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Thanks for commenting more detail based on your controls experience. I can't state the downsides enough... If the clutches were able to handle launches, I would think ZF would have omitted all the complications of designing a TC from the beginning...
On the KERS topic (cool links!), it is worth noting that the 3rd generation 8HP transmissions do have the electric motor that you speak of as an available option on hybrid models, which replaces the TC. They range anywhere from 15kW (20hp) to 200kW (270hp). I can only imagine the aftermarket potential if someone wanted to toss a 200kW motor behind a 500+hp ICE powertrain for performance application... The torque infill that motor could provide to the powerband would be nutty (similar to that Z you posted honestly)
Sorry to thread high jack but since we started with a 6 speed discussion. I just got back from RA last weekend and now that I'm forcing air through, I'm in 5th a few times. I've noticed that despite my best efforts and a shifter rebuild kit, I'll clip the "edge" of reverse multiple times per session. Any tips on how to avoid that? Is there anything out there that can mechanically help besides a shifter rebuild? I've posted this before but I'm once against starting to feel jealous about my buddies 5 speed b/c he can just slam it hard right to get up into 5th and I find myself doing a bit of a robot hand dance rather than comfortably just pushing right and up.
I ran into the same thing right when I got my first 6 speed. Reading through a few threads, I think I saw a post from Emilio or Savington saying that finding 5th is much easier if you "flat palm" the shifter, pushing it with a semi-open hand towards 5th as opposed to grabbing it and guiding it in a sort of L-shape towards 5th. Hard to describe over text but that actually worked for me.
My initial 6 speed had a homebrewed short-throw shifter and the technique listed above solved all my issues with finding 5th while driving on the limit. My current 6 speed is an early-vin though and I'm using the stock shifter because I don't have any other shift levers that'll work on it. I still miss 5th more often than I'd like but I usually don't push the lever far right enough, so opposite of your concern. I think I could hone my technique with a little more practice but I'm just gonna grab another short-throw shifter because I'm over it.
I ran into the same thing right when I got my first 6 speed. Reading through a few threads, I think I saw a post from Emilio or Savington saying that finding 5th is much easier if you "flat palm" the shifter, pushing it with a semi-open hand towards 5th as opposed to grabbing it and guiding it in a sort of L-shape towards 5th. Hard to describe over text but that actually worked for me.
My initial 6 speed had a homebrewed short-throw shifter and the technique listed above solved all my issues with finding 5th while driving on the limit. My current 6 speed is an early-vin though and I'm using the stock shifter because I don't have any other shift levers that'll work on it. I still miss 5th more often than I'd like but I usually don't push the lever far right enough, so opposite of your concern. I think I could hone my technique with a little more practice but I'm just gonna grab another short-throw shifter because I'm over it.
Yea, I had been taught that previously and just forgot about it for the track day until just now. Let me tell you how embarrassing it is to get a point by at the start of a straight and miss 5th and need every last second to get it back in gear, then pass just before the upcoming turn. OMG.
Thanks for the quick reply and sorry for the thread high jack, I love what I'm reading here b/c honestly I was thinking about finding a 6 speed that has reverse in a different place to avoid this. I'm 220ishwhp on stock internals so not nearly the thread of trans explosions as you, so good luck!
Dude, I'm in the exact same boat as you. Had the same woes going on last track day. So much anxiety trying to find 5th after missing the gate while simultaneously trying to manage everything else that's going on
No sweat on the thread jack. There's a lot of good information getting passed along here.
Funny enough, the previous trans I mentioned seems to be almost totally fine as far as the internals go. I just tore it down and found one of the shift forks straight up missing a bushing. The last dude who rebuilt it must have it sitting in his garage
I run the tall angled, and not only does it pretty much eliminate the missed shifts, it is easy to quickly move between steering wheel and shifter ****
The MiataRoadster short-shifter (the extended & angled version) solved all shifting woes in my MSM track car. It's magic!
Originally Posted by Gee Emm
^^^
What he said.
I run the tall angled, and not only does it pretty much eliminate the missed shifts, it is easy to quickly move between steering wheel and shifter ****
Any chance you guys mind posting pics? There's too many options for my smooth brain to choose from! While I spit my coffee out when i saw the price, its something I'd gladly pay to not feel like i'm going to money shift or hit the reverse "corner" everytime i'm looking for 5th.
I have the GR shifter on my 6spd which has been subjectively as good as the MR one in my experiences. Wanted to give it a go as I got it on a Black Friday deal and I've not been upset. No more missed shifts and I like how it looks
I wanted to procure a GR shifter myself but messaged Keith last week and was told he was moving and won't be producing any more until April. Bummer. Tried one on my buddy's 5 speed last month and it felt ****.
I wanted to procure a GR shifter myself but messaged Keith last week and was told he was moving and won't be producing any more until April. Bummer. Tried one on my buddy's 5 speed last month and it felt ****.
What is a GR shifter for those of us listneing in?
The CAE shifter has a reverse lockout. It is a bit more expensive, but it is an option if you absolutely can't miss 5th. Coolerworkx is a slightly cheaper alternative that also has a reverse lockout, but I haven't seen one in use yet.
I went ahead and bought a miataroadster shifter. Bill's sending me 2 different options to try out and send back whichever I don't like. Definitely recommend working with him! Hopefully the shifter helps out with that nasty 4 to 5 shift in the 6 speed.
I wanted to update that I got the angled/extended shifter in. Man it feels amazing! I will admit that its still not quite as rigid as my buddy's five speed. I did some public road rips and didn't miss a quick 5th gear shift. Promising start, but the proof will be when I'm on the track full helmet, at 105mph trying to get into 5th lap after lap.