Alright, so I've come to the realization that a weak link of the s2k lies in the transmission. That being the case, I'd like to do what I can to preserve it as best I can.

I understand that reducing synchro wear will reduce grinds later on down the road as miles climb. It also makes sense to me that skip-shifting (skipping gears as you up-shift, such as a 2nd to 5th or 3rd to 6th shift) can wear the synchros at an accelerated rate since the synchros will have to match the transmission from relatively high speed to a relatively very low gear speed.

I would assume then that since skip-shifting on up-shifts is bad, then skip-shifting on downshifts is also bad. Therefore, is there any safe

 

If you want to save the synchros, you will have to learn to double clutch. This essentially is the manual way to match the intermediate transmission shaft speed to the engine speed. This is how a non-syncho transmission is shifted. A double clutch is done as follows:

1) Engage clutch, put shifter in neutral.
2) Let clutch out while matching engine to transmission speed. Blip the throttle for downshifts, let off the throttle on upshifts. This gets the transmission and engine speed matched up.
3) Engage clutch for the second time and shift to the desired gear.
4) Let clutch out again. Done.

Upshifting wears the synchos less as it is easier to slow down the shaft, it happens naturally. Downshifting will benefit from double clutching.

FYI, double clutching basically eliminates the need for synchos, so it kind of defeats the purpose of having synchos. A lot of the time grinding is due to partial clutch releasing and/or just trying to force the shift and overtaxing the synchos. Try shifting by gently pushing the shifter until you feel the resistence of the gate. Wait for the synchos to match the speed and the gear shift will feel like it is being sucked to the fully engaged position. It is one of those cases where shifting "slower" will make you shift faster.

 

just make sure you rev match properly (transmission and engine are spinning at the same speed) on both upshifts and downshifts and you'll be fine.


woodwork stated that skipping gears during an upshift can put extra wear and tear on the synchronizers.

 

Just rev matching does not reduce wear on the synchos. Rev matching matches the engine speed to the transmission output shaft to prevent shocking the drivetrain. The synchros are used to match the transmission intermediate shaft to transmission output shaft.

The extra "clutch" in double clutching matches the intermediate shaft to the engine by engaging the clutch while the engine is rev matched to the new gear ratio, thus doing the synchros job. Double clutching has an implied rev match that also matches the output driveshaft to engine speed. So, all three components are speed matched.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Fongu

 

Thanks guys, that's exactly what I expected to hear!!

 

I agree with what Fongu says and have also read what Woodwork has to say about it and although he does state upshifting can cause synchro damage, I don't believe it has to.

(read here if you wish http://forums.s2ki.com/forums/showthread.p...ht=transmission , it is worth reading)

The conclusion I have come to, with much research, is that skipping gears is okay and the synchros will do their job, you just have to give them more time (you would be doing them a huge favor by double-clutching when you do this on downshifts). It should not take much force at all to engage a gear, if it does, you are straining the synchros by forcing them to do too much work too quickly. If you decide to double-clutch and get it right, it is almost like you can feel the shifter just falling into gear with almost no pressure on the stick, very smooth sensation, very rewarding, and VERY easy on the synchros if you don't mind the extra legwork. It gets to be fun, actually. In conclusion, don't forget the obvious dangers of over-revving on the down shifts, learn your gear ratios and learn them well. http://www.geocities.com/johnkennethyu/Gearing.htm

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by BlueMaxAaron
Alright, so I've come to the realization that a weak link of the s2k lies in the transmission.

 

Edit Double post

 

Double clutching?

This isn't "Fast and the Furious."

You don't have to double clutch new cars.