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Grinding on a baby.... shift...

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WhiteSpy9

Guest
I've been noticing that when I start off in 1st gear with a decent amount of rpms 2k-3k, I get a smooth as butter shift into 2nd and really feel the transfer of power to the wheels.

Now, if I baby shift into first (rpms less than 2k), when I shift into 2nd, it isn't butter smooth and feels almost un-natural to the car. When it is cold out it always is a fight to get the shifter into 2nd with a low rpms start in 1st.

Anyone else have the same thing going on?

I have my flame suit on... I know I'm a newb when it comes to a manual, but any info,including a flamamation) is welcomed....
 
dmention7

dmention7

Hater
I'm not completely clear the situation your describing...

For the first scenario, are you saying that you rev to around 2-3k rpms then slip the clutch to get the car moving in 1st, or you get up to 2-3k rpms in first gear, then shift to second?

My guess is, it's the latter, and that you're saying you have trouble getting smoothly into second when you shift out of first early (at around 2k rpms), since I can't really see how the rpms you launch at would affect your 1-2 shift

Part of what makes for a smooth effortless shift is that the engine speed and wheel speed are matched (for the gear you're shifting into) when you try to engage the next gear. Synchronizers in the transmission make it less critical, but it is always a smoother easier shift if all those shafts and gears are turning at the same speed when you try to engage them.

My guess would just be that when you "granny" the 1-2 shift, the engine speed is either falling to quickly or not quickly enough (compared to the time you spend in neutral) that it takes a short time for the synchros to get everything matched up so you can get into the next gear. In which case, not only do you feel some resistance getting into gear, but there is probably a bit of a jerk when you do let the clutch out again.


Solutions: Play with your shift timing.... it may help to leave your foot on the gas ever-so-slightly between shifts to keep the revs from falling back to idle, or to allow a bit more time in neutral before trying to push it into second. Also, if you haven't already, I can guarantee that switching to synthetic transmission fluid (Redline MT-90 is my choice) will smooth your shifts in almost all cicrumstances, but especially cold weather.
 
mndsm

mndsm

I'M OFFENDED!
Shift @ 6 grand every time. Solves a lot of issues.

Also, the Speed seems to like to be shifted @ a minimum of 3k, any lower, and it tends to bog and stutter. Do what Jay sez and keep the rev's a bit higher when you shift and you should be fine. If you want, we can arrange some time soon to take a look at what you mean, and we can work it out.
 
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WhiteSpy9

Guest
Ya. I guess I wasn't too clear on that....

Actually I am talking about the shift into 1st to get the car moving. If I use the minimal amount of rpms (or even none) to get the car moving while in first. The next shift into second (regardless of what rpms I shift into 2nd at), isn't smooth. This more noticeable the lesser the rpms are at when I do shift to 2nd and I always shift at atleast 3k (unless stuck in traffic).

When I get the car going with about 2k-3k rpms in frist the shift into 2nd is smooth sweet butter and reminds me of why I bought this car every time.

does that even make any sense?
 
dmention7

dmention7

Hater
I get what you're saying now, but.... no, that doesn't make any sense! lol

Honestly, I can't think of a single reason why the rpms you use to get moving in first would have any effect on the smoothness of subsequent shifts.
 
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WhiteSpy9

Guest
Me either......

you'll have to take a spin with me @ the next meet.
 
S

Slim

Guest
IIRC, you have a MS3.

I get similar issues where shifting feels clunky if I baby it. Particularly from 1st to 2nd gear. I've read complaints about the shifter on m3forums as well. It's definitely not a perfect transmission, but it's not something I worry too much about.
 
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WhiteSpy9

Guest
Nice! So I'm not crazy....

So getting the car going with 2k-3k rpms isn't so bad?

SilverMS3 said:
IIRC, you have a MS3.

I get similar issues where shifting feels clunky if I baby it. Particularly from 1st to 2nd gear. I've read complaints about the shifter on m3forums as well. It's definitely not a perfect transmission, but it's not something I worry too much about.
Click to expand...
 
S

Slim

Guest
So long as you're not missing a shift and grinding the gears you're fine. Shifting at low rpms won't hurt anything if you're shifting properly.

And if you want to see your gas mileage rise it's actually beneficial. The less you get into boost the better...well better for gas mileage.
 
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WhiteSpy9

Guest
I've found that if I double clutch when shifting from 1st to 2nd, it is always a smooth shift.

Could this mean that the synchos are worn out already?
 
mndsm

mndsm

I'M OFFENDED!
Nah. I think the syncros are meant to withstand some serious stuff in this car, given for quarter miling Mazda reccomends you flat-shift 1-2 and 2-3. I'm still curious about your problem though.
 
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