Hi all,

I'm looking to purchase a nearly new Evo X in a couple of months and I'm completely confused over the transmission options.

It looks as though I'll be getting a more basic model (FQ-300, or RS), then modding it to around 400 bhp myself.

What's the general opinion on the difference between the 5 speed manual box and the SST box? The SST's seem to be much harder to get hold of here in the UK.

Any opinions/advice would be greatly appreciated.

I have the manual, but after seeing the SST in action, I'd trade in a heartbeat ;)

I find it odd when people ask for advice about manual vs automatic transmissions. They are night & day.

The SST is fine at 400bhp so power isn't a deciding factor for you. Within its power limits the SST can shift faster than a typical driver can with a manual. If this is your only criteria then I'd say go with the SST at the power level you are looking at.

I have the manual, but after seeing the SST in action, I'd trade in a heartbeat ;)


Its not that great :D

I find it odd when people ask for advice about manual vs automatic transmissions. They are night & day.

The SST is fine at 400bhp so power isn't a deciding factor for you. Within its power limits the SST can shift faster than a typical driver can with a manual. If this is your only criteria then I'd say go with the SST at the power level you are looking at.

I'm ac omplete newby to Evo's, so was looking for some general opinions.

So are you saying that if I went mad and tuned to over 400bhp, the SST gearbox wouldn't be suitable?

I did wonder why the SST isn't an option on the FQ-400.

The SST is proving to be far better than first expected, but tranny selection depends on what you want to use it for.
Cost is a big consideration if you want to mod big the SST will end up being more expensive in the long run. You have to consider the electronics behind the SST since it is a new design there may be issues later that will end up costing more for repairs if something does go wrong.

^ Agreed.

But it's hard to argue with this ;)

From Bryan @ GST . Dom 2.0 Holding 25 PSI across shifts,
http://norcalmotorsports.org/users/bryan/mods/EVO/tech/evo10/sst_boost_plot_2nd_to_5th.gif

Im right around the 400whp/500bhp point now, SST is working great, we have left all the safeties in place and are able to make the power without getting codes. At least, we are nearly there :D

^ Agreed.

But it's hard to argue with this ;)

From Bryan @ GST . Dom 2.0 Holding 25 PSI across shifts,
http://norcalmotorsports.org/users/bryan/mods/EVO/tech/evo10/sst_boost_plot_2nd_to_5th.gif

Damn! That's some pretty conclusive evidence there!

SST it is then.......

:godance:

Theres more to consider than what holds boost more across shifts. Most auto trans even "old style" trans hold boost better across shifts.

Cost is a big consideration if you want to mod big the SST will end up being more expensive in the long run.

OP, when you start pushing the limits of the SST then you are looking at some expensive upgrades. SSP sells all of the upgrades that you might want -- uprated clutch packs, oil coolers, deeper pans, etc.

The other thing to keep in mind is that once you get into those power levels on the manual transmission you have to switch to a less civilized clutch--a six puck or a twin disc. Even an upgraded SST is still an SST.

I use to be a big SST hater until I installed a six puck in my car and started realizing the compromise that it is...

The cost difference is sort of a wash too, at least for upgrades.

A good six puck clutch + upgraded master cylinder isn't THAT much cheaper than SSP's clutch pack, oil cooler, deeper pan, etc. I mean, yeah, the SST is more expensive, but at the amount of money you have to be dumping into the car for those to become issues, I can't see that being a huge deciding factor. What's 2k at that point?

The bigger issue I'd see is getting someone to work on the SST; I'm lucky. I live in Ohio, I have Buschur and Shep within a few hours drive. I don't know who else I'd go to for SST clutch pack installs, or any of that funky stuff. It's DIY-able, sure, ANYTHING is, but it's definitely something to consider. If you have to ship your car five states over since your transmission is made with magic and unicorn blood, that might be a problem.

what are you gonna use the car for? a lot of people prefer the tried-and-true old school technology 5spd.

Within its power limits the SST can shift faster than a typical driver can with a manual. That point is arguable. I'd say it does (not can) shift faster than ANY driver but that's not it's main feature as far as shifting.

It will *never* miss a gear, it will *never* select the incorrect gear (like first instead of 3rd, or 3rd instead of 5th). Show me one driver that can do that with a synchronized, manual gearbox. Just one.

I'am in a similar situation, Test drove a GSR first.
It wasw amazing, but I think it was hopped up.

A week latter I took a MR for a good drive. The MR is insane how fast it shift, yet it almost seems like you are missing a bit of the fun when you aren't slaming gears by hand.
Also I really didn't like how it starts off in first gear, seem just like a regualr automatic.
But I never got to play with the launch control.

I seriously think this is the toughest question on the planet. I've been thinking about it non stop.

Get the MR, sell it if you don't like it? I dunno.

Can't beat the MR for convenience, but I just like the feeling of a clutch and a shifter. I love rev matching and rowing through the gears. I just like the involvement of a manual transmission because I love to drive. I can drive almost any manual transmission car and at least enjoy it a little bit. An auto car, not so much.

I would get the manual. The car has enough driver aids IMO. You don't need another one. Personally I wish I could have one of each. Sst for daily with af green Turbo and the gsr with the red.

I have to say I loved the SST on my '09 Ralliart, and had the opportunity to drive a MR when I bought my GSR. It's truely a great transmission, and shifts incredibly fast.

Like a lot of others have said, if it's your daily driver and you don't plan on doing a lot of modding it's hard to beat the SST for convieniece. If you do want to mod for big power, go manual. It seems to be a lot cheaper in the long run.

I rarely miss the SST, but it was nice i traffic. The wife definitely misses it. Almost talked her into a used MR a few weeks ago. Would have been nice to have two evos in the garage.

I wish I could have one of each. Sst for daily with af green Turbo and the gsr with the red.

Totally. I'd love an MR for a daily driver.

All I can say for the SST is, its amazing!

Allot have mentioned how fast it can shift (up, and down shift with perfect rev matching) but allot don't realize how consistent the SST shifts as well (it really must be test driven to understand). I've tracked/auto x's cars for awhile now, and while I agree with everyone about the mild loss in driver involvement with no clutch, the ability to keep both hands on the wheel and down shift and up shift really helps on tight and technical courses as well as those spirited drives we all like to take (thats why you bought the car). When it comes to its daily driving habits, when I first owned my MR I kind of hated how harsh the shifting was. All it took was a good tune from Bryan@GST as well as some tweaks and now she shifts like a GTR. I also love having that extra gear (6th) for when the haters (usually CHP) are out on the prowl looking to pull over cars. Car is really quite at 70mph@ 2700 rpms. I also like that in case of emergency (and it better be a real f'n emergency for this to happen) anyone can drive my car. The way I'm seeing it, the SST is starting to show up in more models that mitsu is putting out, so I have a feeling it will only be a short amount of time before full support of the transmission (100%) will be available not only @ the dealer but allot of accredited shops who work on EVO's. After driving a twin clutch system, i doubt I will go back to a manual unless that is the only way that specific vehicle is offered. When it comes to the modding, while @ the moment the SST isn't quite making as much power as the GSR (drive train loss) I know it will only be a short amount of time before we have the TCU cracked and have the knowledge and ability to really push the SST to limits that will far surpass the potential of the stock 5 speed GSR transmission.

Just my 2cents.