Why second gear on cold boxes is a pain in 5 gear cars...

"This also explains why RedLine Superlight Shockproof helps the shifts."


I have perfect shifts. I use RedLine Superlight Shockproof which makes an enormous difference. If you are using RedLine Superlight Shockproof and still get a grinding sound going into 2nd gear, it is most likely from shifting at RPM levels that are too low, such as short-shifting into 2nd gear when 1st gear hasn't even reached 4000 rpms.

Shift at or above 4000 RPMS to avoid clunking/grinding.

Another trick is to keep your foot pressed onto the gas pedal during the entire shift. This is counter-intuitive and difficult for most people to do (fear!), but you will get great shifts this way in 348's.

 

I have just changed over from Shell 75w90 to Redline 75w90NS and I must say I have not noticed a difference.

Still baulks in second when cold and need to get second before going into first when going to first while stationary and warm.

Agree keep the revs up and change quickly and everything works well.

Might try the Redline “shockproof” next time.

 

I changed to the Redline NS and it has made a difference. It took about 100 miles or so before you could really tell. 1st to 2nd, even when cold, is like a knife through hot butter at 4,000 RPMs.

The more difficult shift for me the downshift to 3rd from 2nd. Any pointers there?

 

I also use Redline 75W90NS on my 348 and I have to say the cold shifting is improved but still hard, specially the second gear. When hot, overall it's OK but nowhere excellent. To me, the transmission is probably the down point of the 348 .... but I still love her !
Next time I will try "Shockproof". and I'll let you guys know.
Thanks for the info.
Roberto

 

I also use Redline 75W90NS on my 348 and I still can't shift into second until the box warms up...just assume it is part of the ownership experience and not a big deal.
I have yet to try keeping my foot planted while shifting. If I do that, won't it burn up the clutch?
MB

 

No problems with the 1st to 2nd shift when cold - I try to keep revs over 4k in 1st before upshifting though. I must say, I agree with the 'pedigree of racing' theory on the gearbox and that they are specifically designed for enthusiastic use - being less suitable and thus less user freindly when 'pottering'. I recall the first time I really 'got' Ferraris was a flat-out dash from a junction involving full deployment of power to make use of a gap in traffic - accelerating flat out from first and through the gears to the redline in each revealed that the ratios were perfectly matched to the pace of progress and engine characteristics and allowed rapid changes.... the car literally came alive in my hands and suddenly everything made sense and complimented eachother, I can still remember the feeling now.... Conversely they can be a bit 'awkward' with less enthusiastic use as the components are compromised from the harder use they were designed for.

 

My 348 allways shifted bad from 1 to 2nd when cold.

After a new bearing on the oil pump shaft, and some cheap gear oil (run in) oil, the car shifts like butter into 2nd even when cold.

I dont think there i much more a expensive oil can do, but we will see when I change it...

 

I use RedLine 75W90NS and agree that when cold still difficult, but when hot it is excellent. I actually notice that sometimes even when cold it isn't that bad, but when warm/hot no issues whatsoever.

 

I also use Redline NS in my 348. No 1-2 cold shift problems at all down to mid 50's temps (Phoenix Az in March after I finished my major). Also no differential chatter around corners that some have had.

 

This doesn't seem right to me. If I shift at 1500, it goes to 0? (OK, like I'd really shift a Ferrari at 1500 rpm, but just for discussions sake). The rpm difference should be dictated by the ratios in the transmission...

 

after reading alot on here it sounds like the redline SHOCKPROOF is the way to go? any downside to it?

can someone link me to the change procedure? THANKS

 

Just recently there were 2 threads on this, and a member tried a few different with some feedback. Check these

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=262548

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=262606

 

What material are the syncro rings in the 348/355?

If the rings are brass/bronze alloy, has anyone considered the compatibility of the various oil additives (sulfer compounds) and their effect on the life of the rings vs the benefit of the improved gear change over time??

I also heard rumor about some additives in the shockproof versions eventually clogging GB oil pump and filter systems??

Anyone else heard about this?

I use MT90 in my 355 for these reasons.

 

There is a warning on Redline product about this, but FChat member No Doubt posted somewhere within the last 7-10 days that he checked his filter on a few occasions and there was no sign of clogging.

 

so it seems to be an endless debate? good or bad...gr8 that helps a bunch.lol

 

I would love to use the shockproof as I believe it does improve 1-2nd cold shifts... But I will stick with the NS as Redline does not recommend the shockproof in terms of protection. I believe it comes down to what the owner values most - performance or protection. I don't have a lot of $$ so I gravitate to the protection side of things.

 

I agree, this part struck me...

I will use a late model Corvette for example.

First gear is good for 60 mph at 6500 rpm.
Sixth grear is good for 60 mph at 1200 rpm. This a a 5300 RPM drop.

Let's slow down.

First gear is good for 30 mph at 3750 rpm.
Sixth gear is good for 30 mph at 600 rpm. Here we only have a 2150 rpm drop.

It is a linear equation. If it was an absolute, then I would love run -4700 rpm at 30 mph.

The ration themselves are fixed, but the difference in speed is completely linear with the speed of the drivetrain.

At 2000 RPM the difference in speed between the gears is going to be half as much as it would at 4000 RPM, which is half as much as it would be at 8000 PRM.

 

The original post seemed to be a very logical explanation of the issue. But people are saying it is not entirely true? I am confused.

 

No question there are workarounds that achieve better shifting results.

The gearboxes were designed to work with Agip oil. They don't shift for **** when cold, never have.

My conclusion is that lousy engineering is to blame.

These are street cars after all and you don't see the same degree of shifting problems from other makes.

 

I have had problems with difficulty with second gear when cold. Perhaps I am being too conservative, but I keep the RPM's below 4,000 until the oil temp comes up to operating temperature.

I changed from the Redline 75W90 NS GL-5 Gear Oil to the MTL 70W80 GL-4 Gear Oil which has made a big difference in the cold shifting. It is like a new transmission.

 

GL-4 is not approved by Ferrari for 348s and 355s. Ferrari says GL-5 for our cars.

Because I do so many street and track miles, I've tried many, many gear oils, and the MTL was one of the worst. Just my experience.

 

Good to hear, that is what Rifledriver recommends for many Ferraris with shifting issues.