i did hear that there were minor changes to the clutch...don't know exactly what, but some mitsu guys have said it's a bit more, ummm, reliable.

 

From what I've read, and according to the clutch in my Legacy GT, the 2.5 is much easier to launch, and it is, over my Evos.

I've got the 6sp and you still have to take a tad more time to shift smoothly at lower RPMs (like under 5K), just make sure your seat is adjusted so you can consistantly get all the way to the floor with the clutch pedal. Use a light touch when shifting, feeling the "notch" during the shift is not what you want. Trying to speed shift these cars is not their intended purpose IMO...you can make plenty of power to save those few tenths...on the street. Ive been through a few AWD cars (FWD and RWD too)....AWD is always slower than any other tranny I've used, just adjust your style and be gentle. Finding that magic spot when launching takes gentle practice, and it's gonna move around as you change your mods. I've no issues with my 06 at 3800 miles, and no issues with my 03 VIII at 42K miles (stock clutch too). If you're a newb you really want to stick to the stock clutch, it's more forgiving, it's a fuse of sorts and much cheaper than destroying the drive train. Until you can break a clutch free without shifting via sheer torque, leave it stock....of course IMO

 

That is very true, hopefully most of us will understand what you mean by it.