don't think so

 

Unless you're wanting the 6sp for slightly lower rpms on the highway, I'd say get the standard IX SE, and used the extra money for performance suspension, exhaust, and a tune. Also the 5sp will stand up to track duty better than the 6sp.

 

Warrtalon,

Yes, there is "quite a bit" of discussion on this matter as you said.

Obviously there is not an absolute answer to this question as it depends a lot on individual application. That said, it seems like for a 6-speed owner the best preventive add-one to protect the longevity of the transmission is to install a heavy-duty tranny coolor (even for those occassional weekend track rats or road cruisers). Is this a fair assessment in your opinion? If so, does anyone know if this would affect in anyway the 10-year Mitsubishi power train warranty? Has anyone heard about this one?

 

it is
5 spd
6 spd

 

i also think that the 6 speed does shift smoother

 

No, that is not the answer. It's not an easy thing to do, and it doesn't change the fact that the 4-6 gears are tiny with tiny teeth. Nothing will make them stronger - the cooler only helps to keep the fluid cool, but that's a band-aid fix for the real problem.

Also, regardless of the tranny discussion, the IX SE is by far the most valuable Evo to get, because it has the best features of the MR at a low cost. You are finally able to get HIDs, aluminum roof, and lightweight BBS (17lbs) rims without having to get the SSL package or the MR. The only thing you miss out on are the nice Bilsteins, but those don't matter if you end up getting coilovers.

The said thing is that I loved my 6spd. It was better for highway cruising, it gave me that extra in-between gear at high speed on the road course, it ****ed like butter, and it withstood over 250 drag launches without a single hiccup. It just couldn't hold up to my road racing...

 

5 speed with TRE upgrades it's a wrap !

 

it is true that 6 spd is better for highway cruising

 

Is it true? It's common sense. Its gearing puts you at a lower rpm than both the VIII and IX 5spds at a given speed. Most would consider that "better."

 

better on the highway not on the track common sense

 

I read somewhere that the 5-spd gave a faster 0-60 because you didn't have to shift to 3rd to reach 60mph.

This car makes so much power in the midrange that I can't see having the closer gearing be that much of an advantage. I'm coming from an s2000 (6-spd) which only had 2000rpm of VTEC so having close gearing was very important to maintain power.

But hey, I'm not a an all out racer/modder guy so my needs are different. Just be honest about what you really need from the car before you decide.

 

that is exactly my point

 

that is exactly my point but some people just don't get that

 

Nope, better gearing for the track, too. Track = road course, not drag strip. The 6spd has the in-between gear (5th) to use for 100-130mph acceleration. Neither 5spd has that, but the 5spds are better for drag racing.

When did you ever make a point in this thread, and who exactly didn't "get that"? I have only seen you make one-liners without explanation.

 

so u don't like my one-liners