I was looking at an evo 9 on e bay and the owner said he replaced the 5-speed transmission with a 6-speed transmission,


"Now, if you have never driven an Evolution 5 speed, you might want to try it before you buy one because the gearing is awful. I knew that I wanted the SSL package for the sunroof, HID headlights, and leather seats so I said to myself that I could live without the 6 speed transmission that comes in the MR edition. However, considering all of these miles are highway commuting miles, I could not believe how rough the 5 speed was on the highway. You have to get used to cruising at 4000 RPM’s, which I definitely did not enjoy. I wanted the luxury and the extra gear (how it should have come from the factory). So I purchased a MR transmission and had it installed by a Mitsubishi technician. While he was in there he also added an ACT street clutch because the Mitsubishi clutches are known to go after 30,000 miles. What a difference. The 6 speed is incredible; Short, precise shifts as well as excellent use of the powerband. Crusing on the highway is at a beautiful 3300 RPM’s."


So. I was wondering, I have yet to test drive an evo 9 and i was curious is there a huge difference in cruising on the highway with a 5 or 6 speed like this guy makes it out to be? I've heard the 6 speeds are "worse" in a way but this guy is claiming the opposite? And sorry if my question is vague haha .

Thanks all!

 

yes, there is a difference. I have test drove both, and the 6th speed is so much smoother. I liked it a lot more. It will be so much better on the highway. and the 6thspd is great for DD and no more than 400whp.

 

Ok cool, thank you!

I am wondering though, I plan on DDing my car and taking it to the track every once and awhile, and sort of modding it (not sure more or less than 400hp). So i wonder if a gsr of mr would be better for me...

Just a thought, I could always see about an MR that way i don't think i would really mess with the suspension, only the engine. And if i decided a 5 speed would be better after 400 hp i could switch it out on a MR, for a 5 speed. Instead of having a rough highway ride until the 400hp mark (with the 5 speed) when, or if, it's ever reached. How close to the 400hp mark does the 6 speed start to become worse?

What about the 4th gear on the 6 speed? I've heard those can be trouble?


Thanks a lot again guys!

 

There's ~200RPM difference at cruising speed between the two.

Honestly, you'd be so better off searching the forum, yourself, in lieu of having random individuals respond to the text in an Ebay ad.

 

The 6sp can handle more than 400hp. Threw that out there because thats a soild mark. With good driving, the MR tranny can handle the same amount of power as a 5sp. If you are going to be tracking it a lot.. then I would consider the 5spd. But the 6sp is so smooth!.. worst comes to worst.. send it to shep for a build when it goes out.. !

 

I have a 5 speed and recently drove 1000 straight highway miles and although I never drove a 6 speed there is absolutely nothing wrong with a 5 speed. If you are going to be tracking get the 5 speed because I havent heard of one 6 speed that doesnt have a broken 4th gear after a few track days.

 

Hmmm, ok thanks a lot guys! Guess the only thing left for me to do is to test drive both haha. Thanks again!