Is the Dodge Stealth RT twin turbo?
The quick answer: yes—the twin-turbo setup is associated with the Stealth R/T Turbo variant, but not every Stealth model used twin turbos. The lineup depended on year, market, and whether the car wore a turbo badge or not. Here’s a detailed look at how the Stealth mapped to Mitsubishi’s twin-turbo technology and what that means for collectors today.
Background: how the Stealth fits into the Mitsubishi partnership
The Dodge Stealth was a Dodge-branded version of Mitsubishi’s 3000GT, produced in the United States during the 1990s. The Stealth shared the same product family as the 3000GT, with several trim levels that could be naturally aspirated or turbocharged. The most performance-oriented Stealth variants wore the R/T or R/T Turbo badge and aligned with Mitsubishi’s VR-4 twin-turbo powertrain in spirit, if not always in exact badge terminology. The relationship matters because the twin-turbo configuration is the hallmark of the high-performance turbo models from that era.
Before diving into the lists that follow, it helps to know the general separation: base and ES models were typically naturally aspirated, while the top-tier R/T models offered turbocharged power, often sharing the same basic 3.0-liter V6 platform with the Mitsubishi VR-4 engine used in the 3000GT.
Key variants and powertrains
These bullets summarize the core engine setups you’d find across Stealth models in the U.S. market during the 1990s. The goal is to clarify which versions truly were twin-turbo versus NA (naturally aspirated).
- The turbocharged Stealth R/T Turbo (often simply called R/T Turbo) used a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 shared with the Mitsubishi VR-4, producing roughly 320 horsepower and strong torque for the era.
- Naturally aspirated Stealth models (commonly the NA Stealth/ES) used a naturally aspirated 3.0-liter V6 with significantly lower output, typically in the ~160–180 horsepower range depending on year and market.
- All-wheel drive and other performance enhancements were more commonly associated with the turbo variants, aligning with the VR-4/Mitsubishi heritage; not all Stealth trims had AWD, especially in early NA configurations.
In short, if you see the Stealth badge without the R/T Turbo designation, it’s likely not twin-turbo. The twin-turbo configuration is tied to the turbocharged R/T(R/T Turbo) variants and their Mitsubishi VR-4-based powertrain.
Engine details: how the twin-turbo system worked
For enthusiasts, understanding the turbo setup helps explain the performance difference between turbo and NA models. The twin-turbo arrangement used two small turbochargers feeding a 3.0-liter V6, typically with intercooling and all-wheel drive on the turbo-equipped versions. This setup delivered higher peak power and quicker throttle response than the NA engines, which relied on naturally aspirated boost.
- Twin-turbo configuration: two small turbos, often with sequential or coordinated operation to reduce lag and improve mid-range torque.
- Output range: roughly 320 horsepower with torque in the vicinity of 300+ lb-ft, depending on year, market, and emission controls.
Conclusion: The distinctive twin-turbo experience is a defining feature of the turbocharged Stealth variants, not the NA ones.
Buyer's guide: what to look for today
If you’re shopping a Dodge Stealth today, here are practical considerations to help identify true twin-turbo cars and avoid common pitfalls of aging performance classics.
- Verify the badge and trim: look for R/T or R/T Turbo indicators and cross-check the VIN for turbo-equipped configurations.
- Inspect the turbo system and intercoolers: look for oil leaks around the turbos, cracked intercooler piping, and evidence of boost-related maintenance.
- Transmission and drivetrain: turbo Stealths often used all-wheel drive; check the transfer case, CV joints, and differential for wear and service history.
- Maintenance history: turbo engines are more complex; service records showing timely oil changes, tune-ups, and any turbo/engine work are important for reliability.
Conclusion: Twin-turbo Stealths are desirable but require careful inspection due to the advanced (for its era) turbocharging technology and aging components.
Summary
The Dodge Stealth line includes both naturally aspirated and turbocharged variants. The twin-turbo powertrain is a hallmark of the Stealth R/T Turbo, aligning with Mitsubishi’s VR-4 heritage from the 3000GT. Not every Stealth model used a twin-turbo setup, so buyers should verify trim badges, VIN details, and maintenance history to confirm whether a particular car truly delivers the twin-turbo experience. For collectors, the twin-turbo Stealth represents a specific performance niche from the 1990s era of performance coupes.
