have tranny problems as reported by some of the forum members? i found out that the problems that appear are not consistent, like some would have tranny problems at 1000miles and some at 5K miles.

i am shopping for a car for autoX, and the Evo is what i have in mind. but if the tranny will not able to withstand the beating... then i gotta think twice.

i really hope those that track and autoX their Evo's give an input as to whether or not they have experienced problems.
mileage on car, #events attended and oils used. TIA.

 

Over 5000 miles, 7 autoX days so far (about 35 autoX runs), and no clutch or transmission issues.

When autoXing, I don't abuse the clutch -- generally I slip the clutch at about 3000 RPM, and I don't get that dreaded clutch smell. I could maybe gain a few tenths on my time if I launched it, but IMO it's not worth risking my clutch.

I've not done much special preparation for autoXing the car -- just dialed in a lot of camber (-1.5 to -2.0 degrees all around) and purchased racing wheels and tires. But my first event was on the stock tires and alignment, and I did pretty well there.

I take it from your sig that you drive a 3rd gen RX-7... I also drove an FD before getting the Evo, and still own it. (Check out my vehicles from my profile for a picture.) I don't think you would be disappointed by the Evo -- to me, the Evo beats the RX-7 in virtually every performance category except straight line speed from a roll.

 

bravo, nice to hear from a fellow rotor head. i have also own a 89 T2, and sold the FD; i love them and still do, but being in college wont give me the time to work on them. so, wanted a reliable DD and autoX toy.

anymore input from others?

 

You could talk to Rick. He is another convert from the RX7, as a matter of fact his screenname is SS RX7 r2

Anyway, as for transmissions, I am hearing from local autocross people that Mitsubishi is known for bullet proof trannys. This info comes mainly from Subaru drivers. The important thing is not to be rough on it. Like a****aka said, launching doesn't do much for you in autocross. And if you don't have a sequential first gear, don't downshift into it, unless you're being very careful. My transmission is working fine on my Lancer, and I only downshift on extreme hairpin turns. Otherwise, I avoid such things in favor of keeping my tranny for a long time. FWD are notorious for being had on trannys. Hope that helps, but you really should talk to SS RX7 r2, he has been autocrossing his Evo since June I believe.

 

another thing, the guys in www.socalevo.net are very active on the track if you want some more info. They even have their own forums on that wbsite. Check it out since you're local.

 

After 30 or so AX runs, the tranny is trouble free and the triple synchros on first make 2-1 downshifts a breeze if/when you need to make them. The clutch does seem sensitive though, so I have stayed away from trying to launch it as of late. Fortunately, most of the course designs around here don't encourage that anyway. I want to do a Pro Solo next year though and those do seem to encourage such behavior, so we will have to see how that works out...

JW

 

thanks for the replies guys, i'll go over to the socal forum and ask for more opinions.
that tranny thing is still bothering me tho...

TIA

 

the tranny is fine, it's the clutch issues that u're probably hearing about...or maybe the few synchro problems some have had.

btw, are u selling your FC cause im looking for one

 

I autox'ed for 6 events so far (28+ runs) and launched it by quickly slipping the clutch at around 5000 rpm. I have 5200 miles and have never had clutch or tranny issues (knock on wood). I've never even had a burning clutch smell. The clutch has grabbed well enough at the events to either lauch HARD or break the tires loose

 

geee, then i really wonder what's causing those to have tranny problems. might be the wrong breakin? i know that the tranny and clutch also needs breakin, like the engine. oilchange after 500miles is what i know.

bobaab - sorry, i dont. try the rx7 forums if you're interested. i see them around a lot.

so far i have not heard from one person that AutoX has the tranny/clutch problem. good luck guys.

 

Wow, how many of us have had an RX-7 and then jumped to the EVO? I ran CSP with my car and now I use it for open track events and instructing other drivers. It is built to IT standards for SCCA racing.

I have 1 autox mine and I haven't had any problems. Just don't launch it hard and it will be fine. I've had friends with Subies and they go through the transmissions and diffs quite a bit. (I stop trailing my car so that I wouldn't have to tow them Home.) Of course they try and launch like a rocket.

 

Odd, my tranny seems smoother after a track event then before. Less grinding and not as notchy. Some new tranny fluid is in order though to smooth it out some.

 

Coming from the subie world, most of the clutch and tranny problems have been from ignorant noobs trying to launch their AWD cars like it was some old school moostang..