Is MR version of the Evo X undesirable for tuning?
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Joined: Jun 2008
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Isn't it amazing, with the exception of one poster, that all of those people who have a MR, love it!
I came from a modified 05 STI and I know how to shift! So I don't believe this car was made for those who don't know how to shift, but instead for those people who don't want to shift
I came from a modified 05 STI and I know how to shift! So I don't believe this car was made for those who don't know how to shift, but instead for those people who don't want to shift
X MR owner here.
I absolutely adore my MR. I didn't think that I'd ever buy one of those "flappy-paddle" transmissions, but the MR changed my mind after one test drive. It's an "automatic" when you want it to be, and a true manual when you need it to be, that always shifts perfectly and quickly.
The software is what makes these transmissions either good (SST in X MR) or bad (VW/Audi DSG), and Mitsubishi just _nailed_ the software on the SST.
Funny thing is, even though I've driven manual transmissions all of my life, I rarely put my SST into manual mode. All of the magazine reviews are correct: in the automatic shifting mode, especially in Sport or S-Sport mode, the transmission is _always_ in the right gear for the situation. There's really no reason to shift for yourself, nor do you really want to. Throttle blips on downshifts, perfect upshifts without loss of power... it's wonderful.
I don't plan on modding, as the stock power is just fine for me.
I can't wait to take it on the track--I'm waiting for the warranty to expire first, though. (I still have my M3 track car) As for the overheating of the SST on track--there's a few fixes out there, just need to increase airflow cooling to the SST radiator with a fan.
--michael
I absolutely adore my MR. I didn't think that I'd ever buy one of those "flappy-paddle" transmissions, but the MR changed my mind after one test drive. It's an "automatic" when you want it to be, and a true manual when you need it to be, that always shifts perfectly and quickly.
The software is what makes these transmissions either good (SST in X MR) or bad (VW/Audi DSG), and Mitsubishi just _nailed_ the software on the SST.
Funny thing is, even though I've driven manual transmissions all of my life, I rarely put my SST into manual mode. All of the magazine reviews are correct: in the automatic shifting mode, especially in Sport or S-Sport mode, the transmission is _always_ in the right gear for the situation. There's really no reason to shift for yourself, nor do you really want to. Throttle blips on downshifts, perfect upshifts without loss of power... it's wonderful.
I don't plan on modding, as the stock power is just fine for me.
I can't wait to take it on the track--I'm waiting for the warranty to expire first, though. (I still have my M3 track car) As for the overheating of the SST on track--there's a few fixes out there, just need to increase airflow cooling to the SST radiator with a fan.
--michael
I love the SST and I don't plan to go over 350wtq coz I don't track anymore. I used to race BMW E30 M3 18 yrs ago when I was living in L.A.
The mod I did on my car are plenty enough as my DD and having so much fun and the best part is sharing the car with my wife.
Btw she is Japanese and she's very happy to let me trade-in our 06' Lancer Ralliart to Evo X MR! Both of us feels instant younger when driving it and no longer above middle age anymore...lol !
For what I see is SST might not be the best tranny for big mod and/or track it at the moment but only time will tell. Hopefully there will be a solutions come up soon from other company.
Last edited by Jimyumi; Mar 11, 2009 at 07:22 PM.
I own a X MR, and I have no regrets about it. Complaints maybe but no regrets since the car fits the mission for this project just fine.
I think that many would balk at it simply because of the SST. Whether it's because it can't hold power like the GSR currently, or because it's different; or even because the SST is basically an auto.
I wouldn't go so far to say that it can't be tuned. The MR can be tuned just fine, I think it's all the changes from the previous generation that make people think twice about it. And I can understand that. But I wouldn't say that it's undesirable.
I think that many would balk at it simply because of the SST. Whether it's because it can't hold power like the GSR currently, or because it's different; or even because the SST is basically an auto.
I wouldn't go so far to say that it can't be tuned. The MR can be tuned just fine, I think it's all the changes from the previous generation that make people think twice about it. And I can understand that. But I wouldn't say that it's undesirable.
Even though I'm an MR owner, I'd have to say no. Anytime a prospective Evo X owner asks me and the words "lot's of power" comes up, I refer them to the GSR. Because let's face it: if you want to make a ton of power in a X now, you're looking at a GSR 5-speed or not.
Yeah I'm in no way, shape, or form bashing the MR. Just many MR owners and newbs think they drive the greatest thing since sliced bread.
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Joined: Mar 2002
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From: Birmingham, AL
I'm sure this whole thread has been a learning experience for you, but I just have to add this. IF the GT-R came in a manual version too as in also, then I am positive tuner shops would mainly be tuning the manual. You can not compare the two platforms because GT-R only comes one way and is the most hyped car from Japan, period.
Your ultimate goals determine which is the best model for you. If you are looking to make a 500+whp screamer out of your car, then no, the MR is probably not the ideal starting point for you. I'll wager (already have, it appears) that the transmission in the MR will, like that in the VIII and IX, hold up to more grunt than the naysayers claim. When I sold my VIII MR, it had 370 whp, original clutch, and shifted like butter; this was after some 15 track days as well. For this car I don't plan on doing much to it, so it was perfect for my goals. YMMV.
Thread Starter
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Au Contraire` The SST and the CVT are way different.
An SST tranny has actual gears, just like a manual transmission. It simply can handle the clutching and the shifting w/o driver input.
Here is a pic of the guts inside a CVT:
Looks just like a lawn mower drive:
An SST tranny has actual gears, just like a manual transmission. It simply can handle the clutching and the shifting w/o driver input.
Here is a pic of the guts inside a CVT:
Looks just like a lawn mower drive:
I am a two week owner of an Evo X MR. I'm also extremely happy. I was an Evo 8 owner ever since they first arrived to the US in April of 03. It was my DD and I loved it. I have always owned manuals since my first car, 2G Eclipse GST.
Where the MR amazes me is how smooth you can be in the turns. Its actually quite ridiculous. I'm not planning on going crazy with HP and I have never been into stoplight starts. I hope to add a little HP eventually and do some occasional Driving Schools. I think a little extra cooling on the SST will cover any of my needs.
Where the MR amazes me is how smooth you can be in the turns. Its actually quite ridiculous. I'm not planning on going crazy with HP and I have never been into stoplight starts. I hope to add a little HP eventually and do some occasional Driving Schools. I think a little extra cooling on the SST will cover any of my needs.
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Atlanta, GA Area
In the mitsubishi training video on the CVT transmission on You Tube (which is closely related to the SST) it does state that the CVT is non-servicable.
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Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Ohio
I was about to post a big essay about why the manual is better and how no automatic, no matter how good, will ever be as enjoyable to drive, but I realized that it reflects a deep personal bias.
Bottom line is, test drive an MR before you buy one to make sure you can live with it. I did, and I couldn't. And if you think there is any possibility you will be going for big power down the road, you'd better either have a GSR or very deep pockets
Bottom line is, test drive an MR before you buy one to make sure you can live with it. I did, and I couldn't. And if you think there is any possibility you will be going for big power down the road, you'd better either have a GSR or very deep pockets