Looking for all EVO 8, 9 people with 6 speed still.
 

What I'm trying to find out is who is the highest HP EVO 8 or 9 with a 6 speed trans still in the car. Wanting to see what's numbers your putting down, and are you having any problems with your trans at that power level? what are you doing to prevent any problems, hope the true 6 speed lovers will chime in, because I know there are people out there saying 6 speed is weak go with 5 speed, but I know there is some big number 6 speeds out there.

I have as of right now 348hp and 305tq. With the power I have in my EVO I have never once had a problem with my trans. Trying to find out more info, because I'm about to do a big build, and probably make power more along the lines 550+, and wanna still keep the 6 speed.
MIKE

I was at 542whp on my 6 speed Fp Black.
It was to much, I'm now at 480whp 490wtq still 6 speed!

My race gas tune is 382/377 VD. I haven't run into any problems yet, what is it that goes bad anyway?

Was the 542hp just to much for the trans, that you could tell, or was it just to much for you to handle? Thanks for the input.
MIKE

Mine is acting funny at only 320 on a mustang dyno power next is a 5 speed swap cause it won't be holding what's about to be thrown at it

They say the gears are weak in the trans, that why they can't handle much, but the fq400 still uses the 6 speed, so is there trans any different then ours, because It seems that, that trans can handle 400hp no problem.
MIKE

That's what they say yeh, but what happens? Lock out of gears? Gears break?

The problem is your trying to stuff an extra gear into the same amount of space. The gear sets are weaker.

http://www.teamrip.com/choosing_the_...utch_info.html

Look at the evo section for the relative torque limits of these transsmissions. You can probably run quite a bit over them as long as your not constantly beating on the car.

Edit:

Torque is what kills transmissions. Dumping the clutch like a fool, and shifting at high rpm a lot will kill a trans even at stock powerlevels. Slip the clutch when your launching, and don't wind every gear just because you can.

355whp and im getting grinding in 3 and 4th pretty sure my synchros are about done so saving for a 5speed.

IIRC heat is what eventually does the fourth gear in. This is usually found with Evo MRs that participate in race events, auto-x and so on where the car doesn't have enough time to shake off the heat soak from continuous flogging.

I don't recall people having issues due to power under 500whp, but of course with anything once you go outside the realm of OEM spec it's a crap shoot.

When you say "It was to much", do you mean it was too much for the transmission or just too much power in general?

I have the 5 speed and at about 30,000 miles it started grinding into 3rd and 5th. Turns out it was the synchros, which Mitsubishi covered under warranty.

My two 06 MR's needed the transmission rebuilt at 70k miles, none moded.

Bump, let's keep this alive anyone else?
MIKE

umm I'm at the power mods in my sig ~350 VD and it seems fine, stock clutch, auto-x this weekend, no concerns... but honestly I don't think I'm even approaching the concern level for this mission.

X2 on the heat concern.

I had a junk six speed the input shaft bearing kept going out but typically it's the 4th gear. Same case as five speed with extra gear and parts which over heats it and cooks it from the inside. Most of the time but not always its around the 400whp mark people start seeing issues. I was at 360whp but some are more lucky lol. Five speed swap and smiling :)

Wouldn't a trans cooler help with keeping the trans alive longer? Also anyone have any info on the fq400 6 speed trained compared to the usdm 6 speed trans?
MIKE

Theoretically, yes.
:confused:

I don't think Ralliart UK touched the transmissions.

What makes you want to keep the 6 speed? Just curious. I just hate knowing I have a "cap" for horsepower because my tranny is holding me back. I loved my 6 speed but I certainly wouldn't go back lol

I have driven plenty of 5 speed evos I know the trans can hold more power, but the trans shifting feels like crap, and can't compare to the 6 speeds shifting. Also I love to mod my car, plus I got the 05 MR knowing they only made about a 1000 of them, I just like to know I'm keeping it an MR still, and if I didnt really want a My MR I would of just got a regular 5 speed EVO. So think I'm going to show the doubtful what the 6 speed can really do.
MIKE

I hope my 6 speed holds up in the long run

6spd 4 life here lol

I'll try to post pics of what I've done to mine tomorrow.
MFactory 4.00fd, spray bar with direct oiling on gears 3-6, Tilton electric pump and oil cooler. It isn't finished but will be soon.

400/400 on mine but I don't track my car

For the people asking about the FQ400...I'm pretty sure that's 400hp at the crank which translates to I'm guessing less than 350whp which isn't too high. So that's probably why the stock 6 speed would still be fine in that model

I have an 05 MR that I just got. Running about 340/350 whp and its at 80k miles with no problems. I also went to the drag strip once so far but did great. I Do not auto-x.

On one thought tho i do remember an occasional grind in 4th. But it rarely happens

Keep me updated on this, and maybe show me some pics of how you sent things up.
MIKE

I have taken mine to the strip a good bit and it seems I get locked out in a gear I have a twin disk in mine I can't wait to get a 5 speed

470whp & 380Tq dynojet 6speed:beer:

I have an exedy twin in mine aswell, and never have had any lock out, with shifting at 8000 RPM's aswell.
MIKE

6 speed MR, 2006, with 193K miles...putting down 475/375 with an MAP EF4 and pump gas; on stock block and stock trans with ACT HDSS Clutch. She runs great! I am keeping the TQ down until i can upgrade the trans but I love it!

wowzzzer

First 6 spds gone by previous owner at track.
Second 6 spds 4th gear slowly going out at around 40k. (i put castrol syntq about 3 months ago, all other gears feels great expect 4th)
No dyno numbers, guessing 300~350 tq.

Nice! Whats your setup? How are you keeping the torque down? ECU boost?

my 6 speed trans on my IX still feels perfect 376whp 349ft/lbs 51000 miles on the car AMSOIL in the Trans works great :)

it was to crazy for the street, not fun anymore. My opinion!
I think just under 500 is perfect for the street.

Ecu boost all the way! I almost switch to an MBC but I am glad I didn't. As far as my setup; mostly bolt ons. Ets 3" FMIC, Ets uicp and licp, fic 1200 cc injectors, walb 255, spark tech ignition, map o2 housing with dump tube, Meghan downpipe, test pipe and Hks ti exhaust, and the mother of all turbos map's stock frame EF4. I also have short route uicp that I can't use yet because instill need the mini battery and a new BOV. I then got tuned up by Tom at tscomptuned @ 28psi. I like the setup for what I use it for..daily driving. The guy that had this car before me auto crossed it and has it set up for that so if I wanted to I could. However, the wife wouldn't let me keep my old car as a dd so this is all I have and I'm not trying to break it!

I've researched a lot into this topic. My impression is the outright power doesn't really kill the trans, its how the trans is treated. If you use a harsh clutch and you drive like you win races every weekend then its not long for this world. If you just take it for sunday cruises and do pulls every now and then it should be fine. I remember a while back there was a 6spd evo with something like 100k miles and a gt35r pushing 540ish whp and high 10s on the strip. I'm not sure how many passes its made and how its driven the rest of the time but I thought that was pretty impressive.

Theres a thread by razorlab about the 6spds. He went through a stock one, a TRE "rebuilt" one, and finally switched to a 5spd. From what I gather in that thread the lower oil capacity plus the extra running gear and thinner gears in the 6spd develops excessive heat and fatigue. And eventually will cause the trans to fail if driven hard.

Many people like me have blown it with a stock engine / turbo combo. I don't think I was pushing any more than 310whp at the time but I did many track days at road courses doing 30min track sessions reaching 110mph every 30-45 seconds or so, and then heel-toeing down to like 30mph and so on. With a ACT HDSS which is very unkind to drivetrains. And that caused a bearing to go out in mine.

Yea the track is brutal on transmissions....especially the strip! Everyone wants a fast drag evo but don't think about the consequences of dragging. I agree with you when you said that its how you treat your tranny...however, i still want an upgraded one just so i know im safe if i need to get on it.

Here are a few pics. 1. old/new output shafts. 2. new FD. 3. spray bar. 4. taking apart the main shaft to install updated 3rd dbl syncros, 3-4 hub/slider and 4th syncro.

man this is looking good. how much have you put into the trans so for if you dont mind me asking?
MIKE

2006 Evo 9 MR, bought new, currently at 50000 miles. ACT HDSS, BBK full, E85, putting out 445hp/366ft-lbs on a Dynojet. I've never taken it to the strip, but I've gone to lapping days a few weekends a year, and daily driven.

We'll see how long it lasts.

North of $1600. I've done 90% of the work.

What about a rebuilt 6spd transmission from Sheptrans - is there any soft hp/tq cap on those? Does there service increase the hp/tq capacity of the transmission or do they reall just get the transmission back to near original spec?

mine is in my sing. I have trouble getting into 5th on the race track but normal driving it goes in fine.

Shep only rebuilds them to stock spec. He sold all of the custom gear sets.

The only reason I built mine was to see how far I can push the trans at the Texas Mile again. I was in 6th for over a half mile. With the FD change 5th will top out at 191 and 6th will be 236. My goal is 190+

man i wanna see videos of your EVO going, man bet that car is a beast.
Also do you have all upgraded gears/syncros with the custom FD, or are you just better oiling system to the factory gears/syncros that are in the trans?
MIKE

+1. How does it shift feel compare to stock?

I'm still running my 6-sp, but I've also upgraded to the Shep 3-5 gearset. 350/325 on 91; 421/425 on E85. I do not drag race the car, but I do hit the track for lapping whenever I'm around and daily the car when I feel like it.

I'm using all factory pieces. I was just going to replace the 4th syncro but after I read the FSM I had to replace the 3/4 hub and slider. Then once I went to order the parts they informed me I have to replace them as a set(3rd syncros, hub/slider and 4th syncro).
I'm not sure if that applies to the 9MR.

Chef-j I'll give you a ride when it is done. It will be a little brutal with the QM but other than that it will feel the same.

Thanks everyone for the good info. Gonna be putting a oil cooler on my trans, and trying to do a few other things to keep my trans living long with the good HP I want to put down.
MIKE

I think if you put an oil cooler and the best trans oil recommended for the 6speed (ask an expert, not randoms on this forum) you stand a good chance of having your trans live through some light duty track use at moderate power. Especially if your tuner is aware of your trans issue and makes a nice smooth torque curve instead of a massive sledgehammer hit of torque.

And even if you do break it, 6spds are rather cheap to come by. A low mileage mint one can be had for something like $600 to $800. And mitsu has all the parts needed to rebuild one as well. Unlike the tcase which only comes as a unit.

My 6 speed had ZERO issues in the 3 years/30k that I put on it. Launched under 40x Id say. Never a grind or a peep. That was with 100+autox events and many street pulls. I am in the middle of looking to buy another evo and it will probably be a ix se. The 6 speed is so damn smooth!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I also do think tranny oil cooler will helps alot with 6 spds.

Thanks.

Shep said build starts at 780 and should hold 350~400tq with fresh fluid. Humm that im guessing it will be better than normal 6spds?

I had 86k miles, been through 2 stock clutches and was on a ACT hdss, 30+ drag launches (not including previous owners), 15 full road course days, etc. It was great, never had a problem. Until one fateful day..... :p

My trans has held 40+psi from my black. Don't ask how much HP/TQ as I don't know or care. I've never tried to see if 6th would take the abuse either but 1-5 has.

Thats sounds pretty good to me. :)

I love the devotion. And I agree the 6 speed feels great compared to the notchy 5 speed. Take the road less traveled!

I have an 05 ww evo MR 6speed still and it's making 401 whp 368 wtq Corrected on a mustang dyno uncorrected numbers are on my sig and I'm hoping to hit the drag strip this year..any body know the speeds of the gear revving to abt 8k

I was the original owner of this car, and in the 180k miles or so that I owned it, I never had an issue with the transmission, or anything else for that matter. I autocrossed it every chance I got, launched, etc, car and tranny were great.

I'm not on another EVO IX MR, and so far I've put 20k miles on it myself, the car has just about 80k miles total. So far no issues from the tranny. I've autocrossed this car about 10 events now? average of 7 runs per event (I always do double entry) so it's seen 70 autocross launches, and a few launches on the street just because launching is fun. Everything is holding up fine. The key with any car is maintenance. Chance the fluids regularly, and make sure you use the RIGHT fluids. The best stuff I have used for the transmission is either stock Diaqueen, or MOPAR's synthetic equivalent. It's the exact same 75w-85 GL4 fluid as the Diaqueen, but it is synthetic. That's all I ran in my first IX MR after I found it, and it's all I've run in the one I have now. Change it every 20-30k miles, more often if you do a lot of heavy track use, and you should be fine.

i was making 350 and had my six speed go out with 83k on it most of which were ran with the pos act clutch and prolite flywheel. bought a used 6 speed with 40k on it tossed in a cci stage 3.5 clutch and stock flywheel and went 300 miles and bang trans dropped again. sent my stock one to shep for a rebuild he said that even the oem rebuild are stronger than what we have now mitsubishi upgraded them just never recalled them. cost me like 970 with fluids which they recommend the redline cocktail not diaqueen. havent tore apart second trans yet but on my first one only thing that broke was the slider he said that it just got to hot and cracked gears were good syncros were good.

For the last year, I've regularly put 420tq/485whp through 1st-3rd gear on my 6-speed on the street. 4th-6th are detuned to 400tq/485whp. Not ever tracked it. 52K miles on it now, and it shifts about the same as it did when new (1-2 a bit notchy, everything else great).

That is a cool project. Are you going to have a write up on that. Or do you know of any good sources to do a 6speed rebuild. What you are doing there would cover it if are documenting all that with more photos. I would really interested in learning what you did during that process, though I suspect its not your first time pulling a/the trans apart.

I just did cooling on my 6 speed and had surprising and dramtic temp number reduction. Understanding that the oil foaming or over heating could or could not causing syncro engagement issues is more difficult. I am not putting down enough power to get anywhere near some of you, but there is some track use.

I found in my learning so far, that my ACT HDSS was more than likely not setup properly the first time around. I followed all the write ups I could find, but the adjustment was likely a big contributor to lockout. The thing about that I have learned is its not a black and white, 1s and 0s, thing. Slightly more lockout will make the syncro work harder to engage, causing more wear. If the syncro is constantly fighting the clutch dragging a bit, it just takes one time where the heat, the drag, and bad timing will conspire to grind 4th, or whatever high gear, on the pop out onto a front straight. I did this, and the 4th syncro got slowly worse after that.

In reading through this thread again, I think many of you may actually just be suffering from poorly adjust clutches. I had to adjust the rod all the way on mine to get it right, and then did the jackstands test to prove the lack of drag. It made a big different, because I got the 'newly built' trans back, and still had some of the similar over notchiness. I dove into the adjustment task for days, and finally got it shifting like butter. On and Off track. This told me I could have had it shifting like that before I had Shep rebuild the trans, but I was wearing the syncros faster than should be.

As I step up the power a bit, I expect the setup to hold it, and to make sure heat isnt the downfall I am using a trans cooler. If you track I highly recommend it. I would expect the same heat issue however for the 5 speed on track.

And to add to the devotion comments earlier in the thread, I have always preferred the shift feel of the 6speed. The 5speed felt about as slick as my WRX did, which is not a compliment. The 6speed was superior in feel, and on track the ratios were spot on for moderate power corner exits. Never requiring 2nd.

Figured I'd chime in on this I no its alittle late. I'm put down 500hp 400ft @ 29lbs on stock bottom end and 6sp has right at 60000 miles. Can't say I've really had any problems but I will say the clutch went out on me and saving for a new one. I really wanna try and get a low 10 on stock bottom end and 6 sp just to say I did. 5 sp is in my future plans but I wanna see how far I can take it. Race gas tune and more boost I think I can succed. I only got 2 runs befor the clutch went and got lock out in 2nd for both due to the clutch. I no this cause on the 3rd run the clutch went out completely. Best was 12.3@ 122 worst of the night on 3rd run was 12.8@88mph. Leads me to my next question any body no what the record would be for stock bottom end 6 spd car cause I wanna goal in mind haha.

6 speed for life.

If I did track my car tho, it would have a Shep 5 speed. I think the 6 speed is still pretty tough for what is, most of the time idiot driving is what kills the trans. Hot lapping and abuse is what kills both 5 and 6 speed transmissions.

I have around 37k on my car right now...I do drive it hard, only launched it maybe 8 times? Never actually auto crossed it, around 400/405, blew up my tranny 3 days ago. 4th was grinding for a while, then eventually just lost reverse and then 1st. About to order a sheptrans 5 speed. Debating between stage 1 or 2. Ive changed my tranny oil every 7-8k miles or so with redline. Wish I could keep the 6 speed to be honest, but not willing to risk just blowing it up again. I'll take pictures when I tear it apart. Wasnt even being hard on it when it finally went out

What clutch do you have? based on my reading and personal experience Shep and shops like his make a lot of money on setups that don't have the clutches properly adjusted, and it overworks the syncro a which is what failed on your 4th most likely.

Either way you got make sure you or the installer is anal about the clutch adjustment, so there is not even the slightest drag while disengaged. It works but over stresses the syncro a and their life is cut short.

I'm with danner. 6 speed for life. :)

bumpp

kinda bringing this back to life, seeing if anyone has done anything new to the 6 Speed to keep it alive better or to make more power on them, that they would like to share.
MIKE

Seems trans oil coolers are becoming ever popular for the 6spd. It's become more and more apparent that heat will ultimately kill the tranny. Since no one has stepped up to offering a strengthened gear set (as far as I know) it's the only thing available. Of course there will always be those who say it's inevitable it will fail.... 6spd4life!

Shep sold a few limited runs of upgraded gears he had made for the 6speed. Not sure if he still offers this, though. I too will be keeping my 6spd. I love how mine shifts (110k miles with 340whp too), especially compared to the 5spd.

It was a limited run like you said. They sold all the kits then discontinued offering them due to the cost

People that are putting oil coolers in to keep there 6 speed cooler what pumps are cooler you ruining also what about fittings where we getting them from? Could of sworn there was a trans cooler write up, need to look this up again. 6 speed for life.
MIKE

Any over the counter oil cooler should work. Just check to see that it can handle the temps and viscosity of transmission oil. Fittings can be fab'd up at any local machine shop or you could buy a universal AN fitting kit.

Having run a stock 6 spd, stock 5 spd, and ultimate ratio 5 spd, I would never go back to the 6 spd. The ultimate ratio gearing (Evo IX 1st/5th, Evo VIII 3rd/4th) is superior to the 6 spd imo, as well as substantially stronger.

I am still on stock trans and t-case 6-speed 06 IX MR...i am pushing 433whp 425tq with 56,3xx miles so far. I use the exedy HD twin clutch with OEM fluids.

Note, I do not track or autox my evo.

I'm Doing Fine With 6.
 

Bought my '06 IX-MR new and now it has 105K miles on it. Used to be a daily driver, but not any more. I'm at 390 horsepower, rarely does it get 'notchy'...I might do a Shep upgrade someday, but I'm in no rush! I won't ever switch to a 5 speed.

She's not a track car.

After 30k miles on my 6 speed, today I popped the cherry for the first time on my 5 speed swap. I always loved the torquey feel of the 6, and it held up fine w 360 ft lbs but the 5 speed feels bulletproof. Especially with this
quartermaster 8 leg race version. I'm in love.

Bought my '05 VIII MR brand new.......has 166,000 miles currently. Approx 350whp its whole life, many many track days, and I think I only changed the oil in the trans 3 or 4 times.....can't remember.

6-speed transmission still ticks like a champ. No notchy shifts. :thumbup:
Hope this helps.

Mine is weird lol. Some days it shifts like butter, no resistance at all, shifter almost falls into place. Other times it's tough to go in, maybe even a lil grind, not audible but I can feel it and sometimes pops coming out of gear. It's almost as if the trans isn't aligned to the motor, so odd.

Kind of a late response, but I did a small write up on my cooler here

I have the pump mounted in the space shared with the ACD pump. However I am thinking to move it just off of the center transmount bar. Another member had a post about it and he welded two rods onto that unit and then effectively hung the pump between them. This ended up in the gap between the radiator and the trans just above the under tray.

I used an RB pump which is all brass and supposed to be super crazy over built. however, I have found that it was probably over kill and over complex. Just using a regular Tilton trans pump of any kind is probably fine. My pump only runs during track day use anyway, so if I were doing it again I save that 300 bucks I spent on that fancy pump.

always heard the the mr 6spd is the worst transmission for evo at higher hp levels. always liked the MR but now i'm looking for RS or GSR with 5 speed trany.

Drivetrains receive stress from high torque, not high horsepower. I've had both the 5 spd and 6 spd transmissions and I miss the 6 spd.

fireroasted thanks for the info, and the link to your write up.
MIKE

I Bought my Evo 9 MR with 76k miles, and have put 12k on it, in the past 2 years, on the stock 6 speed. Its always been a little notchy, especially when its cold but it has not gotten any worse over that time.

Now When i got it, it was making 384whp and 352 tq on a FP 71 HTA turbo, held the power just fine. And for the past 5K miles I've been running an FP Red at 30 PSI making 470whp and 444wtq, from a Mustang Dyno. My transmission feels the same as before. No issues as far as performance and shifting. It does have some gear rattle and TOB rattle noise. This car is daily driven, on a ACT HD street disc.

I have also taking it to the track once, did a few passes, and ran my best of 12.38 at 121mph.

The best I've experienced to keep it running well, is to use AMSOIL MTG in it. The OEM fluid was fine for the first few thousand miles, and then i tried Pennzoil Syncromesh, which was the worst idea ever! Grinded a lot, didn't want to go in gear, and made the transmission louder. After running that for only 1k miles, i changed to AMSOIL and haven't had any of those issues since. Its still a little notchy, just like when i bought it but that AMSOIL was the best thing that transmission has seen, also its recommended by TRE.

I will be keeping my 6-speed transmission though, I will have TRE build it, and i have a Exedy Twin disk to go in with it. I plan on making over 500 when i switch to E85 and bigger cams. I guess we'll see how it holds up, but i am very confident it will. I just love going to work everyday, being able to rip through some gears and also hit 6th and cruise. And possibly see some track time. Hope this info helps!

what I heard the 5 speed is better I find one that I am going to send to jack transmission to rebuild it and change t for the 5 speed and I will keep my 6 speed.

108000plus miles depending on boost 440-over 500 daily driven
been through three clutches however

Clutches are much cheaper then the box lol

I got 103K miles 320 WHP maybe a little more. replaced clutch ar 88K and no prob yet with trany

Still got mine at the same power level, 67-68,000 miles.

Of all you higher hp guys, how often are you changing your driveline fluids? Every 30k or sooner then that?

I still have mine at a little over 300 whp with 110k miles on the same clutch and the car still looks brand new-ish :)

bought mine with 48000 miles and had it retuned and 4th gear developed an issue within a few weeks of owning..only put down 330

looks like getting some pretty goon info out there, some people not really having any problems with the 6 speed at all, and some say they are. All I know is I love my 6 Speed love they stiffness, and the way it shifts. people keep us updated if doing anything special to your 6 speed that would be beneficial for us.
MIKE

Oil cooler definitely seems to be the best thing going right now

So far, I have 88k miles on my 6 speed. Thats about 12k since i bought it. And 470whp, 444wtq for the past 6-7k miles. When i got the car, i changed the trans fluid with the OEM Diaqueen 6-speed fluid. I ran that for about 4k miles, and it ran very well, with no issues besides being a little notchy when it was a cold start. I was @384 who and 352wtq. Then I decided to try something different (thinking i could get rid of the cold start notchy-ness).

So i tried Pennzoil Syncromesh, and that was the WORST idea ever. Its not that it grinded all the time, but it just didn't like to shift anymore, as if it was trying to lock me out of certain gears. So after getting frustrated over how it shifted, i drained that out after just 1k of use.

I did a little more research, and found on TRE's website that they recommend the OEM stuff, AMSOIL Mtg, and Motul. So i picked up some AMSOIL Mtg, and right out of my garage, it felt like a completely different trans. All the notch-ness went away.

Ive been running that AMSOIL for about 7k miles now, and its been great. I def recommend it. My 6-speed trans just loves it. The OEM fluid is great too, but it feels like the AMSOIL is just smoother, and is easier getting into to gears at High RPM ( which can suck since I'm still running an ACT single disk clutch, High RPM shifting can suck sometimes)

Now this winter i do plan on getting TRE to build my 6-speed and i will be running an Exedy Hyper twin disk Clutch, and AMSOIL Mtg in it. Ill be sure to keep this updated, and see how that works out.

120k on my drivetrain with 7 track days and 3 drag race events. stock clutch went out after 75k miles and i've been on the ACT HDSS Clutch since and still going strong.

Im putting down 364awhp at the moment but am in the process of transitioning to E85. So far so good. No grinds or pop outs what so ever.

88k miles 4th constantly makes a spun bearing noise while it's in gear even withclutch pressed to floor and in gear. I can still use 4th though but its rough

A moment of silence for the transmission