Regarding automotive performance, few platforms have grabbed the hearts of enthusiasts as have the Diamond Star Motors (DSM) vehicles, particularly the 1G and 2G models. At DarkLight Fabrication, we comprehend the enthusiasm that pushes DSM owners to search for custom solutions for their turbo exhaust manifolds, downpipes, and exhaust systems. In this blog post, we will dive into the history of the DSM 1G and 2G, and we will cover why these platforms are still such a popular choice among car enthusiasts today.

The Birth of the DSM: A Brief History

Mitsubishi Motors and the Chrysler Corporation collaborated to produce the DSM, a series of cars that were sold as sport compacts during the 1990s. From 1989 to 1999, the DSM shared a platform with three different cars: the Mitsubishi Eclipse, the Eagle Talon, and the Plymouth Laser. Although these cars differed in some styling details and in the number of cylinders in their engines, they were nearly identical under the skin. All three came standard with a turbocharged engine that displaced 2.0 L (122 cu in).

The first-generation Diamond Star Motors (DSM) vehicles, released in 1990, were revolutionary for their time. They offered a combination of lightweight design, all-wheel-drive (AWD) options, and turbocharged power. I was particularly enamored with the AWD models—the Eclipse GSX in particular—for their impressive traction and handling.

Introduced in 1995, the second generation—2G—had even more updated styling and better performance features. The models comprising 2G, which included the Mitsubishi Eclipse, as well as the Eagle Talon and Plymouth Laser, continued to make use of the 4G63 engine. This time, however, the folks at Mitsubishi and Chrysler turned the wick up on that engine, and it made even more power and torque than before. The 2G Eclipse GSX and GST models did what the 1G models had done: they became icons of the performance generation.

Why DSMs are Sought After by Enthusiasts

1. Performance Potential

Car enthusiasts cherish the DSM platform primarily for its one overarching attribute—"incredible performance potential," the Federal Register states. The reason is simple: It pairs a robust turbocharged engine with a lightweight chassis. That combination makes it easy for the first two generations of these cars to reach high power levels with just a handful of basic modifications; the platforms in question are the 1G and 2G Eclipse. At DarkLight Fabrication, we create custom turbo exhaust manifolds and downpipes for those chassis to help unleash their performance.

2. Tuning Flexibility

The DSM platform is celebrated for its tuning adaptability. With a vast assortment of aftermarket components accessible, aficionados can readily tweak their rides to fit their precise specifications. From beefed-up turbochargers to one-off exhausts, the make-it-better options are nearly limitless. At DarkLight Fabrication, we partner with DSM owners to conceive and execute around the vehicle solutions that make them scream undying praises for our rig's performance.

3. Community and Support

The DSM community is one of the most fervently loyal and constructive car communities there is. Car enthusiasts in this niche share their expertise on online forums and social media with incoming community members. This allows new members to catch up, get involved, and take part in our cars' voices, sounds, and shadows as we drive them day, night, and everywhere in between. This is the Digital Shadows Mitsubishi community.

4. Classic Appeal

The appeal that the 1G and 2G DSMs have with car enthusiasts is almost a classic one. Many owners enjoy the trip down memory lane that the nostalgic design provides when they get behind the wheel. And the raw driving experience that these cars deliver certainly doesn't hurt their desirability. They occupy a unique place in automotive history. In no small part because of the above, the demand for these models seems to be climbing, too.

Custom Solutions at DarkLight Fabrication

DarkLight Fabrication comprehends the distinctive requirements of DSM owners. Our cohort of adept fabricators concentrates on rendering specialized exhaust solutions that are personalized to each automotive specification. If turbo exhaust manifold, downpipe, or complete custom exhaust system is on your to-do list, you are better positioned to see that project through to its upping-the-ante finish with products from DarkLight.

The automotive performance industry is where we are and where we want to be. Our dedication to quality and customer satisfaction is what sets us apart from our competitors. We take our craftsmanship very seriously, making sure that every piece we create meets our very high standards. If you order from us, you can rest assured that your DSM will not only perform at its very best but also look good doing it.

Conclusion

The 1st and 2nd generation DSM platforms have made quite an impression in the automotive world. With their performance potential, tuning versatility, and straightforward charm, they have garnered a dedicated following of enthusiasts. Here at DarkLight Fabrication, we exist to render that following all the more justified by providing custom fabrication solutions that help you, the DSM owner, realize the oft-unforeseen possibilities held by your car. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or are just now venturing into the sometimes bizarre, always interesting world of the DSM, we invite you to explore those possibilities with us.

If you’ve upgraded your turbo or are planning to, one of the most overlooked power-adders is right under your nose — the downpipe. Too often dismissed as merely an exhaust component, an essentially unregulated downpipe—"custom" or otherwise—can release serious horsepower, torque, and drivability. Here’s how.

What Is a Downpipe, and Why Does It Matter?

The downpipe connects the turbine outlet of your turbocharger to the rest of your exhaust system. It's the first exit path for hot, high-pressure exhaust gases after they pass through the turbo.

Factory downpipes are typically:

• Narrow in diameter

• Filled with restrictive bends or kinks

• Often include catalytic converters, resonators, or flex joints that limit flow

These restrictions create back pressure, and in a turbocharged setup, back pressure = lost power.

How a Custom Downpipe Increases Horsepower

1. Increased Exhaust Flow Turbo performance depends on exhaust flow, but not just any exhaust flow. Since the turbo relies on exhaust gases to drive it, the gases must flow smoothly and quickly from the engine to the turbo charger, and then from the turbo to the atmosphere. A downpipe must be designed to do this, the better to make the turbo better. A downpipe must have a large enough diameter; that’s commonly 3 inches or more. A downpipe must have enough length; too short or too long, and the turbo won’t be happy. And a downpipe must not have any parts that would bend the exhaust flow, nor any parts that would reduce the flow, which means no flapper valves, exhaust ports, or other funny business.

2. Less Back Pressure = More Turbo Efficiency The fewer obstacles your exhaust gases encounter, the easier it is for your turbo to do its job. A downpipe with high flow after the turbine wheel significantly reduces back pressure, which: Delivers a faster spooling turbo. Produces a turbo that makes boost more effectively. Causes a turbine to work less and generate the same power.

3. Accessing More Potential with Custom Tuning A downpipe is just the start. It allows for flow, yes, but also for tuning. With better flow, your tuner can do more — do it safer — and get more from your engine: Increase ignition timing safely Run higher boost more efficiently Improve air/fuel ratio control You might see 15–30+ whp gains on a properly tuned turbo car with just a downpipe swap, depending on the setup.

Why Go Custom Instead of Off-the-Shelf?

An off-the-shelf (OTS) downpipe is designed for a stock setup — and often compromises fitment, weld quality, or material just to be universal. A custom-fabricated downpipe from DarkLight Fabrication is tailored specifically for: Your turbo kit Your engine bay layout Your goals for sound, clearance, and power And because we TIG weld all our downpipes using 304 stainless steel, you get: Superior weld strength Rust-free durability Clean aesthetics with exact routing We can also build in wideband sensor bungs, V-band or flange transitions, and provisions for heat shielding — all the little details that set a serious build apart.

Is a Custom Downpipe Worth It?

If you operate a turbocharged engine — indeed. One of the best_returns-for-your-buck modifications, especially when matched with calibration, is a custom downpipe. You’ll receive: An increase in the amount of horsepower and torque An even faster spool-up of the turbo Better throttle response An exhaust note that’s way more aggressive than stock And if you work on your engine and add future mods (like an upgraded turbo or different motor), a high-flow, totally reliable downpipe is the best thing to have at the beginning of your build.

Let’s Build Yours

At DarkLight Fabrication, we produce every downpipe with care and precision. Each piece is made from 304 stainless steel and is TIG welded in house. The routing, diameter, and specifics of each downpipe are matched to the customer’s individual setup. That makes us the go-to source for both serious street cars and those living on the edge of the law. Our downpipes are guaranteed to perform well under pressure.

Every part of a vehicle is critical if it is to perform well and efficiently, especially components linked to the exhaust system, such as the turbo manifold and downpipe. DarkLight Fabrication specializes in high-performance parts for exhaust systems, including turbo exhaust manifolds, downpipes, and custom exhaust systems. DarkLight understands that the turbo manifold and downpipe must be seamlessly connected for the best possible exhaust flow and, therefore, the best possible exhaust system performance. This blog post will discuss that exhaust system connection and what it all means for the performance of your vehicle.

Understanding the Basics: Turbo Manifold and Downpipe

Before delving into the importance of the link, let's establish what a turbo manifold and downpipe are. The turbo manifold directs exhaust gases from the engine's cylinders to the turbocharger. It collects exhaust from multiple cylinders and channels it into the turbo, where the gases are used to spin the turbine and create boost.

The downpipe, conversely, is the part of the exhaust system that links the turbocharger to the rest of the exhaust system. It is responsible for transporting the waste gases from the turbo and directing them into the catalytic converter and muffler.

The Importance of a Seamless Connection

1. Optimal Exhaust Flow

The main purpose of the downpipe and turbo manifold connection is to ensure the effective movement of exhaust gas. An unobstructed path without leaks allows exhaust gas to flow freely from the turbo manifold to the downpipe. When exhaust gas flow is optimized, the turbo itself spools up faster, resulting in quicker boost response and, thus, better overall performance.

2. Reduced Turbo Lag

Turbo lag is a common problem for turbocharged cars. This is when power delivery has a delay to it, waiting for the turbo to do its job and build up boost. A poorly designed turbo manifold, a poorly connected turbo manifold, or a downpipe that is too small will cause the exhaust flow to back up. When the exhaust flow backs up, the turbo can't get all the exhaust it needs to spin up to speed and start boosting. Consequently, you get a little throttle lag. Seamless connections from the downpipe to the turbo and from the turbo to the manifold virtually eliminate throttle lag.

3. Improved Engine Efficiency

Maximizing engine performance requires an exhaust system that works well. Exhaust gases flowing freely through the turbo manifold and downpipe reduce system backpressure. Reducing backpressure allows the engine to expel exhaust gases more effectively. And that, of course, lets the engine inhale fresh air and fresh fuel more effectively, too. When fresh air and fresh fuel mix more efficiently than the next-best alternative, burning that mixture yields more horsepower and more torque.

4. Enhanced Tuning Capabilities

For performance enthusiasts, optimizing a vehicle's capabilities means tuning. A turbo's manifold and downpipe must connect seamlessly if the engine management system is to be tuned accurately. If exhaust flow is consistent and predictable—if it behaves the way tuners expect it to behave—then it follows that they can make adjustments to fuel maps and ignition timing with a much greater level of precision. And if they do that, then the vehicle is more likely to perform well and to do so reliably.

5. Durability and Reliability

At DarkLight Fabrication, we take great pride in producing top-quality turbo manifolds and downpipes that are built to last. A seamless connection not only helps performance but also makes the exhaust system much more durable. Components that are connected poorly can cause vibrations and stress on the exhaust system, which can lead to cracks and other failures over time. A properly constructed connection does a way better job making the vehicle's performance modifications just a little more "lifelike"—enough that you don't have to worry about your turbo manifold or downpipe failing until reasonably close to when you might expect the turbocharger itself to fail.

Choosing the Right Fabrication Shop

Selecting the proper shop for a turbo manifold and downpipe construction is very important. At DarkLight Fabrication, we use advanced techniques, along with high-quality materials, to create custom exhaust solutions that are tailored to the specific needs of our clients' vehicles. Our custom exhaust solutions maximize performance, and our experienced team understands all the exhaust flow dynamics that you might care to know.

Custom Solutions for Every Vehicle

Regardless of whether you operate a road-going car, a track-centric beast, or a fully committed race vehicle, we can design a turbo manifold and downpipe connection that fulfills your performance desires.

Our custom solutions guarantee that your exhaust has the freedom to flow, your turbine has the potential to spin, and your engine has the potential to convert fuel into motion.

Expertise You Can Trust

Years of experience in the automotive performance industry have given us a reputation for excellence.

The quality of our craftsmanship and the satisfaction of our customers set us apart from the competition.

When you choose DarkLight Fabrication, you can trust that you are getting the best in turbo manifold and downpipe fabrication.

Conclusion

In summary, the joint between the turbo manifold and downpipe is a crucial part of your car's exhaust system that definitely should not be neglected. A faultless joint ensures that exhaust gas flows freely, that turbo lag is kept to a minimum, and that engine efficiency and durability are the rule rather than the exception. DarkLight Fabrication specializes in high-performance turbo exhaust solutions. If you'd like to boost your engine's performance, contact us today for a consultation.

Not many names are as well-known as the Honda Civic Type R when you mention automotive performance. This iconic model has carved out a niche for itself in the hearts of car enthusiasts, with a mix of a rich history of innovation and performances that will put a smile on your face, any time, anywhere.

At DarkLight Fabrication, we understand the passion behind this beloved platform, particularly when it comes to making the things we make that help it perform at its best: turbo exhaust manifolds, downpipes, and custom exhaust systems. 

In this blog post, we are going to take a look at the history of the Honda Civic Type R and why it is a much-desired and sought-after choice of enthusiasts.

The Birth of a Legend: Early Years of the Honda Civic

In 1972, the Honda Civic was first brought to market as a small car. Its design emphasized fuel efficiency, and it was a practical automobile. But beginning in the late 1980s and early 1990s, the Civic started to make inroads into the performance automobile area. Honda’s introduction of the Civic Si in 1985 marked its first—in a very slowly building trend—move toward sporty compact cars. In essence, the Si set the stage for the performance side of the Civic line.

The Civic Type R lineage started in 1997 with the introduction of the EK9 Civic Type R in Japan. This model was crafted to be lightweight, nimble, and potent, boasting a high-revving B16B engine that generated 185 horsepower. Enthusiasts instantly fell for the EK9, as it represented the absolute pinnacle of the 6th generation Civics, with its seemingly perfectly tuned suspension, its engine’s impeccable responsiveness, and its ultra-precise steering. We’re not kidding when we say that the Civic Type R has a cult following in Japan and here; it really does.

Evolution of the Type R: From EK9 to FK8

With the progression of years, the Type R division at Honda would not just stand still—it would very much be akin to the performance models of any high-end automobile maker, where pathways of personalization and refinement are of paramount importance. Those improvements would first be felt when the EP3 Civic Type R dropped in 2001, soon to be followed by a major performance uptick with the FD2 Type R in 2007. If anything, the Type R evolution has continued apace, now embracing turbocharging and, we’re told, a future that goes easy on the environment.

Still, it was the FK2 and FK8 models that took the automotive world by storm. Unveiled in 2015, the FK2 Civic Type R was the first to feature a turbocharged engine, signifying a major change in Honda’s performance-car playbook. With a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine making 306 horsepower, the FK2 was an utter rocket—and, what's more, it was a highly capable rocket on the racetrack, having established the world record for the fastest front-wheel-drive car around the hallowed Nürburgring.

The FK8 model, which was brought out in 2017, absorbed all the goodness of the FK2 and enhanced it. Improved aerodynamics, a more-rounded chassis, and a ton of tech made the FK8 one of the best performance hatchbacks around. The potent sound and aggressive styling made it no less a common sight at speed shops like DarkLight Fabrication. And let there be no doubt: it is more than just a street, show, and go ride. It is a machine, and you can feel it.

Why the Honda Civic Type R is a Sought-After Platform

1. Performance and Handling

Among car enthusiasts, the Honda Civic Type R enjoys a special status, and that is mostly because of its performance and handling. You get a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that makes a laughable 306 horsepower; a chassis that is basically an R-rated version of the regular Civic's, with both a better suspension and much better steering; and a body that, if we're honest, is really quite handsome in a "this car is going to eat your lunch" way. Also, it can do this kind of performance without looking like it's doing performance.

2. Aftermarket Support

The aftermarket support for the Honda Civic Type R is robust and offers a fabulous array of customization and high-performance upgrade options. That makes the Type R a truly flexible platform for those wishing to realize enhanced levels of driving excitement, either on the road or the racetrack. DarkLight Fabrication occupies a unique niche in the automotive universe; we are neither a high-production company nor a low-volume shop tooled for variable types of projects. Instead, we are precisely a mid-volume business, perfect for doing what we enjoy: making the Type R awesome.

3. Community and Culture

The passionate community of enthusiasts who loves performance and innovation surrounds the Honda Civic Type R. Enthusiasts share knowledge and showcase their builds in car meets, track days, and online forums. This community—more than any other—makes the experience of owning a Type R a lifestyle.

4. Resale Value

In contrast to most high-performing vehicles that see a rapid decline in value, the Honda Civic Type R consistently maintains a strong resale value. This can largely be attributed to the Civic Type R's build quality and the car's overall reputation for reliability. Combine that with the Type R's near-universal recognition as a high-water mark for performance in its price range, and you've got a Honda that lives up to its "Resale King" moniker.

Conclusion

The Honda Civic Type R has an illustrious history that has spanned decades, changing from a compact car into a performance icon. Its mix of power, handling, and community backing makes it a prime pick for car lovers everywhere. Here at DarkLight Fabrication, we are honored to be part of this history, offering up solutions in custom fabrication that help the Type R serve its intended purpose even better and help car lovers achieve the kinds of goals that car lovers and Type R owners tend to have.

Our experts are here to help you every step of the way, whether the job is to upgrade your turbo exhaust manifold, custom downpipe, or one-of-a-kind exhaust system. Join the ranks of passionate owners of the Honda Civic Type R and experience the tower of true performance that is a turbocharged exhaust. You, too, can have the same thrill in driving that your cousins in the GTI or Focus ST have.