I have a Lancer OZ that i take to the drag strip a few times a month. I have been doing pretty good the last few times but i still have a nagging problem that is KILLING me. When i go to shift into third gear - the shifter wont engage the gear and i lose prolly half a second trying to get it to go. I've tried shifting at 5000 - i usually shift at redline or a little above - nothing seems to work. I have no drivetrain mods, all my stuff is under the hood. Could someone PLEASE help me and give some advice about what to do

... and if you say "buy an evo" i will personally come over to your house and kick you square in the nuts.

 

Are you sure there isn't a problem with the tranny? If it's still under warranty, you may want to take it down to the dealership and have them take a look at your third gear.

Do you have the third gear problem when you're just driving normally? If not, then when you're racing, you might be throwing the shifter at an odd angle in your haste. This will sometimes cause the shifter to get stuck on the gate. You need to make sure you're going straight in. Perhaps you could try moving your seat up or back a little bit to help adjust the angle when you throw a quick shift?

Oh, and if all else fails - buy an Evo! :-)

 

I have a similar problem. I run road courses, not drag strips. On a quick downshift into 3rd gear, I occassionally (not all the time) get a grind, or I just can't find the 3rd gear gate. I think I will take it to the dealer.

Let us know if you get your problem solved. Thanks and good luck.

 

No problems driving regularly - the driving position comment is an interesting one. I've never considered that before. I may try that one later. Regardless - i may take it to the dealer.

Oh yeah - spoolin... i'll be over shortly

 

syncros dude

 

You sure ?? Even if it doesn't do it all the time under normal driving ??