I've been doing some research and and had some hard evidence/good examples to look at. I'm sure this is common knowledge to some or perhaps others wont agree. here goes:

My transmission I tore down had a cement type of sludge(metal and oil) bocking the oil from getting to the synchros by clogging inside the splines, under the bearing sleeves. The bearing sleeves however showed minimal wear. I was discussing with a family friend and mentor whos been building race cars his whole life. Him and I are on the same page- change trans fluid after every race or 2-4 track days. Other people say that every few months is enough, but i disagree for a tracked car. I discussed trash magnets, and the surprising amount of trash and metal they DO help with, but we also covered how they can become brittle or break, and that if you change your fluid often when racing they are not necessarily needed as you get the fluid out that has the trash in it already if changed often enough. I do like the diference magnets make, but I am weary of running one for myself for fear of it breaking aparat or off the adhesive used.(common sense i believe- though they can and do help in saving a trans from further destruction if they can grab the piece thats let loose and hold it and they do gather some trash)

I believe what I've been taught in college about changing 1-3x/yr for a DD car and have gone by it. I did not, however, for my evo, especially after my experience and what I found. no complaints here since its been rebuilt and runs great now . But from now on, back to the old way- fluid changes every couple days/4-8hrs of running at the track for me(as I used to do with my miata.) and when I'm just DDing the car, about every 4-6 months.(dont put a ton of miles on it nor drag race and rip gears, though my trans does shift quickly and smooth )

Who else believes this about frequency of fluid changes? or even better... what have you found? do you prefer one fluid over another? any even better, a thread thats alreeady been made on this? or field tests and results as I have seen myself but with different fluid changes as listed above. sorry I have no pics. not looking for an argument please, just an exchange of opinions and knowledge thanks guys! btw, I have been getting some good input and helpful information sharing lately from evom and I'm shocked... its a good thing. of course you could always say"i spent $X on fluids but I tore my trans up in X many months and could have rebuilt it with that fluid money, then okay- drag racer or hard shifter ) thats your call, right?

 

I do mine ever 3-5 track days, plus street miles in between. I'm using Amsoil 75W90 fluids. My drivetrain is still stock with 150 on it. I would not be so concerned for DD. Alot of guys on here recommend 15k cycles for dd use only.

 

I am curious as to what transmission fluid you had been running at the time of the sludge buildup and the subsequent teardown.

 

mine was ams oil 75/90 GL4 and only serviced 2 or 3x in a yr with 15k? daily driving and lots of abuse, tracked about every month, in jan-mar. a couple times/month.