I was launching my 03 WRX at about 5,500 RPMS when racing. Now my tranny is grinding going into 5th. The racing shop told me that the syncro for 5th is shot and eventually 5th and reverse will not work.

I am going to have it rebuilt with the STI RA, light flywheel and street clutch. Total cost with installation, $3,9000.

So what is a safe/ yet fast launch for the WRX.

I have:
Vishnu ECU reflash
HKS up-pipe
B & B Downpipe with cat
HKS 3" Exhaust
HKS BOV
K and N cold air induction

 

Your 5th gear synchro has nothing to do with drag strip launching and everything to do with 4-5 upshifts. Just learn to shift better, and put the right fluid in your gearbox. I recommend a mix of Redline Lightweight Shockproof and 75w90.

 

How can I shift better going from 4th to 5th? I just shift... I don't understand how one can shift better..?!?! please explain.

~david

 

Don't just shove it into gear. That only causes premature wear. You have to kind of feel it into gear. Let the tranny do what it needs to do in order to engage the gear.

 

Yep, pretty much. You should be able to feel both the synchros meeting, and then the gear actually changing as two seperate events. Basically, allow the most time for 4-5 upshifts, especially at high speeds. Don't rush it. Just put a little pressure on it when you feel the synchros start to mesh and it will practically pull itself into the gear. FWIW my gearbox likes to grind 5th when I'm on the freeway on an uphill grade going about 75-80, but if I give it time to make the shift it's fine.

 

i've found that revving to 4500 rpm and droppin is kewl, if you wanna get a really good start. It provides you enough torque to hook your tires. And riding the clutch works but you have to be good and not let the pressure of people watching get to you.

Henry

 

dont just dump the clutch, if ya wanna strip gears its a good way if you are revin ya motor to much dont drop the clutch if you gonna launch high than 5500rpm. thats what i did an i stripped my first gear clean. so im havin to start off in 2nd. i would rev 4500 or 5000rpm an learn to slip the clutch very quickly an you will get great grip you should barck tires an gooo...