Tired of Evo -- Need Advice
Originally Posted by MalibuJack
With all due respect, but if you've replaced a clutch once a year, there is a serious problem with your driving style. My car is pretty highly modified, and I've run some mid 11 second times with my car when it still had the stock turbo, and I drive the car every day. I have never had a clutch issue, in fact I have 40k on my car with the original clutch, its only starting to slip a little bit with my GT35r which is likely making quite a bit more power than it was before. I also have never had any tranny issues either.
I do hear the "I've been driving stick shift cars all my life" thing all the time.. And to be quite frank, most people who drive a stick, whether they have been doing it for a year or 20, don't really drive a stick correctly. Most of them always have their foot resting on the clutch pedal which will over time burn up the clutch pretty quickly. Most slip the clutch way too much when starting from a roll, and shifting, and almost EVERYONE I've seen does the "hill holding" with the clutch which is a HUGE no-no..
Plus this car is just a different animal. its an easy car to drive, but a bit unforgiving of gratuitous abuse.
I do hear the "I've been driving stick shift cars all my life" thing all the time.. And to be quite frank, most people who drive a stick, whether they have been doing it for a year or 20, don't really drive a stick correctly. Most of them always have their foot resting on the clutch pedal which will over time burn up the clutch pretty quickly. Most slip the clutch way too much when starting from a roll, and shifting, and almost EVERYONE I've seen does the "hill holding" with the clutch which is a HUGE no-no..
Plus this car is just a different animal. its an easy car to drive, but a bit unforgiving of gratuitous abuse.
I've never had clutch problems on any car I drive, and that's includes a total of 7 cars. You don't 'ride' the clutch do you?
And engine braking is fine imo. Just don't take it to 7k and let off a lot!
If you still want speed, but a little stealthier, you can get a Subaru Legacy GT or a Mazdaspeed6. Both are in the 250-270hp range, 4 doors, leather, nav, t/c (no-wing). The legacy you can mod with the sti/wrx aftermarket too! Or get an STi, go wingless, and put on a front-mount and do an RS hood swap. I almost did this on my STi; very stealthy. The new limited STi is like this - but like 40k.
A 350z wil be just as bad with racers. A G35 is nice, but I'd never call it fast. A Vette feels somewhat fast, but unless you 50 with a huge gut, you'd be outta place. You could pick up a nice Boxster or S2k or Mazdaspeed Miata if you don't want a backup.
And an IS350 as mentioned will run you 45k. Doubt you can afford that with payments still on the Evo.
And engine braking is fine imo. Just don't take it to 7k and let off a lot!
If you still want speed, but a little stealthier, you can get a Subaru Legacy GT or a Mazdaspeed6. Both are in the 250-270hp range, 4 doors, leather, nav, t/c (no-wing). The legacy you can mod with the sti/wrx aftermarket too! Or get an STi, go wingless, and put on a front-mount and do an RS hood swap. I almost did this on my STi; very stealthy. The new limited STi is like this - but like 40k.
A 350z wil be just as bad with racers. A G35 is nice, but I'd never call it fast. A Vette feels somewhat fast, but unless you 50 with a huge gut, you'd be outta place. You could pick up a nice Boxster or S2k or Mazdaspeed Miata if you don't want a backup.
And an IS350 as mentioned will run you 45k. Doubt you can afford that with payments still on the Evo.
I think an obvious question would be, have you adjusted your clutch pedal to get the engagment point right?
According to Jon @ TRE, you should raise the car on a lift and adjust the clutch pedal to the point where your engagment just starts to roll the wheels with the clutch pedal at least three inches from the floor. Take your time with it.
I've come close to selling my evo numerous times but have stuck it out due to my friend's support and help. Evo nirvana is obtainable, I just had a taste of it this week actually.
According to Jon @ TRE, you should raise the car on a lift and adjust the clutch pedal to the point where your engagment just starts to roll the wheels with the clutch pedal at least three inches from the floor. Take your time with it.
I've come close to selling my evo numerous times but have stuck it out due to my friend's support and help. Evo nirvana is obtainable, I just had a taste of it this week actually.
Originally Posted by fevo
move on to M3 ....
I also have to say, that while I know nothing can compare to the pure performance of the evo at the price, I might have grown beyond that. In a given week I MIGHT actually hit full boost once. Most of the time I shift before 3.5K just to save gas. So I have this great performance car that drives like **** because of the aggressive clutch, and I rarely even use the performance I have. I used to AutoX a lot, but not so much since the Advans ran out and I couldn't afford to put on decent replacements. So...again...I'm torn. Would I miss the sound and feel of a turbo -- damn f'ing right I would. Would I miss the crappy engagement on the clutch, the stupid ricers trying to race me, and the comments I get about the wing? No.
Evolved Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 660
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From: Fresno, CA
I'm at 44,000 miles on my stock clutch and it still feels like the the day I bought it. I've never launched (though I might have been tempted) and I shift quite conservatively (even while I'm WOT). I honestly can't think of why, if you're doing everything right, you're having such bad luck.
Buying a first production model year BMW is just asking for a world of financial pain. The 355i owners are already complaining of oil overheating issues.
The 7 series that my father purchased in 98 wouldn't last two months without a repair bill since the day we got it off of the lot. Funny thing is, it has too much sentimental value to sell.
The 7 series that my father purchased in 98 wouldn't last two months without a repair bill since the day we got it off of the lot. Funny thing is, it has too much sentimental value to sell.
Last edited by QAT-R; Oct 11, 2006 at 10:02 AM.
Originally Posted by orion981
Hey guys,
Thanks for all the feedback.
In regards to the clutch:
I ALWAYS lift before shifting and unless I'm in bumper to bumper traffic, my left foot is on the dead pedal. I made a real effort with this clutch to do my best to pamper it, as I wanted to see just how long it would last. Now I have my answer.
I too have considered the twin disc, but am also worried if the additional cost outweighs the durability. From what I've seen, I don't think it does.
There may well be something wrong with my transmission that is eating through clutches, but I would be in a difficult situation now to bring the car to the dealer. I have put in two non-stock clutches and that would probably void my car of any warranty work it would need if there was a problem with the tranny. They would just blame the problem on the clutch and tell me tough luck.
That's another issue I didn't talk about before -- service. We all know that for the most part, Mitsu service bites. Not only that: dealerships just seem to close over night. I've been through two dealerships now and have to drive like 30 miles just to get the car serviced.
Also, I agree that 07 is somewhat of a dead year for cars. I would love to wait this thing out, but one of the issues is the clutch. It is JUST starting to slip now, and only under heavy load. I could easily trade it in now and the dealer would be none the wiser. However, if I wait any longer it will become noticeable and once that happens, I will either have to swap in a new clutch (and keep the car) or trade it in at a significantly lower price, which I wouldn't do. So unfortunately, this is an issue which needs to be resolved soon.
Infiniti has a special 1 year lease option on the G35 which is only like 5 dollars more than their 3 year lease. And even at that price, it would be $480 a month versus the $525 I'm paying for the evo now. I am considering doing that for a year and then if I really miss the evo, I can pick up an exo X or a used evo IX and get those limited slips and ACD I'm missing in my 03 model.
I mean, it's not like I almost have the car paid off. There are still three years left, which is a long time. I don't know...
Thanks for all the feedback.
In regards to the clutch:
I ALWAYS lift before shifting and unless I'm in bumper to bumper traffic, my left foot is on the dead pedal. I made a real effort with this clutch to do my best to pamper it, as I wanted to see just how long it would last. Now I have my answer.
I too have considered the twin disc, but am also worried if the additional cost outweighs the durability. From what I've seen, I don't think it does.
There may well be something wrong with my transmission that is eating through clutches, but I would be in a difficult situation now to bring the car to the dealer. I have put in two non-stock clutches and that would probably void my car of any warranty work it would need if there was a problem with the tranny. They would just blame the problem on the clutch and tell me tough luck.
That's another issue I didn't talk about before -- service. We all know that for the most part, Mitsu service bites. Not only that: dealerships just seem to close over night. I've been through two dealerships now and have to drive like 30 miles just to get the car serviced.
Also, I agree that 07 is somewhat of a dead year for cars. I would love to wait this thing out, but one of the issues is the clutch. It is JUST starting to slip now, and only under heavy load. I could easily trade it in now and the dealer would be none the wiser. However, if I wait any longer it will become noticeable and once that happens, I will either have to swap in a new clutch (and keep the car) or trade it in at a significantly lower price, which I wouldn't do. So unfortunately, this is an issue which needs to be resolved soon.
Infiniti has a special 1 year lease option on the G35 which is only like 5 dollars more than their 3 year lease. And even at that price, it would be $480 a month versus the $525 I'm paying for the evo now. I am considering doing that for a year and then if I really miss the evo, I can pick up an exo X or a used evo IX and get those limited slips and ACD I'm missing in my 03 model.
I mean, it's not like I almost have the car paid off. There are still three years left, which is a long time. I don't know...
If I were you I would just sell the VIII privatly and get the new IX, well thats just me.
Last edited by su37su; Oct 11, 2006 at 10:00 AM.
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 50
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From: SoCal
I think there are legitimate problems with the evo drivetrain. Since new my tranny has gone from reasonable to a pain in the ***. I replaced my clutch at 20k because it just seemed like it was dragging and not disengaging fully when shifting through the lower gears. Not much better now, the biggest improvement being the BG Syncroshift I had put in the tranny. From my understanding Mitsu put on some kind of clutch delay to spare the drivetrain from clutch droppers. I wouldn't be surprised if this is the root of a lot of other problems.
Evolving Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 142
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From: Sao Paulo, Brazil
Originally Posted by orion981
I agree about the clutch issue, but honestly, I've been driving clutches my entire life. I would love some pointers if I'm doing anything wrong. Maybe you guys can clue me in.
a.) I never engine brake (I either depress the clutch or put it in neutral when decellerating).
b.) I try NEVER to slip the clutch, although this seems unavoidable when you just start to move, although I've learned to give it the right amount of gas before pulling the clutch out so it will engage and get going. The thing about the Exedys is they'll moan when you do try to slip the clutch.
c.) I don't do launches...EVER.
d.) I've had all clutches installed at Pruven Performance, and I'm pretty confident in their knowledge and ability.
So, does anything stand out here that I'm doing wrong?
a.) I never engine brake (I either depress the clutch or put it in neutral when decellerating).
b.) I try NEVER to slip the clutch, although this seems unavoidable when you just start to move, although I've learned to give it the right amount of gas before pulling the clutch out so it will engage and get going. The thing about the Exedys is they'll moan when you do try to slip the clutch.
c.) I don't do launches...EVER.
d.) I've had all clutches installed at Pruven Performance, and I'm pretty confident in their knowledge and ability.
So, does anything stand out here that I'm doing wrong?
Last week at the track I beat a Toyota Supra, a 2002 911 Carrera S, and an EVO 7 all at the track doing passes after passes and the clutch is excellent. I still have to improve my 1/4 time as my exhaust has not arrived yet (6 months wait).
But, if you rent a Camry for 1 week like someone else said and then go back to the EVO you will be very, very happy.
Originally Posted by cneio
Get an Exedy Twin Disk. I rev up my car to 7500 rpm and let go of the clutch almost every day (done it for at least 100 times already) and so far there is no fade, no noise, and the clutch still grips like brand new.
Last week at the track I beat a Toyota Supra, a 2002 911 Carrera S, and an EVO 7 all at the track doing passes after passes and the clutch is excellent. I still have to improve my 1/4 time as my exhaust has not arrived yet (6 months wait).
But, if you rent a Camry for 1 week like someone else said and then go back to the EVO you will be very, very happy.
Last week at the track I beat a Toyota Supra, a 2002 911 Carrera S, and an EVO 7 all at the track doing passes after passes and the clutch is excellent. I still have to improve my 1/4 time as my exhaust has not arrived yet (6 months wait).
But, if you rent a Camry for 1 week like someone else said and then go back to the EVO you will be very, very happy.
As for the Camary...come on guys, I'd never get one. A G35 or 350Z is far from a freaking Camary.