Slick Shift Gate for 512TR from Ricambi

Hi Guys
Ive wanted a 512TR since I was 15yrs old...20 years later I've finally achieved that dream and parked a 1993 512TR in my driveway yesterday. I've had Porsches and Corvette's but there is nothing else like that Ferrari magic I've discovered!

It is relatively high mileage at 65000kms (I'm sure some TR's have much more than that though!) and has been well maintained but I must say I am struggling a little with the gearshift, in particular first to second through the dog leg gate.

My mechanic says the shifter is properly aligned. I thought I would ask long time owners who are very skilled with their TR's and may have purchased this product: is there any benefit in buying the slick shift gate to improve the first to second shift? It seems slow and cumbersome, and at times baulks a little. I dont want to force it, but how much effort should I be placing behind the gearstick when shifting up into 2nd if all is well with the car? What would be the perfect level of rpm's to change at to get a smooth, fairly quick shift?

Many thanks for any commentary! Ferrarichat is an awesome resource.
Peter from Australia

 

John B, turbo-joe, godabitibi and 302Tim thankyou very much for the comments! I will investigate the bushings issue and also try the Redline NS.

Even though I dont have much finesse with the car yet it is still a dream to drive and sounds like nothing else! I'll definitely post some photo's once I give it a good wash.

Cheers! Peter

 

Just a quick update, took the car to my mechanic and during his driving we noticed that when he was shifting up into 2nd gear, once he had completed the shift the gearstick would actually move down back towards neutral about a centremetre slowly, as if being pushed by an invisible hand, then move a little bit back up towards second gear again on its own. The gearbox was fully warmed up and it did this several times. It rarely stayed at the top of the gate as it should with no movement.

Ofcourse it did not pop out of 2nd gear completely and grind for him like it has done with me..that classic instance of a problem going away or being less severe when the mechanic takes a look at it!

Anyway he believes that the shifter adjustment is slightly out but overall still OK as all other gears are fine; the problem is probably with the 2nd gear detents. Has anyone here had trouble with their TR gearbox like this recently? My TR's gearbox was rebuilt 10 years ago, ominously for 2nd gear being destroyed!

Thanks again for any help/shared experiences

Sam

 

Hi Melvok

Ive just finished reading your marathon repair journey with your TR...tragic but at the same time inspiring stuff that you stood by the car, rescued it and are now enjoying it to the full...Bravo! I knew about the potential basic problems but the threads you have pointed out to me are real eye openers, many thanks!

My 93 512TR's gearbox was rebuilt 10 years ago after 2nd gear was completely broken, it was a thorough overhaul with the bearings replaced, diff side bearings replaced, 2nd gear drive gear and 2nd gear driven gear replaced, 4th gear inner race, 5th gear inner race and all adjusted and assembled and the clutch also overhauled. 10 years of wear and tear on, it seems it needs more attention, with 2nd gear popping out or not even being able to be selected in the first place, leaving me revving in neutral with that awful grinding metal on metal impact sound.

This happens about 10% of the time but that is unacceptable and observing the movement of the gearstick in 2nd gear (when it actually stays in 2nd) is a real worry, and this is with a fully warmed up gearbox. Naturally the warranty for the work is long expired, but I do have the receipts for the work and the shop is respected.

I've only owned it for a week but unfortunately very soon I will have to have the engine and gearbox taken out of the car (which is disappointing as the major service was only done last year) to see what is happening with the gearbox internals. Hopefully I will not need new gears! But atleast with the help of my mechanic, this forum and very knowledgeable people like yourself we can also get my car properly "dialed in" and safe to enjoy!

Thanks again for the replies and I will keep the forum updated on how this gearbox problem is solved for future owners.