I have read a couple threads that say no WOT in 5th on Evo X, but have yet to come across an explanation. Can anyone tell me why? Sorry for n00b question.

 

You can go WOT in 5th as long as you keep it in the higher RPM range. Flooring it in 5th at low rpms spools the turbo quicker, massively increases load, and results in a torque spike. The connecting rods and pins on the X don't like this, so in protest they might escape the block very angrily.

 

Is this an issue regardless of make/model.

 

pretty much

 

It's just common sense. Drive around like a good commuter, slow shift all the way to 4th to the point where your only going 45mph, then hit the gas. It just sounds bad for your car lol.

 

I learned this in my first turbo car, a Peugot 505 in 1999! Threw a rod

 

zoom zoom boom!

the mechanical reason is that when you're at low RPM in a tall gear like that, and go WOT, it' puts an extreme load on the engine. Imagine trying to accelerate on a bicycle in first gear, and then in 12th gear. 12th gear requires a lot more effort because of the ratio.

If you shift at like 5000 rpm into 5th it should be okay, but then you're doing 120mph and better be on a race track!

 

Now I can relate to that analogy! Thanks man! I was trying to come up with something to explain to my customers. I'm borrowing that.

 

Crazy talk. With a proper tune you can go WOT in any gear you want at any reasonable RPM. I do 5th gear roll-ons all the time to pass traffic. People act like our internals are made from balsa wood...58k miles and holding strong at 425whp/400wtq (sees 27-28psig daily).

 

I agree, but what do you consider reasonable?

 

oh I agree completely, if you're up around 4500-5000 it should be okay.

I know that my tune has some sort of nanny mode that prevents catastrophic engine damage, but I don't know much more than that. And I know virtually nothing about tuning 8/9's