If I had one more gear to play with at Watkins Glen (Something shorter than 5th), I think I could gain 10mph before I have to brake for the bus stop. 5th is just too tall there, especially since I'm upshifting when I'm still coming up the hill.

 

Whats the chances that Mitsu will check your clutch if you come in with a transfer case problem?

 

I've seen the ratios side by side, but it has been awhile. What I do vividly remember, though, is that 5th gear in the 6 speed car is awesome! The weak link of the 5 speed is that you hit 7000rpm at only 113mph. Granted, you can rev it deeper, but 5th is overtall and capable of 163mph at redline. This makes the car tend to lay down a little bit. On fun high speed roadcourses, our fifth gear is a restriction.

 

OK, did the work for you guys.

5 speed ratios- 1:2.93, 2:1.95, 3:1.41, 4:1.03, 5:.72, FDR:4.53:1

6 speed ratios- 1:2.91, 2:1.94, 3:1.43, 4:1.10, 5:.87, 6:.69, FDR:4.58:1

Gear speeds at redline-
5 speed: 1:40mph, 2:60mph, 3:83mph, 4:113mph, 5:163mph
6 speed: 1:40mph, 2:59mph, 3:81mph, 4:105mph, 5:132mph, 6:167mph


As you can see, the fourth is a bit shorter in the six speed to allow for an appreciably shorter fifth. Also, their sixth is just a hair taller than our fifth. Looking at it on paper, I like the six speed ratios a lot better for road racing. For drag racing, as long as you don;t have to go to fifth in our car, it should be faster in a car that traps in the upper teens or low 120s. These cars that trap 130+ would really sing with the six speed.

There was a Best Motoring called: "The Evo Strikes Back", where a six speed RS had trouble with a five speed RS on track, but since the bottom gears are so close, I'd say it had more to do with the fact that the six speed car had a green motor.

In counterpoint, I've heard that the 5 speed shifter feels a lot nicer. I can't wait to drive a six speed Evo to make a decision for myself.

 

Thanks Noize. I'd contacted a dealer about putting a deposit on an MR... but I was worried about the new tranny. I guess I still am. With all the bushings and fluids, I really like the 5 spd's. action. I hope the 6 will respond the same way to "upgrading".