Hi there,

I just bought a used EVO at the dealership and I have to say making the move from Subaru to Mitsu was a tough one but I have been very happy overall.

I've been having one issue though. When I hit WOT in 3rd, 4th and 5th gears I often get a very vibrant stuttering and then usually after 2-4 seconds it takes off normally.

Its been very cold here in MD so after reading other threads, I'm taking a guess that it might be weather-related.. any insight would be appreciated.

Thanks.

 

spark plug gap. Is it violent or just a very slight loss in power for a split second?

 

Try changing you're plugs, especially at that mileage and if they haven't been changed before, but it can be a number of things.

 

bad spark plugs

 

How many miles are on the car? Might just need new plugs.

 

Its about 84k, its not a very violent stutter. In 1st and 2nd gear it doesn't stutter.

I just hope its not the tranny - coming from a WRX, I've broken gears and synchros twice and it was a pain..



EDIT::
Whats a spark plug gap BTW?

 

You should have the car inspected and the tune checked out. Plenty of guys de-mod then trade in the cars in bad shape... Ive seen cars tuned for big turbo, big injectors with stock stuff just slapped in there more times than i can count. Spend a little money now instead of a possible motor later..

Welcome to evo world!

 

Ok, thx for the info.

If it is the spark plugs though, are there any other symptoms that I could tell from bad spark plugs?

 

Needs new plugs.. this happened to my car when i bought mine. The dealer or previous owner decided to put crappy denso non iridium plugs in there and it run like crap when the car got warmed up

 

Could be a number of things. Weather, bad fuel. I would take it back to the dealership and have them fix it. Is the car under warranty? If so, use it. Just explain the issue to the dealer you bought it from, and have them fix it.

 

Dealers way up in PA, I'm going to try the spark plugs and I'll get back to you guys.

What is the correct gap I should purchase for the plugs?

 

The dealership is all the way up in PA, if it gets serious then I'm taking it up there and giving hell. Thank you for your help everyone!

 

some guys gap at .024 i read on ngk 1 step colder? the stock gap is .032 i beleive (sorry evo noob, just got mine last week)

 

You don't purchase gap... you set the gap on the plugs

It's the space between the electrodes on the spark plug. Head to your auto parts store and they can set the gap for you (if you buy the plugs there). The gap is listed in your manual.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spark_plug

 

Is it an EVO IX?

If so, check and see if the ACD is set to snow. I had forgot I had it set on the snow setting and my car would actually sounded like it was being governed on WOT in 4th gear.