Kotobuki

So, I've done a couple quick runs up to speed on the street lately just for fun, which is all of about 40MPH. Once I hit that, it's time to just cruise on along. Anyway, when doing these launches the 1-5 shift takes forever for the syncros to catch up. It feels like well over a second that I'm floating in neutral, waiting to be able to put it in 5th.

Is this typical? Or are my synchros on the way out? I just swapped the tranny fluid out a few weeks ago with Amsoil ATF, I was hoping that would help with some of the gear noise and "typical" (per Ford dealer when I asked them to check out said noise) shifting noise on 1-2 at low speeds. This is also the first manual I've driven on any sort of regular basis.

Anyway... just curious about the synchro thing.

exx1976

The 1-5 shift??

chp2150

+1.

1-5 shift? More 'splainin' to figure this one out!

explict

Wide open throttle tothe top of firstthen put it into 5th I think he means.

Kotobuki

Explicit is exactly correct. 1st gear tops out at just about 40... I think it might be 41 or 42... the low end for engaging 5th (for fuel economy reasons, suggested in the owners manual) is 40. Obviously, fuel economy isn't exactly the purpose of the acceleration... (Making the lady in the passenger seat squeal gets that covered) but once I'm to that speed, there's no reason to hit the other gears... which is the whole point of a synchronized transmission, no?

Anyway, I realize the synchros need time to catch up... but does that seem excessive? Any of you other guys wanna give it a try, and see how it goes for you?

exx1976

Well, I've never done 1-5 before, but I frequently go 1-2-5, or sometimes 1-4. In any case, my shift to the higher gear is very slow, meaning that I move my hand/arm very slow. Why? I'm waiting for the engine to slow back down.. Who wants to stuff it in 5th at 5800? Luuuuuuuuuurch-CATCH!

Why do you want to go 1-5 so fast anyway? So it takes a second. Let the engine slow down some.. It's better for the clutch anyway..

Kotobuki

It's not that I'm in any particular hurry to get it in 5th. Just, as I said, first manual I've driven on a regular basis, and more curiosity than anything. Well, and a healthy bit of paranoia... I did get it used. Of course, it's not like it's a regular event anyway... just trying to keep my eyes out for anything curious.

Nuke

Hmmm, winding it out in 1st and shifting to 5th... for economy? Let me get up off the floor... And with my 3.55's, I won't touch 5th no slower than 50 MPH. I HATE lugging the engine.

40 MPH? We have a speed demon here. If I can't see triple digits at least once per week I ache.

Kotobuki

As I said, the 1-5 isn't for the sake of economy, so feel free to get off the floor. And with Cruise control, and living in TX where there is no elevation change, 40 in 5th works just fine and dandy.

As for Triple digit speeds... Only if I take it to the track, my friend. The open roads are not designed for that kind of speed here, and I'll not endanger myself, much less anyone else for such frivolity.

shoeys08dkcandygt

+1 nuke. i seem to see triple digits at least once a week if not once a day. all interstate rides to and from work. she is just to much fun to drop the shifter to 3rd at 80mph and just hammer down on it, till bout 120 when i shift into 5th. i dont think i have ever done the 1-5 shift ever. in any of the 6 manual cars ive owned. maybe the 1-3-5 shifts. but that is just to help with gas. with the 3.55 gears its just to much fun to launch the car everytime i get a chance too.