As a car enthusiast, certain models hold a special place in my heart. The 1991 Dodge Stealth R/T Twin Turbo is one such car. Its sleek, aggressive lines and impressive performance figures captivated me from the moment it debuted. The promise of twin turbos, 300 horsepower, all-wheel drive, and an adjustable suspension was simply irresistible.
This wasn’t just about raw power, though. The Stealth, a re-bodied Mitsubishi 3000GT, possessed an undeniable allure. Even today, nearly three decades later, its design remains strikingly modern and captivating.
A Dream Realized and a Harsh Lesson Learned
In the fall of 1996, I found myself behind the wheel of my very own 1991 Stealth R/T Twin Turbo. I purchased the car, with 58,000 miles on the odometer, from a used car dealer in Santa Monica for $12,000. It seemed like a steal for a 5-year-old performance car with such impressive specs.
My excitement was short-lived. Unbeknownst to me, the Stealth R/T Twin Turbo required a timing belt change around 55,000 miles. This crucial maintenance had been neglected, and less than a week after purchasing the car, the belt snapped. The resulting catastrophic engine failure taught me a valuable lesson about the importance of pre-purchase inspections, especially for cars with complex technology.
A Saving Grace: The Factory Warranty
Fortunately, I had the foresight to purchase a factory Dodge warranty for $1,400 just days after buying the car. This decision proved to be a lifesaver. The Santa Monica Dodge dealer took about two months to rebuild the engine, replacing the clutch and overhauling the suspension in the process.
While the clutch and suspension work weren’t covered by the warranty, costing me an additional $2,000, the $1,400 warranty ultimately saved me around $4,000 in engine repair costs.
Modifications, Mishaps, and a Bittersweet Farewell
Over the next two years, the Stealth became my trusty daily driver. Drawing inspiration from my work at Super Street magazine, I enhanced its performance with upgrades from the HKS catalog, including a boost controller and blow-off valve.
However, my need for speed led me to install a nitrous kit. While street use was minimal, a fateful drag racing event at Famoso Dragstrip in May 1998 resulted in a blown piston ring. Once again, the factory warranty came to my rescue, but the repair process took a grueling six months.
By the time the Stealth was back in running order, I had moved on from Super Street magazine and acquired a new press car. The Stealth, now relegated to garage space hog and an unnecessary insurance expense, was sold to a fellow enthusiast from Santa Fe, New Mexico.
A Lasting Legacy
Despite the challenges and eventual parting, my time with the 1991 Dodge Stealth R/T Twin Turbo remains a cherished memory. It was a car that ignited my passion for performance and taught me valuable lessons about car ownership.
The Stealth, along with its Mitsubishi 3000GT VR4 sibling, stand as testaments to the bold design and technological innovation of 1990s supercars. Although their weight and complex engineering could lead to hefty maintenance costs, their striking aesthetics and exhilarating performance continue to captivate enthusiasts to this day.