well here's the story on the odd noise from the transmission, I had the master mechanic from mitsubishi ride with me today. He heard the noise downshifting from 3rd. the growling noise everyone keeps hearing. This guy is pretty good with the awd GSX trannys......technically the EVO has one with a few adjustments.......

He wants to pull it out and look at it........
His prognosis is the input/output shaft in the trans.
being the trans still shifts smoothly, but downshifting with no throttle seems to put stress on this shaft.....causing the abnormal noise. I have 2900 miles on mine, And it still runs nice other than the growling....so the damage doesn't seem to be causing any other problems.

will update with more info........cross your fingers..

 

Thanks for the info as this is the only concearn I've had thus far about my car