Is MR version of the Evo X undesirable for tuning?

Jim in Tucson · Mar 8, 2009, 02:02 PM

I keep looking for threads about shops (or individuals, for that matter) who are pursuing tuning projects on the EVO X MR. In this forum I find only two:

AMS working their magic on my Evo MR ... in NC.

bmincey's EVO X MR

And one in another X sub-forum:

Evo X MR Dyno Results

Are these MRX cars becoming the pariah of the EVO tuning community? At one time the MR was considered the most sought after of all EVO models. What happened? Did releasing the GSR first put all of the EVO brain trust to work on it with nothing left over for the MR?

The MR has been out for over 6 months now, and to my knowledge, not a single EVO shop, or any tuner shop for that matter, has bought one. I hope I'm wrong; please correct me if I am.

It can't be the new fangled transmission, as the Nissan GT-R has an automated manual as well and it has no shortage of shops trying to squeeze out more power.

So, what's up with the EVO X MR?

**Noize** · Mar 8, 2009, 05:47 PM

Thread moved.

Clark_Kent · Mar 9, 2009, 09:00 AM

You can't compare the Nissan GT-R and its successes to that of an Evolution. They're not even in the same league. Personally, I do believe it is the choice of transmission by Mitsubishi that is hindering the MR from being the Evolution of choice. When I was shopping for an Evo X the MR wasn't even a consideration. To put things into perspective, even if I could have gotten an MR for the same price as my GSR (got a crazy deal btw) I still would have passed that deal up. I don't think I speak for myself on this either.

DarwinX · Mar 9, 2009, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clark_Kent

You can't compare the Nissan GT-R and its successes to that of an Evolution. They're not even in the same league. Personally, I do believe it is the choice of transmission by Mitsubishi that is hindering the MR from being the Evolution of choice. When I was shopping for an Evo X the MR wasn't even a consideration. To put things into perspective, even if I could have gotten an MR for the same price as my GSR (got a crazy deal btw) I still would have passed that deal up. I don't think I speak for myself on this either.

I totally agree.

Shifting should occur 100% manually via a lever coming from the center/floor of the car in combination with a manual clutch operated using the left foot, not from an "automatic" paddle attached to the steering wheel.

The complexity & extra cost of the SST tranny alone I would think is enough to turn people off.

WWevoX · Mar 9, 2009, 09:12 AM

I believe Buschur or one of his employees has an MR. Well atleast the clip of them testing there exhaust is an MR.

I also agree with Mr Kent.

Jim in Tucson · Mar 9, 2009, 10:44 AM

Why so many haters of the SST equipped EVO X MR, but so many lovers of the same type of tranny in actual racecars? And in the GT-R? And in many other high-end cars?

Is the EVO perceived primarily as a white-trash type of car, so the SST is simply excessively sophisticated for the average EVO owner?

Why are the same EVO owners that insist on manual trannys perfectly happy with automated engine fueling and timing? Why are computer-controlled engines OK, but computer-controlled trannys are an abomination?

Wicked X · Mar 9, 2009, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim in Tucson

Why so many haters of the SST equipped EVO X MR, but so many lovers of the same type of tranny in actual racecars? And in the GT-R? And in many other high-end cars?

Is the EVO perceived primarily as a white-trash type of car, so the SST is simply excessively sophisticated for the average EVO owner?

Why are the same EVO owners that insist on manual trannys perfectly happy with automated engine fueling and timing? Why are computer-controlled engines OK, but computer-controlled trannys are an abomination?

I think it is because the sst can only hold about 350 HP while the 5ST can hold hold 500-600+

PR_Mivec · Mar 9, 2009, 10:53 AM

it is not the same

automated engine fuel and timing can be controlled or altered where as the auto tanny is not.. because you can argue it is sst, double clutch blah blah,, but it is still automatic

the tranny it self is a non serviceable item making it sophisticated crap (pardon me those who have mr)

i have a close friend w/ an MR and another one W/ a Ralliart and both fried the tranny because of power.. solution.. 5speed tranny

CatalystGod · Mar 9, 2009, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clark_Kent

You can't compare the Nissan GT-R and its successes to that of an Evolution. They're not even in the same league. Personally, I do believe it is the choice of transmission by Mitsubishi that is hindering the MR from being the Evolution of choice. When I was shopping for an Evo X the MR wasn't even a consideration. To put things into perspective, even if I could have gotten an MR for the same price as my GSR (got a crazy deal btw) I still would have passed that deal up. I don't think I speak for myself on this either.

I totally agree. In fact, the GT-R comes with a revised warranty for 2009 that says the warranty is void if launch control is known to have been used. Too many people tanked their trannies because they thought they got an unbreakable monster and it is a really expensive car to work on.

Mitsu on the other hand puts the car in limp mode to allow the SST to cool off if overheating is detected. Mitsu also clearly stated that those wishing to modify the evo in excess of 350HP should be better off with the GSR as opposed to the MR.

Basically, the auto clutch manuals have not matured to the level of pure manuals in terms of pure strength. Once this happens, we'll see more people willing to go over the 350hp barrier. But until then, GSR is really the only choice in Mitsu if you want to get serious with power mods. That is the only reason you see so many GSR builds as opposed to the MR builds.

goofygrin · Mar 9, 2009, 12:20 PM

$40k vs. $30k.

Plus IMO, the MR looks trashy with the chrome. I don't like the seats, but I like the interior plastic bits better than my GSR plastic. The terribly painted exterior vents look like ass as well.

Plus the SST is NOT where it's at... although they are wicked faster on the track... the modability of a MR/SST just isn't that great... and mods and big power numbers sell parts.

EvoG8r · Mar 9, 2009, 05:02 PM

SST is a new tranny and can not hold a ton of torque. I don't think many people are interested in a possible $7,000 problem right now. I would have bought an MR if I knew it could reliably hold 500wtq. I like the SST.

boostin20 · Mar 9, 2009, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jim in tucson

is the evo perceived primarily as a white-trash type of car, so the sst is simply excessively sophisticated for the average evo owner

wtf?

tokeone · Mar 9, 2009, 07:07 PM

i think a big point thats being missed is all the parts for a gsr can be added to an mr just as easily. seeing as how its the same engine...

the sst just wont handle the power.
so theres really no point for most shops to do it, otherwise theyd have been done modding like a year ago.

Jim in Tucson · Mar 9, 2009, 07:34 PM

I understand the SST is considered weaksauce. In fact, so is the motor to a lesser extent. Yet AMS quickly figured out that the engine needs to be sleeved, so that's just what they did.

Why isn't some shop doing the same with the SST? Turn up the wick, find out what breaks in the SST, then figure out how to make a better stronger part. Rince and repeat.

**Noize** · Mar 9, 2009, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim in Tucson

Why so many haters of the SST equipped EVO X MR, but so many lovers of the same type of tranny in actual racecars? And in the GT-R? And in many other high-end cars?

Is the EVO perceived primarily as a white-trash type of car, so the SST is simply excessively sophisticated for the average EVO owner?

Why are the same EVO owners that insist on manual trannys perfectly happy with automated engine fueling and timing? Why are computer-controlled engines OK, but computer-controlled trannys are an abomination?

Are you off your head or did you buy your VIII last week? "White-trash type of car?" This isn't an autotragic Mustang GT, its one of the best handling and tunable sedans in the world.

No, the Evo is a tuner car and bought mostly by people who mod. If the GTR's robust transmission can't handle a few launch control launches on stock power without failure, what chance do you think an SST has when modified? Answer: None.

Not only that, the SST saps more energy through the driveline, so they dyno lower. Its a fast shifter, but when the car starts making acceptable or appreciable power, its reliability is lessened and it starts going into lockdown to protect itself. Lame.