MrBlack2012GT

Just heard from Ford a minute ago, their mechanics have to go down a long list and dis-assemble everything but their were metal shavings everywhere throughout the block and he mentioned the knock, the guy said we're "most likely" going to need a new engine. He also asked if we have something else to drive, and yes, they gave us a v6 pony in the meantime, and he said "don't blow that up too". Gotta love Ford!

MrBlack2012GT

That was the point, the engine didn't blow up. I'm saying that Ford build a hell of a motor, we drove it around for almost 1,000 miles after the incident before the bearing finally let go. With that kind of RPM in a stock v8 you'd think a rod or piston would've launched itself from the block....

MrBlack2012GT

I live in Texas

siggyfreud

If Ford wants to look deep enough, they'll know what happened. Only one way to get to that RPM, at that speed given the known tranny and gear ratios .

Andy13186

i think there should be more safety measures preventing it from being possible to do this on accident.

siggyfreud

Short of locking out certain gears above a speed range, there isn't much that can be done. As I said earlier, this is completely a mechanical occurrence. You can have a fan that is limited to 200 rpm electronically, but if you manually spin that thing to 400rpm, there isn't anything there to prevent it from happening. Poor example as electric motors usually can spin in a much higher RPM range, but you get the idea . . .

Frankly, there is little incentive to 'fix' this, as this is generally an error NOT covered by warranty. If it has no out of pocket cost to the automaker, why would they fix it?

This is 100% user error. No different than gunning the throttle, losing the back end, and hitting a curb. Utilizing a proper shift technique, this can absolutely be avoided.

I'm not one to gripe if Ford ends up fixing it. Good for the OP . I'd be taking that money otherwise used to build a motor and setting it aside in a rainy day fund. Or pay for a few fun track days with the Pa so they can have some fun, but also learn some techniques to avoid the money shift in the future.

There are a few ways to shift, and opinions will vary, but this has always worked for me in avoiding the money shift, and I know of a few instructors that shift in this manner.
http://www.shortshifter.com/techniques2.htm

Andy13186

yea why doesnt the tranny actually lock you out of gears above a certain MPH?... that would completely prevent this. I thought it did lock you out of gears actually above certain MPH's.. try to put it in 1st or 2nd gear at 80 mph and it just wont go from what i can tell...

MrBlack2012GT

I took a look at the link, it will definately be of use in the future. Thanks for posting man!

Chromeshadow

If you want your car to make the shifting decisions for you, get an auto. I don't want a nanny shifting for me, that is why I bought a manual.

siggyfreud

No problem, and good luck with the rebuild, whatever route that takes. If you're planning on future upgrades, now may be a good time to toss in some forged parts .

Chrome, I agree with you. I think the frequency of this issue, though not super rare, doesn't warrant the money and potential maintenance expense of implementing a solution. People just get excited during a race (which is completely understandable) and start throwing their arm strength into the shift. At those RPMs, the wrong gear will naturally resist your advances, but can't prevent you from shifting if your arms will it.

Shift with your wrist, not your arm.

If you find yourself racing a lot, especially in a track environment, a lot of people will toss in stiffer transmission bushings/mounts to keep the transmission from flexing under high torque situations. There have been a few occurrences on the older M3 forums, where worn mounts allowed the transmission to flex and made it easier to hit 3rd instead of 5th, because the transmission was slightly out of position.