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» Supporting Vendor Directory |
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09-20-2008, 07:12 AM
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#1 (permalink)
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Faster shifting Ideas & experiments
I now have aprx 6,000 miles on my 08 passion and I've tried many ways of getting the transmission to shift as quickly as I can. It has improved a great deal with more miles on the clock.
I've tried many different combos and believe it or not, my car shifts up gears the quickest when I DEPRESS the accelerator (in manual mode) right up to the kickdown stop just when its changing and then bring it back just after shifting. It's not the smoothest but it seems to get into the next gear without as much bog/slip. Its important not to press the pedal too far or it will get into kickdown mode and even drop a gear as there seems to be many automatic overides even in manual mode (ie, shifting to 2nd automatically from 1st if you get to redline or downshifting when the computer thinks its necessary.)
bliping the throttle does help it get it into gear in downshifting mode faster but there's not much engine braking there.
I wonder if a lighter flywheel would dramatically quicken shifts as the rpms would drop quicker naturally.
Also, it would be interesting for some tuners to create a way to turn the left paddle into a hand operated clutch and just split the right paddle for up and down shifting and create a true manual mode.
Just some mindless thinking out loud!
Regards
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09-20-2008, 01:13 PM
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#2 (permalink)
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faster changes
you can get smoother and faster changes if you change the standard air filter for a sports one, the engine breathes better and a side effect is it changes better, it is a cheap and cheerful mod and I know a lot of you guys over in America don't like the transmission on the smarts, so this helps, never using auto mode also helps, as it sucks, stick to manual.
El
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09-20-2008, 01:23 PM
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#3 (permalink)
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will be here April16,09
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Headless speaks the truth!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by headless
you can get smoother and faster changes if you change the standard air filter for a sports one, the engine breathes better and a side effect is it changes better, it is a cheap and cheerful mod and I know a lot of you guys over in America don't like the transmission on the smarts, so this helps, never using auto mode also helps, as it sucks, stick to manual.
El
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Go for the air intake, K&N and better exhaust system. You will have a very different car!! The shifts will be faster, smoother, and no lag!! 
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09-20-2008, 01:28 PM
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#4 (permalink)
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Summer of Love +42 ;^)
Location: Down by the rivers, Dry Side WA,
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Quote:
Originally Posted by headless
you can get smoother and faster changes if you change the standard air filter for a sports one, the engine breathes better and a side effect is it changes better, it is a cheap and cheerful mod and I know a lot of you guys over in America don't like the transmission on the smarts, so this helps, never using auto mode also helps, as it sucks, stick to manual.
El
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Agreed on the intake upgrade smoothing out the shifts, but a lot can be said of having a "touch" with the gas pedal that develops over time.
I cheerfully disagree about the auto mode. For most driving, it is great! And there are occasions when in congestion that it is helpful to shift manually. I have learned to like the trans either way.
$.02 & Cheers,
Timo
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09-20-2008, 01:52 PM
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#5 (permalink)
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?*?*?
Location: Panama City, Florida
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Quote:
Originally Posted by smart fortimo
I have learned to like the trans either way.
$.02 & Cheers,
Timo
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I also use both. Maybe it's just me, but starting into motion entering a turn (from a traffic or stop light) in manual isn't very practical. Since the car wants to shift to 2nd while halfway through the turn and the upshift paddle is inaccessible. I haven't used manual via the shifter ... maybe that would be the solution in this situation.
I find manual particularly useful when entering a corner already in motion. Whereas doing this in Auto can result in a second or two of transmission indecision ... putting it in manual and downshifting provide power through the turn.
But, I just freely switch between Auto and Paddles and this works for me!
My 2˘
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09-27-2008, 01:19 PM
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#9 (permalink)
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Shift with the stick
Quote:
Originally Posted by NCC1701
I also use both. Maybe it's just me, but starting into motion entering a turn (from a traffic or stop light) in manual isn't very practical. Since the car wants to shift to 2nd while halfway through the turn and the upshift paddle is inaccessible.
My 2˘
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Use the stick to shove it in to second; or if turning at a light start in 2nd....
Cheers
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