detail he is the kid that actually did all the crazy shit he talked about for his high school car. I’ve never seen Matt just hand out complements so freely that car has to be mighty.

[@Namesi]

This is the wettest I've ever seen Matt get over a One Take. Props to this gentleman.

[@waderedsox]

that is FANTASTIC craftsmanship, WELL DONE MAN, the interior is especially impressive, usually racecar interiors are so bare bones, youve really made that look super nice

[@stevenmurphree]

I met this guy at COTA when they were running the Optima event at the same time as the chumpcar race in 2016. It's more beautiful than the video shows. And better yet, the owner/builder/racer is as genuine as they come. He walked us around the car one night parked by the rv's and answered all our goofey questions. This guy is the ultimate level of "car-guy" or "hot rodder" or whatever endearing car owner term you can imagine. This video captured some of that and was a great reminder. Best of luck to John and the Starion in future endeavors.

[@taddmason1187]

hardcore ford guy here and that LS sounds good don't even sound like an LS. awesome car none the less

[@Genesis385]

Tadd Mason part of that is the black widow mufflers. 🙂 one of my favorite brands.

[@taddmason1187]

ThatMazdaRanger sounds damn good, almost has a German V8 sound

[@aurimassimanavicius350]

Jesus Christ this is the most impressive ride that's been on one of these one takes yet. The fact that this guy built it all himself is crazy. Mad props to you sir, you are a hero.

[@Bbeavis]

Hi, anyone know what I'm supposed to do about this erection now that I've seen and heard this V8 beast?

[@G-..-]

BEAVIS Motorsport you are supposed to realize how stupid your comment is.

[@rocketn8]

BEAVIS Motorsport.... no but I know of a great product that you can put on your balls

[@user-mc3ik5rp7v]

BEAVIS Motorsport go suck yourself

[@cyberstatus575]

BEAVIS Motorsport call your boyfriend.

[@MacktasticDazzle]

BEAVIS Motorsport if after 4 hours and you still have an erection, see your doctor for medical treatment.

[@ae86hachi]

From Hoonigan to One Take... Damn that guy gets around.

[@Monificent]

Ae86 Hachi He added a lot more for Hoonigans. This guy is awesome

[@ae86hachi]

Mosheh Meyers I'm in love with the whole build, but that wheel and tire combo just set this car off! I wholeheartedly agree! I need this dude as friend or neighbor.

[@OhighOSkater]

I appreciate how easy you guys make it to skip the ad at the beginning. Awesome car and awesome video!

[@ThaUltimateDragon]

I hope you get to drive this again Matt, you seemed so happy. Cool car, cool owner.

[@BlakeHerrmann]

Best car I've seen on here, TST, plus it garage built!!

[@aiGeis]

What a legend. Coming back to watch this 8 months later; it's even sicker the second time around. I've watched nearly every one take and I can say with confidence that this dude's car is on the level of god-tier among every car Matt has driven. I've truly never seen another build or production car receive this much praise from Matt.

[@whatareyoudoingyouidiot342]

There have been supercars that don't have dashboards that nice-looking. The whole car is really well-done. Hats off to you, sir.

[@JB_561]

Everybody complaining about an LS swap still borrows their moms car lol this thing is nasty

[@connerharbaugh2971]

Jonathan Williams haha agreed

[@datasciencephilippines3088]

Well said.

[@Grimm-Gaming]

Jonathan Williams Lol yeah. 4g is good n makes great power but for REAL racing. there's a reason LS is king. simple reliability.

[@bad001bd]

Not to mention the insane amount of compiled knowledge and parts for the LS platform. You'll never be hurting for parts with an LS.

[@flav2478]

Jonathan Williams incorrect on the mom car part. I just feel like the uniqueness of these cars gets lost with a cliche v8 swap

[@80sriceman]

Awesome build! Anyone who has any experience with Starion/ Conquest would know how much work has been done to this beast! John literally built this thing from the ground up! Big thumbs up to John Lazorack for building the car he dreamed off! Its been his ride since high school!

[@SergeantMoetz]

The steering ratio is off the charts in this thing! Was looking forward to this one, what an amazing quality build!

[@sharedknowledge6640]

Your enthusiasm is infectious. It's great when you get true one off DIY cars like this one that are done on a modest budget.

[@Renesis97]

RWD: check Manual: check Big OHV V8: check Roll cage: check Wide wheels: check Good suspensions: check Wild bit functional aero: check Reasonably loud exhaust: check Lightweight but functional interior: check Well guys, that’s the perfect car!

[@datdude8484guht]

I haven't watched the entire video but i already love this video and build.

[@mathewbrady9526]

"This feels just like the last Formula Drift car I drove" -things I wish I could say..

[@theRCLlama]

this dudes the man, no lift and he does everything.

[@truthseeker8483]

Runs beautifully! Great work

[@mlchristopher]

I love cars like this, and props to the guy for building it himself. That's not an easy thing to do.

[@Gochsener]

you can cleary see how Matt gets trust in the car and then beats the hell out of it - love it :D

[@gavinmackenzie4132]

I love reviews like this, what I mean is when Matt gets this type of reaction out of someone's home built car after all of his years of driving countless cars, it's fun to watch and listen too.

[@kevinsdb1]

That is a sick looking car. Simply BADASS bro

[@gjacko77]

Bravo to the builder of this amazing car. I love the fact that you have owned this car since High School and that you don't have a lift is mind blowing. This was the most excited that I have seen Matt in a long time on this channel. Great build and review.

[@Knezicdex]

Wow wow wow!!! My favorite TST featured car yet. This is what i dream of doing if i had the time/money/tools/skills and everything else that is required... That rear diffuser is dope AF

[@CR-di1lg]

That was amazing great hosting and who would have thought a Starion would steal the show

[@DangerousDan666]

first video in a while that I watched to the end :D awesome build and video

[@mikey_gc8]

Mind blowing build! Cheers to you John, for converting your high school car into a race car!

[@Jorge-Tamacas]

Good car. A several years ago I had for a little time an '85 narrow body Dodge Conquest (which basically is the same car). It was a good car for the time I had it. The only thing I didn't like about that car was the overboosted power steering. Beside that it was a good car. I always compared it with the next car I had, an 83 Alfa Romeo gtv6 2.5 and, I always like the Alfa more than the Conquest. Great video Matt!

[@Jorge-Tamacas]

That's another Alfa I like!

[@epaul88]

I have an 87 narrow body

[@SorryCounter1]

Love cars like this man. Not only is it an oddball, but it's the guys highschool cruiser. Doesn't get much more memorable than that.

[@ADRIANW78]

"its almost chode like" 😂😂😂 love your work Matt Farah🖒

[@JavierCR25]

I love crazy builds like this one. This type of builds and their owners make the car community a much better crowd.

[@jasonvogue4487]

Afuckinmazing.. I love it.. Dude you basically built it.. Mad props..

[@ebigford34]

one of the coolest cars you have featured before Matt, props to the owner and such an awesome build!

[@lucky3662]

What an awesome car!

[@-----itsaspear4322]

had to watch this twice, it's such a joyful thing when someone builds a perfect car by himself

[@MateNako]

That's best one in a long time. Much love

[@DarrenOHaraCork]

Dont think i've seen Matt enjoy a car that much in a long time , well done to the Owner!

[@VAX1970]

Those watches are no good, i still have sweaty balls!

[@hellbound64]

This is essentially what I did in Forza with a Starion and I always thought it was such a badass little car, except he did it in real life, with real money and real labour. Amazing

[@Archi2g]

This dude have a forum build thread or wheel well?

[@arnoldmecham7856]

www.starquestclub.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=92145 www.lazorackmotorsports.com/

[@Archi2g]

thanks!

[@Quidproquo07093]

This was the best car/video review all year!!! How can we get this dude to be a presenter on the new Top Gear America?

[@rowboyto156]

That looks so fun to drive. So what if its a LS swap, no lag more fun

[@goatmonkey2112]

That car is fantastic. I love it. Great work. This is exactly what you should do with an old Mitsubishi.

[@stevekingfrog8469]

3:16 Yep thats about how it sounds Matt

[@bargym2312]

Awesome car, inspiring build. Humble owner. And the end result is the perfect car for him, I think it's every guy with a project car's dream! Great video! Thanks for sharing

[@thedownshiftchannel]

You guys know what the biggest problem with getting into cars is....

[@rcairforceone]

thedownshiftchannel It's one expensive ass hobby.

[@JJ_ExMachina]

You can't just own one... you end up wanting them all.

[@theejoeylee]

YOU'RE IN 4 LIFE!

[@rlsjunior797]

You want a new one every 30 days. So for 5 10 or 15000 a month they'll send you a car worth 30000 every 30 days

[@rcairforceone]

MasterMech77 So damn true. I have a vision for damn near any car ever made. My fleet is now up to seven... And I was trying to get down to four. I don't have exotics- nicest car I have is a 16 Chevy SS. Everything else is some kind of project outside of my LBZ.

[@theejoeylee]

......And here I am thinking my office is sweet because my desk glows. Your a lucky guy Matt!

[@trenchcoatkendo]

Call it uncultured, but when people talk about loving the noise of engines i've never quite been in the same boat. Those super cars scream too much for me, but when i hear an LS I absolutely love it.

[@Beezy_Builds]

Love this owners vibe, favorite owner in a long time

[@chanhuor]

What a beast!

[@brandonurban5215]

The best one take ever. What a beast of a car.

[@EJman05]

The ignorance in the comments is astonishing. This is an extremely high quality purpose built machine, and all some of you can do is bitch about the engine choice which was clearly the right choice for his use of the car.

[@apgroeniger]

One of the best one takes yet!

[@johndoe-wh6td]

Wow this is neat Edit: lol that was awkward, "i didnt get invited, but yeah"

[@alansaxton5683]

John I know you shouldn't read the comments but DAMN SON!! Off the chain. no mater what anyone say's your the pinnacle of Starion ownership and we all look up to you, well done Sir.

[@mehkayla6685]

I was waiting for this!!! LS's work and i understand why they are more common in modded Japanese cars than anything else but man I cringe a little every time.... But Gawd this thing is fucking wicked!

[@tgsubie]

This is flawlessly beautiful. Omg. I cant handle how completely perfect this car is.

[@imSchwaggy]

does this person have an instagram? or youtube channel? something? i gotta see more. its beatiful

[@johnlazorack3841]

LazorJ on IG need to get my youtube channel up to par

[@SofairCZ]

John Lazorack fucking A, good sir! You built an amazing car

[@chrisdooley6468]

This guy could make a fortune opening his own shop. Never seen workmanship at this level at an at home build. Awesome car

[@alexfiftyem]

DUmbass purists who somehow have an opinion about what this man should do with his car and his money incoming.

[@monsteryes]

The owner is the type of person that keeps me even half interested in cars, got the right attitude for she! Sick car man, well done!

[@ABeans07]

Those welds on the cage tho :(

[@nickadam2964]

ABeans07 he learned how to weld on this car. Give him a break lol

[@ze_german2921]

I think the Cage was good but the Sheet Metal around the Shock Towers where a little rough. I've seen way Worse

[@01010001000a]

The greatest thing about this video is the man who made the car, not the car itself. Even at GMC's advanced design divison, this guys salary is only enough to fund extreme budget build... Because of a morgage, significant other, food on the table, and essentials of life. May we all aspire to have it all. I hope to see some video footage of this guy in competition or open laps someone send me a link!

[@Humance]

there're more ls3 swapped than in the cars which it supposed to be 😅

[@MadMonroe90]

Daniele Dal Col True story! I've seen a lot of them in drift cars, drag cars and even rock crawlers

[@VirusTornado]

Because they're also sold as crate engines too. If Porsche BMW Merc sold their engines in crate form at semi affordable prices people would swap them.

[@ThisGuyDrives]

Daniele Dal Col lets see. 500k 5th gen Camaro's were produced. I'm going with at least 20% of them being a manual which are LS3's. That's 100k. That's not including the Corvette's with LS3's or the Chevy SS with LS3's. So, I'm going with no. There is not more swapped LS3 cars than cars that come with them. I don't think there's even close to 100k imports or other cars with LS3's.

[@MacktasticDazzle]

One of Mitsubishis finest car designs. Still holds up extremely well today. RIP DSM and Mitsubishi

[@owenmcconney3249]

dude this is the shit

[@markstoys11]

John is the f**kin man!!! I met him and this car years ago at JCCS in Long Beach (way before LS swaps were trendy, and probably before most of the haters were even out of middle school) and he really knows his shit. He built one of the few cars that put my Corolla to shame. Truly a role model and an inspiration for anyone who wants to build a unique car.

[@silusjackson7244]

Also that watch shit is bollox. Give me 275 a month and I'll give you a 800 watch. Yeah. Because that business plan works.

[@arkside8832]

No with the membership the watch costs 275, not the membership per month

[@rcairforceone]

Silus Jackson They are likely refurbs and overstocks.

[@JJ_ExMachina]

So you have never heard of used/refurbished/overstocked items costing well below the listed prices for new items?

[@Quidproquo07093]

I love watches and I already own 6 quite expensive ones that I've collected over the years, why would I want 12 watches per year? I could roll the $3,300 and get one really nice one per year!

[@tygolsong]

Silus Jackson ya Matt has really been selling out lately look at all this shit he's shoving in our face

[@rompdude]

This guy is what car modifications are about, not what people want but what he wants, such a unusual and great build

[@CrazyLazyDave]

Interesting this bad ass car has an eBay catch can lol

[@chaseventrillaquist6458]

CrazyLazyDave Its a budget build jackass.

[@CrazyLazyDave]

Chase Ventrillaquist Reynolds I wasn't talking crap. I just found it interesting. I have the same can. LOL

[@johnlazorack3841]

yes ebay! But inside of it has been modified to actually function correctly.

[@CrazyLazyDave]

John Lazorack I figured 😉👍

[@5PYZ3R]

I know there's information out there, but curious what you did?

[@mkgtr10]

I followed, and then re-read his build on the starquest forum, back when I had a '89 TSI SHP, he made his car what everyone hoped they could could there own.

[@invinciblejets4690]

This thing is awesome. But not really a starion anymore. At all. Starions are like the coolest 80s car ever...

[@300zxdriver]

invinciblejets I always liked the looks of the starion. You don't see many anymore.

[@jordancivic96]

Those and 3rd gen Celicas. very 80's looking and not seen too often

[@ChaosphereIX]

Ford Sierra Cosworth beats it for 80s cool. That wing!

[@mrchubbyfella9421]

invinciblejets I had a beautiful 89 conquest I sold for 1800 back in 06 regret is all I can say

[@pauljeitler7678]

80's? Grand National... end of story

[@apmaquina]

these are the builds I love when everyone has a smile on their face.

[@DocKeR47]

Those welds on the rear cage plates look really bad.

[@otagogold2236]

DocKeR47, yes very bad indeed

[@stevenwolf2422]

I paused to see if anyone else noticed. If it passes inspection, I guess it's ok...

[@keepthecode]

DocKeR47 it's a sick car, but those are ATROCIOUS! He said he had somebody else weld the cage up because he didn't know how to weld, but obviously neither did the guy who did it!

[@Gandalf_The_Jacked]

I guess theyre good enough to pass inspection and aesthetics =/= structural integrity, but id be a weee sketched out if the welds on my cage plates looked that bad. Car is incredible otherwise!

[@consumerproducts]

They look solid enough, pretty doesn't matter.

[@thebrownguy79]

Great car! I haven't seen a Starion in years!

[@fleiva30]

Guy is breaking the speed laws but can't pass an suv hahaha

[@zecc81]

fleiva30 allegedly

[@ThisGuyDrives]

So you think going over the speed limit is as dangerous as passing on a 2 lane road with double yellow? No, it's not.

[@mrtoabal]

I miss my starion so much. For those who don't know. This is absolutely amazing!

[@Gochsener]

yet another LS swap. but I guess they do it that often cause it works.

[@YouNoob269]

it might not sound the prettiest but its arguably the best bang for the buck out of the RB, 2JZ and LS

[@killfase01]

Haja it's like the ups slogan: if it fits it ships

[@harveyjones1404]

you must have fucked up ears

[@turbointegra82]

Haja more and more people will be doing these so get used to it winey bitch

[@1221Ralph]

Harvey Jones it sounds raspy

[@Jack9788]

Yes that's it! That's what I've been missing all along! A new watch every month!

[@mannymatias1194]

One of the most detailed builds I've seen great job

[@matthewtawyea5792]

One of the best builds in the starquest community. Something to look up to

[@chrisbosse1522]

I wish Matt still did the TUNED, this car is the epitome of that series.

[@sloppysamari]

The only youtube channel who's sponsored posts are worth my while, keep it up!

[@a.wheeler7731]

Doesnt even have rattles. pretty amazing, probably one of the best built cars ive seen. Great video thanks

[@reddyuda]

God DAMN that thing looks really dialed in. Regardless of the motor - I would love a chance to drive that on-track. The LS makes power in all the right places for on-track racing.

[@taylorbee4010]

If there's anything I remember about this criminally underrated car it's how the shift throws you back in the seat. It might be an '80s race car but it throws you around like an '80s roller coaster. my dad still has tge ingrained habit of using his hand to keep me in his seat because the seat belt wasn't good enough when I was a kid.

[@shiks98]

Nothing better than a well sorted out car!

[@pkuudsk9927]

That car is fucking awesome ,how do I know,Just watch Matt this video is the best one yet for showing how good a car someone built at home ,you can see the excitement Congratulations dude can't wait to see more of this car . Kicking ass on a track.

[@JesterialInsanity]

Such an amazing car, built to perfection. I almost feel like this car deserves some kind of full feature and not just a one-take.