Rumors of "bad" tranny in DSMs?

awd-drifter · 03-21-2005

Well, I'm talking about the 90-99 Model DSMs. Alot of people say that Mitsu Manual Tranny isn't as good as others (ex. honda, acura, etc) out there and I've also heard that, as a daily driver, that the tranny for any DSM isnt "good." I thought about it and have talked to some DSM owners and people who have rode in some, about the tranny issues. Most of my replies were that driving the DSMs was nice and powerful but the tranny lacked something. Well, this issue won't be in my way of getting a DSM. All I want to know is just a little info about DSM Trannies. I know it's all about how you drive it, but most of the time, i've heard DSM trannys' arent the best. Well, all i need is to learn about the tranny just a little bit more. Thanks!!

MustGoFaster · 03-21-2005

Well, they typicaly arn't very good unless they have been re-built. Most of the time it's 1-2 syncros that wear out.

**Kracka** · 03-21-2005

The FWD trannies seem to hold up much better (not sure what you're buying), my stock one at 142k was fine, and my race-built was even better. DSM trannies are very sensitive to fluid choice, I always had the best luck with Redline fluids.

Wizard · 03-22-2005

Considering the abuse that our trannies go through and the shear amount of torque that we send through them and they still hold up with stock gearsets, etc. Who says they suck? I don't see any other stock tranny import running mid 8s. I know the Supras have gotten close, but their weak link is just the main shafts let go. Our main problem seems to be the inability of the tranny to shift at very high RPMs (but Shep and the others have seem to found the fix) and the usual 18-yr old HS kids that rod the piss out of the car and just have a habit for missing gears. My first DSM was a 92 AWD 5-spd. I ran an 11.98 at 113.2 on a 14b and never had my tranny rebuilt. I sold it and it still worked fine. It comes down to knowing the limits of what you can and cannot do. If it doesn't go in.....don't force it. You're sure to break a shift fork. Don't launch too hard or you'll break a center diff. If you miss, relax and try again next run, etc.

My key to a good tranny....get it rebuilt right the first time by Shep. Then, relax and try not to shift with your body. Shift with the arm or even wrist. If it doesn't go in or it's not quick enough for you.....it's not the trannies fault. Change your style, or make some changes (eliminate rubber bushings in the box, cables, different shift knob, stiffer motor mounts, etc).

Wiz

03-22-2005

as wizard said... it all depends on how it was treated.. if some 50yr old man drove one for most of it's life, the tranny will probably be fine, if some younger kid drove it, chances are it's been beat on alot and the tranny is probably shit. As long as you're not out launching every stop light and bangin every gear you should be fine.

awd-drifter · 03-22-2005

yeah, the old fellas from my family says that Mitsus arent good, but i keep telling them that its the way you drive it. Well, I'm planning to by the 90-92 DSMs and i actually mite have one this summer. Well, thanks tho. Hey Wizard, whos Shep? I'm not totally 100% sure, but are you talking about Shepard Racing...or something like that? lol, thanks for replying though!

03-22-2005

Shep = John Shephard... fastest and quickest AWD street car. Also rebuilds DSM tranny to handle the power.

Good luck on finding the 90-92 DSM. There is one thing you don't go try to become an "awd-drifter" :P

awd-drifter · 03-24-2005

hahahahah...yes, "awd-drifter" i want to change that name. I was pretty damn stupid back than. But my cousin has a 92 Talon Tsi AWD, and mite be selling it this summer to me! but it doesnt matter, any year DSM is good for me as long as I get a awd DSM.

**1ViciousGSX** · 03-24-2005

What, I can't believe what I'm reading.

Somebady said Mitsu's have problems, can't be. Must be those damn Honduh guys starting rumors again.

santa · 03-24-2005

Get a built tranny from TRE or Shep... I'll be going with Shep.

Kevin

**1ViciousGSX** · 03-24-2005

TRE here and doing fine.

**scheides** · 03-24-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slwlasr

if some 50yr old man drove one for most of it's life, the tranny will probably be fine

I'd be careful who you say that about, they might be reading this and if so, I might tend to disagree with ya on that one!

1slowdsm · 03-24-2005

I agree, its the way you drive the car. I didnt know any better and just wanted it in gear, so sometimes it was forced...learned the hard way. My clutch is all messed up, my tranny will be going out soon, but its a lesson learned...lol. I'm just getting a stock rebuild from TRE ($$$) and slowly rebuild my current tranny until I need it.

Yeah, I'm 18 and in High School. No one grows up perfect. I'm still learning as I go...its just what we all do at one time. Trial and Error, right. IMO

unreal808 · 03-25-2005

Tech article: Dogmission

THE MAGNUS MOTORSPORTS GEARSET FOR DSM's is now available

$4800 plus shipping, assembly can be performed in house for an additional charge

DSM’s are notoriously hard on transmissions. They have been known to take quite a bit of abuse, far more than they have been designed for. As for being indestructible; they are far from it. Anyone who drives a modified DSM will tell you, you have to be gentle with the transmission and let the power do the work.
The Magnus gearset is completely new featuring all new gear ratios and designed by racers for racers. The Dogmission is made out of a superior material over the factory box and is designed to take all of the punishment we could put it through. Every piece is proprietary, by Mitsubishi guys, for Mitsubishi guys

1slowdsm · 03-25-2005

Wow...for that price. I'd take the ShepRacing AWD Tranny instead, its about $2,000 cheaper. I'm not rich, thats why I'd go with the ShepRacing Tranny..

03-25-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by scheides

I'd be careful who you say that about, they might be reading this and if so, I might tend to disagree with ya on that one!

Let me rephrase my previous statement. If the average 50 year old man owned in for most of it's life.

Better now?

unreal808 · 03-25-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1slowdsm

Wow...for that price. I'd take the ShepRacing AWD Tranny instead, its about $2,000 cheaper. I'm not rich, thats why I'd go with the ShepRacing Tranny..

I’m with ya ,I would love to get the gear set but that price is prohibitive.