How do you know if your gearbox changes properly | FerrariChat
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How do you know if your gearbox changes properly

Discussion in '308/328' started by bertspeed, Oct 23, 2016.

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  1. bertspeed

    bertspeed Formula Junior

    Sep 19, 2009
    308
    #1 bertspeed, Oct 23, 2016
    Without driving a number of other 308s how would I know if my gear changes are as they should be.I know its not meant to be a fast change but is there a more scientific way of checking.I just took it out for a drive today after fitting a new battery and the motor seemed extra strong,but Ive still got doubts about the gearchange.
     
  2. PDB

    PDB Formula Junior

    Feb 1, 2011
    602
    Leicestershire, UK
    Full Name:
    Paul
    #2 PDB, Oct 23, 2016
    I have the same concerns about mine. It feels tight, even when thoroughly warmed up and sometimes feels rather notchy.
    I'm going to change the oil over the winter as I understand this can have a marked effect on the gear change quality and feel.

    Paul
     
  3. Irishman

    Irishman F1 Rookie

    Oct 13, 2005
    3,524
    Raleigh
    Full Name:
    Kevin
    #3 Irishman, Oct 23, 2016
    I had two independent experts, at one time called 'consultants' on F-chat, that have *many* years of experience drive and evaluate my car for a sort of mini-PPI. On both occasions, a few years apart, I noticed that both commented that my car had a "nice gearbox". There were no shifting problems mentioned. One commented that mine did not make a whining noise that was characteristic of most gearboxes.

    So, if you're curious, I would suggest spending a little time and money with an expert if you can find one. The first evaluation was maybe an hour. The second one was quite longer and I enjoyed time in the shop with the expert going over my car from one end to the other, and of course, driving it. I thought it was worth every penny. A great experience and I learned a lot. Plus, came away with a "to do" list from the second one :):).
     
  4. Albert-LP

    Albert-LP F1 Veteran
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Sep 1, 2010
    8,177
    around Modena, Italy
    Full Name:
    Alberto Mantovani
    #4 Albert-LP, Oct 24, 2016
    after no more than 20 miles of driving it must perfectly work, a bit hard but easy to shift with no noises. If not, you have to open it and fix the problems (usually 2nd gear synchro at least).

    Ferraris worked well when new!

    ciaO
     
  5. bertspeed

    bertspeed Formula Junior

    Sep 19, 2009
    308
    #5 bertspeed, Oct 24, 2016
    Alberto,you say "after no more than 20 miles of driving it must perfectly work" but then say a bit hard to shift.Now Im not criticizing your response as I believe this is correct, but how do I measure "a bit hard to shift".Your version of this may be quite different to mine. My gearbox works "perfectly" with no issues at all other than the change through the gears are not like a knife through butter and lightning fast.It does indeed improve after a good warm up and all changes are precise,with absolutely no whine or noise.
     
  6. K1010

    K1010 Karting

    Jan 20, 2012
    169
    Germany/Los Angeles
    Full Name:
    JK
    #6 K1010, Oct 24, 2016
    My gearbox shifts perfectly no noise no bad feelings. But it is always "hard work" to change gears against the mechanical resistance. But I think this is how it has to be for a 30+ year old italian sports car:)

    Best
    JK
     
  7. Albert-LP

    Albert-LP F1 Veteran
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Sep 1, 2010
    8,177
    around Modena, Italy
    Full Name:
    Alberto Mantovani
    #7 Albert-LP, Oct 24, 2016
    Yhanks: You wrote in the correct way what I wanted to say. With "hard" I just wanted to say it's not as light as a VW Golf manual transmission, but not too much heavier.


    ciao
     
  8. andyww

    andyww F1 Rookie

    Feb 7, 2011
    2,775
    London
    #8 andyww, Oct 24, 2016
    "Most gearboxes" dont have a whining noise, only racing boxes with straight-cut gears whine and there are no such gears in these cars.

    A friend bought a 328 a couple of years ago which did make a whining noise and the dealer told him it was the "straight cut drop gears". It wasnt, because it still happened with the clutch pressed and they are not straight-cut gears anyway. In fact it was oil cooler whine.
    I had the same oil cooler noise on my 328 and went away when I changed the oil, as did his.
     
  9. pappy.72

    pappy.72 Formula Junior

    Nov 13, 2010
    536
    Elgin, IL
    Full Name:
    Dave
    #9 pappy.72, Oct 24, 2016
    If you feel it is not smooth have the shifter assembly/shaft aligned and adjusted. Then have the fluid updated and see how it is. It could make a world of difference.
     
  10. Irishman

    Irishman F1 Rookie

    Oct 13, 2005
    3,524
    Raleigh
    Full Name:
    Kevin
    #10 Irishman, Oct 24, 2016
    A most astute post. I wish you luck.
     

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