Without having intimate knowledge of the technical specs a few observations:

(1) O3 EvoVIII, first shipment into US (got mine in early march 03)

(2) prior to my last set of upgrades I was about 300whp/250ft-lbs; 20k on the clutch, no problems with the occasional 3-4k launch, also with stock flywheel. No noticieable heat problems related to the flywheel. (The floorboard is not transferring any noticeable amount of heat into the passenger compartment).

(3) with last set of upgrades (dyno later this month, estimating 350whp, 300ft-lbs) the stock clutch/flywheel has been "over-powered". I get a lot of spin @ WOT when shifting from 2nd,3rd, and 4th. If I short shift, its minimized, and if I'm doing normal traffic driving there isn't a problem. I don't get any acrid clutch smell, just slippage.

(4) The torque ratings of the MR are impacted by the 6sp; I don't think there has been a clutch or flywheel change, but I may be wrong there.

IMHO, 90% of the clutch issues with the Evo's are driver related. Old farts like me, or other more experienced (clutch, hi-performance) drivers don't seem to have the problems unless they abuse the drive-train (launches, compression braking, etc.) I've driven high performance Mitsu's since 1987, and the only one that had a verifiable clutch deficiency was the ESI-R Starion, which using the stock clutch, 35k was a long run; 25k more likely. After putting an aftermarket into the car at around 70k, no more problems with the clutch.

That having been said, I will be ugrading my clutch and flywheel later in the spring

 

haha I do that too! Just the other day a sunfire pulls up and does a full NHRA style burnout/launch at the light.. I granny launched and shifted at 4500 and still no contest.

 

I agree 100% with raymerd. Once you start making some decent power you will start getting some slipping. I don't get any in gear but the car is more prone to slipping between gears now.

It's also a bit harder to drive with thick sole shoes.. My best driving comes from a very old pair of shoes that allow me to really feel the clutch pedal.

I think I'll be upgrading to an ACT clutch with a resurfaced stock flywheel pretty soon.

 

Are there any similar problems in the STI?

 

The clutch is less of a problem on the STi as the tranny is very well built (extremely strong) and has an extra oil pump for lubrication. Exedy builds the stock STi clutches and flywheel which are both very durable. But bottom line is with driver abuse any clutch/transmission can be destroyed. It is not the Manufacturer's fault in most cases, it is the drivers fault for trying to get all 4 wheels spinning on a AWD car. You shouldn't be doing that unless you are willing to deal with the consequences .... The EVO clutch is weak for a reason ...

 

04 here with ~10,000 miles. Stock clutch, no slipping. Go figure...

 

How come mitsu doesnt do something?
Also, does anybody know if the STI has some gay problems? Cuz I could always get the STI...? I like the evo so much more but if the problems are too much to handle then I dunno...

 

I really don't know what you would expect them to do.

They could offer driving classes for the people burning them up?

Or offer a stronger clutch.. and a free first TC?

I'm not saying there aren't mechanical defects.. but there is 500 threads on this topic already yet people ask the same questions over and over.

Get a STI (then we can race)

 

I think I'm gonna be getting an EVO.
But I'll still race you

 

IMO, there is no issues with the 03 clutch. You hear more people having issues with the 03 clutch because it was the first year out and people didn't know how to drive it. As someone else have mentioned, now since the word is out that the clutch can break when ones does launches, the 04/05 owners are more careful. If the clutch does have an issue, the majority of the people would be having issues. However, polls and polls have proven that the majority of the people DO NOT have issues.

 

I totally agree, I'm just being cautious on what I spend my 30Gz on + mods.
So dont get angry with me

 

There are no changes to the clutch parts on the EVO as far as we know it. FYI, the STI has basically the same clutch design. Same clamp load, same disc materials, similar restrictor, same pull type release bearing system. I have a friend who went through his STI clutch in less than 8000 miles (poor driving habits).

 

I guess Evo drivers are just worse then STI drivers.
Are there any other common problems besides the Clutch / Flywheel that I should know about?

 

Search.....upper right hand corner. Just scroll up and click on the word search. Then enter your topic, hundreds of threads on this.

 

There are some 5th gear synchro problems. TSBs are out, mitsu is aware. I think its mostly an 03 problem.

Paint chips easy sometimes

People post about destroying TC's...but a lot of this has to do with abusing the car, and putting in bad fluid. The ACD is prolly a better unit so as long as you take care of your car, you should be OK.