I have an 03 Evo 8 with 140k, 90% of it is highway commuting miles. I don't track or drag or anything, I hardly even push the car. However when I'm slowing and downshifting to 3rd, or driving slowly in second and up shift to 3rd, and its quiet and my windows are down I can some times hear a metal banging sound.

I never slam it into gear in these situations, I try to shift as smoothly as possible and just guide it into 3rd. It doesn't do it every single time, just once and a while.

This is my first manual transmission car, and I'm no pro, but I would consider my self 'good' at driving it. Could it be that the clutch is not depressed far enough in these situations? (i will admit to getting lazy at times )

The tranny obviously has wear and is not perfect, but I'd just like to know if this is user error or if maybe a sign of a more serious problem.

Second question; I want to change my tranny fluid soon. I've seen some people recommend redline? What would be best for a high mileage tranny like mine? (the previous owner cant remember when he changed it, most likely more than a year ago though) I'm hoping it will help with the grinding into 5th, as well as just make it feel a lot smoother.

 

It Could be something other then your trans, like your drive shaft slop. motor months going out. Could be a number of things.

 

Check the driveshaft U-joints and use Redline MT-90 in the transmission.

 

Could be the pilot bearing. I have a similar problem from my pilot bearing when i am pushing the clutch in from reverse, gives a nice loud "TINK" from the pilot bearing trying to guide the shaft. Also happens on lots of 4x4 GM trucks (my dads S10 does this).