im trying to decide which evo is best for ME. comparing the 9 vs 9mr. the weaker tanny doesnt bug me cause i would love a 6 spd. if i was to have the ssl package for both what does the mr have to compensate for not having a sunroof. i want 400whp but as you know that number always goes higher. a comfy daily driver but i dont mind sacrificing comfort for performace. right now im driving an s2000 with coilovers so to me ultimate comfort is my moms corolla.

 

So what is your question? You stated it is for you so why don't you try both and decide that way. I do miss having a sunroof but I don't think about it 99% of the time.

Personally I love my IX MR. I'm at 37k+ miles, at 450whp+ (need to get retuned to see where I am exactly), and I'm on the stock clutch and tranny. I don't race much and want to keep the clutch as long as I can. When doing my 30k there were extremely few fragments on my drain plug so hopefully that is a good sign so far. I'm thinking of changing my fluids again at 40k - 45k just to be safe (and also to switch to something like AMSOil)

When the tranny goes South I've thought about building the 6spd to be more stout as I do mostly hwy driving. The 6spd is "weaker" (4th and 5th I think) but if you treat it well and maintain it properly I think it will last longer than you think.

One problem you will have is the fact that you will buy a used one so it will have a certain amount of wear that you won't be able to quantify. Do research and have it checked properly and you should be fine. If you are in Vancouver, WA then you are set. Take any car to English Racing to have it checked. Chances are they might have already seen it and would have history for you.