Anyone know much about the over drive of the 250 SII Cab? I'm using it quite happily but I've never had a car with over drive before and I wondered if anyone had any tips on best practise? I assume you always should depress the clutch before engaging and disengaging if you are in 4th If you are in any other gear I assume is it is ok to flick it on and off. i.e. If I change down from 4th in OD to 3th, there are no issue with flicking it off. Thanks
I can't tell you anything re the Ferrari overdrive. On an MGB you don't have to dip the clutch to use it, but it would not hurt to do so, the MG only had it in 3+4. I am sure someone will chime in soon with the facts. Could we see a photo of your car please?
Before it got all covered in flies driving 1000 miles back from the South of France yesterday! Image Unavailable, Please Login
I have never driven a Ferrari with overdrive but I believe it is a Laycock de Normanville unit, similar to that fitted to my old Triumph TR6. My car had overdrive on 2nd, 3rd and 4th gears but later models only operated on the top 2 gears. It was very useful in traffic as the overdrive on 2nd acted like a 2-speed axle on commercials and minimised gear changes.whem travelling quite slowly. It was never necessary to de-clutch to engage the overdive but a gentle kiss on the throttle made it much smoother and almost inperceptible. Disengaging just involved flicking the lever. The overdrive is just that - a method of reducing revs at a given speed to improve economy and reduce wear - and is not to be slammed in and out as part of rapid driving. John.
In theory, you do not need to use the clutch for shifting into or out of overdrive. However, in practice, ALWAYS use the clutch like you would when shifting up or down. It lessens the shock and will extend the life of the unit.
Agree with this. Rebuilt mine and, while not particularly expensive, sourcing parts was a PITA, not to mention the downtime.
Think John sums it up well here. "The overdrive is just that - a method of reducing revs at a given speed to improve economy and reduce wear - and is not to be slammed in and out as part of rapid driving." I would rather have a 5th gear on the GTE but have come to quite like the overdrive for relaxed cruising. It suits the GT nature of the car. I do push the clutch in, it makes me feel better, but the engagement is not jarring in any case.
Grant, its only in 4th on all Ferrari I believe. The 330 GT 2+2 series 1 was i think the last car to have it and I think late editions of those had the 5 speed box. Have seen them referred to as series 1 and a 1/2
Thanks it looks cool, I hope the weather was good al the way home so you could have the roof down. You have already put more miles on her than a lot of Ferrari's get in a year. Congratulations.
Great thanks. I figured this was the case as it didn't seem particularly mechanically sympathetic with the clutch engaged
