Hi Guys and Gals,
So I have been stalking the forum for a good bit now so I figured it was only far that I make a post about picking up my new (to me) evo.

2008 GSR
Cosworth Intake
Invidia Catless Downpipe 3"
Invidia Exhaust 3"
Synapse BOV
Innovative MTX-L Wideband
Grimmspeed 3 port Boost Controller
Tuned the previous owner told me 320 / 314 at the wheels

Needless to say I am in love with the car. I drove an Evo 8 for a couple months a few years ago but this is my first experience with the X.

So I have some noob questions; the transmission was replaced about 4k ago with a transmission that had 33k on it, as well as new T case and Clutch. When I am driving the car I always get a little grind going into 2nd and 3rd unless I shift quickly at like 4k RPMs. So I guess is this normal? Is there something I should be doing that I am not?

My second question is assuming the transmission is just new driving issues, what would you guys and gals recommend for the next mod? I plan on driving the car for a couple months before throwing any other mods into it just to get used to what I already have.

Thanks for all the help ahead of time.

 

Congrats and welcome!

2nd to 3rd shifts are always the roughest. Is it grinding or it just feels notchy? Notchiness is very common for the evos AFAIK.

As far as the next mods, how is the car's AFR? I personally would get a retune from my choice of tuner, just to be on the safe side. And would leave it for 3 or so months and get to know how the car handles.

I would recommend reading - even more, articles/blogs about mods and how each mod affects the car's performance. Then decide from there.

Enjoy the new (to you) ride

 

I guess it could be Notchy. I know some times I have issues getting into 2nd but not very often.

I have an AFR gauge and to the best of my knowledge I sit right around 14 to 15 most of the time. I know the car's previous owner had it tune to around 14 psi or at least thats what the gauge says

 

Anyone else have any recommendations?

 

I just picked mine up and noticed the tranny being notchy as well. The clutch pedal also feels heavy, and heel toe is difficult to execute... I guess it's just how this car is and something to get used to. After all, its a high horsepower car designed for the track, and as far as I'm aware, the shifts are better at high rpms.

 

At first I found heel-toe to be difficult as well. I played around with my seating position and realized I have my wallet on my left back pocket, which causes my pelvis to rotate to the right, shortening my right leg, and limiting the rotation of my heel resulting in missed heel-toe attempts.

What I do is I adjust my butt so that my weight is on the left side, this compensates the rotation of my pelvis and allows me to twist my heel further toward the gas pedal

 

Some attest to changing the transmission fluid. There are various cocktails that allege helping smooth things out for shifting:

https://www.maperformance.com/produc...ishi-evo-x-gsr

Then you can also add a heavier shift knob which helps throw it into gear a bit easier due to the leverage. Past that you can look at shift bushing kits that should solve any other issues you don't like about the stock setup.

Lot of good information out there if you start seeing what to search for.

Good luck with the new car

 

Thanks for all the great help. I am talking with the previous owner to see if he has any words of wisdom he can pass down but if I still have issue I think I will try out that redline cocktail. Seems like a pretty simple potential fix.

Any thoughts on the next mod? I think my game plan is to try to sit about 400/450 whp DD.

 

Get used to it for a few months, drive it. Once you know it is solid and you have a good feel for 'what is missing' then start planning your mods. Use the time while getting used to the car and ensuring it is solid to research the car and modifications for it. Search for things like 'bolt ons EVO X' and 'mods to do before turbo' etc..

Final advice, don't approach the car 'for a number'. You may be happy with the car stock, lightly modified, or never stop chasing the beast. But until you are comfortable with the car, and can drive it at the limit stock, it's not a good idea to say I need to be at 400-450 because you may hate the car at that level lol. (your gas card will!)

Good luck and enjoy.

 

I've changed all of the fluids in my car the week I got it. Decided to check the air filter yesterday, and omg im so happy i did. I't looked like a mass grave for bees. I guess the previous owner lived somewhere in the countryside...

 

If the transmission is "notchy" i.e. it just catches a bit then it's probably ok but if it's grinding on the shifts then there's definitely something wrong.