I recently totalled my 03 Tarmac Evo VIII and am planning on getting another evo soon. The MR is out of my reach, but i was planning on getting a regular GSR. Now, does the ACD and new features make an 05 evo worth buying, or should i stick with the 04's that are still available at some local dealers, and get a better price? All in all how significant of an improvement will the ACD be?

 

I believe the 05's get front lsd too. I would get an 05 just for that.

I'm not too knowledgable about how much better the ACD is over the mechanical center diff.

 

yeah the new ones come with:
276hp / 282lbs-ft standard for ALL models (Increase of 5hp and 13lbs-ft over previous models)
Front Helical Limited Slip Differential (LSD) (All models)
Electronic Active Center Differential (E-ACD) w/ meter display (All models)
Aluminum door side impact bars (All models)

 

bump

 

well, i got mine for just under msrp, so i think it was worth it
honestly, i doubt that with my driving ability i'll be able to tell that big of a difference, but it's my hope that i will eventually be able to take advantage of all these new features.

 

when do you take delivery of the GSR? The MR is out this month but when will the 05 GSR's start showing up at dealerships?

 

congrats on the purchase man! Let me know how you like it, after you've had it for a while.

 

it will be here in 2 weeks

 

It's not a huge difference IMO; the ACD is basically a mechanical LSD with computer controlled clutch plates that can vary the LSD effect of the diff from completely open to almost fully locked. The front LSD is a bigger deal though. Assuming you get a good settlement, there's no reason not to get the 05, though the story for those of us already with evo's is to wait until the IX which is supposed to be released in japan this spring.

 

hmmm, ok. Good info nsnguyen. Ill take that into consideration

 

The biggest difference will be with the torsen diff. But the ACD is also a big improvement. I have put some miles on a ACD and AYC equipped car. You can feel ACD easy. The ACD center diff improves turn-in a lot. It is upgradeable also with Ralliart K1 and K2 ACD control units. There is no reliability or maintenance concerns with the ACD either.

The larger turbo housing is nice too. Many people are upgrading to them with good results. If you can grab the HIDs off of your ’03 it is a even better.

 

If the MR came with a AYC (which would constitute gas tank reconfig.) and Ti turbine shaft and wheel...etc then the MR might be something to consider. I think the 05 GSR is a hell of a deal considering the LSD and ACD....but it all depends on what your driving consists of (are you going to drive it as a daily driver or open her up so as you can sense the difference between an open diff vs lsd?)

btw...I wonder how the tranny's will stand up against the '03's? Has Mitsu been secretly improving the sychro's??

 

Here is the techinal paper that describes the ACD system


http://www.mitsubishi-motors.com/cor...001/13E_09.pdf