Shifting tip

[SandyC]

Found this tip for shifting the Tremec transmission in a Cobra by Olthoff Racing. That 2nd to 3rd shift has bitten me more than once. Great tip!

Olthoff Racing's diving tips on shifting the Superformance Cobra Replica - YouTube

[dave from mesa]

Great tip. Nice color on the car also.

[WardL]

I really need to learn how to shift when drag racing. Assuming you start out in first gear and go through the gears without grinding, missing a shift or over-reving the engine. I have a rev limiter, so I'm not going to damage the engine. I've done some power-shifting when I was young and crazy, but now that I'm just crazy..... I've thought about trying to time everything so the clutch is all the way in as I hit the end of the throw for the next gear. Do you still keep your foot on the gas as you shift?

[Bob Broberg SPF667 460BB]

Sandy, since I changed to the Jordan Shifter my 2 to 3 shift never fails. Also for WardL: I doubt it's wise to power shift a Tremec, unless it is the 3550, and if you power shift a cobra even with a 302 you WILL get in trouble with the whole sideways thing.

AZ Bob

[Car Nut]

As with any car that is traction limited and with lots of power, power shifting will just slow you down. When the rear tires go up in smoke, you're not really propelling the car anymore.

With my limited exposure to drag racing street cars 5.0 Mustangs mostly, to C-6 Corvettes, you will get better times by lifting during the shift, because you're not overpowering the car. You still shift fast, just lifting at the instant you depress the clutch.

Besides slower times when blowing off the tires between shifts, you can really put yourself in jeopardy (getting sideways in a hurry) when the rear tires no longer have traction.

Of course, with lower powered cars it's less of a problem, but you are putting un-necessary stress on the powertrain and can break an axle, transmission, driveshaft etc, and still not go any faster.

The rules for professional racing cars are different, no clutch during shifting. They require the right touch on the gas and shifter. You can actually shift any manual transmission without a clutch with the right touch.

Just my opinion.

[DWRAT]

Originally Posted by Car Nut

Of course, with lower powered cars it's less of a problem, but you are putting un-necessary stress on the powertrain and can break an axle, transmission, driveshaft etc, and still not go any faster.

.

So Danr55 doesn't have to worry?

[Danr55]

Hark! I hear the empty rattling of the Cobraless!

[Karl Bebout]

My left foot doesn't have to do anything after I leave the starting line. A.T. is the only way to go, if you want to go "quick". I know I've lost some of the funfactor of shifting up and down through the gears for road courses, but since I like the huge rush of drag racing, I don't have to worry about how to make the 2-3 shift. Say what you want, for me, instant gratification, is top dog.

[SandyC]

Originally Posted by Karl Bebout

My left foot doesn't have to do anything after I leave the starting line. A.T. is the only way to go, if you want to go "quick". I know I've lost some of the funfactor of shifting up and down through the gears for road courses, but since I like the huge rush of drag racing, I don't have to worry about how to make the 2-3 shift. Say what you want, for me, instant gratification, is top dog.

Well then how about the ultimate in torque curve and automation, the Nissan Leaf. 100% torque at 0 rpm and an infinitely variable automatic transmission. A little weak in KW's but just think, you'd be so green that those hot eco-feminists would love you!

[xb-60]

I've never understood what advantage there could be in power shifting. If you can overpower the tyres with a normal shift, what does the power shift give you apart from the car walking sideways a little?
Can anybody convince me?
Cheers,
Glen

[Car Nut]

Originally Posted by xb-60

I've never understood what advantage there could be in power shifting. If you can overpower the tyres with a normal shift, what does the power shift give you apart from the car walking sideways a little?
Can anybody convince me?
Cheers,
Glen

See post 5

[Bob Broberg SPF667 460BB]

Karl, you also don't have to remember left from right that way. It gets so confusing at your age.

AZ Bob

[Karl Bebout]

"Well then how about the ultimate in torque curve and automation, the Nissan Leaf. 100% torque at 0 rpm and an infinitely variable automatic transmission. A little weak in KW's but just think, you'd be so green that those hot eco-feminists would love you! "
Sandy,
I'll keep my eye out for "those hot eco-feminists". Bring'um young and Bring'um often.

BobB, Left and yer left and yer left right left. Left and yer left and yer left right left. I'll never forget.

[xb-60]

Originally Posted by Car Nut

See post 5

Yep. OK. Was asking the question to clarify....so there's no advantage whatsoever in power shifting?
It's an demonstration of power, nothing more?
Cheers,
Glen

[tin-man]

Originally Posted by WardL

I really need to learn how to shift when drag racing. Assuming you start out in first gear and go through the gears without grinding, missing a shift or over-reving the engine. I have a rev limiter, so I'm not going to damage the engine. I've done some power-shifting when I was young and crazy, but now that I'm just crazy..... I've thought about trying to time everything so the clutch is all the way in as I hit the end of the throw for the next gear. Do you still keep your foot on the gas as you shift?

you could always buy an automatic transmission, like mine. I hear they are great for drag racing. tin-man

[tin-man]

Originally Posted by Karl Bebout

My left foot doesn't have to do anything after I leave the starting line. A.T. is the only way to go, if you want to go "quick". I know I've lost some of the funfactor of shifting up and down through the gears for road courses, but since I like the huge rush of drag racing, I don't have to worry about how to make the 2-3 shift. Say what you want, for me, instant gratification, is top dog.

Amen Karl, I second that concept. One of the reasons I went with an auto tranny. tin-man

[tin-man]

Originally Posted by DWRAT

So Danr55 doesn't have to worry?

U da man, whata shot, luv it. tin-man

[tin-man]

Originally Posted by Danr55

Hark! I hear the empty rattling of the Cobraless!

On the contrary Dan, DWRAT does not have to have a Cobra to make that shot and what a shot that was. Yes sir he nailed it right. LMAO: LOL::::LOL :

tin-man

[tin-man]

Originally Posted by DWRAT

So Danr55 doesn't have to worry?

guess not, he already bin there and done that, huh? tin-man

[Car Nut]

Originally Posted by xb-60

Yep. OK. Was asking the question to clarify....so there's no advantage whatsoever in power shifting?
It's an demonstration of power, nothing more?
Cheers,
Glen

Unless you have a set big sticky slicks and a drivetrain to handle it. Other than that, it's all downhill, IMO.