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With the Evo VIII and IX, there was concern over the 6sp transmission in the MR melting/shearing 4th gear from heavy track usage, it happened frequently enough that anything more than 10-15% more torque over stock could cause it. Some were adding oil coolers, but the guaranteed fix was to plop in the 5sp from the standard Evo because the gears were just plain fatter, and the tranny was mechanically a little more simple. Both transmissions were the same outer size, so the 6sp gears were narrower to make them fit. While it was a better tranny in every other department, it made sacrifices in strength. The 5sp was the go-to for anyone tracking the car a lot.
Apples and oranges, but in this case the 5sp was better purely for strength. In the 86, close ratio 6sp is the way to go for all the reasons mentioned already. I just wish it was designed and built a little better.
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