Call it "research". I would love to get some feedback on the following scenario: How many people would prefer the F1 over the 6-speed IF the car also had a clutch pedal? In other words, you could use the clutch pedal for starting, stopping, burnouts, whatever you wanted, but the paddles would still shift the car just like the regular ones do, without the aid of a manual clutch. Thanks! Mike http://northwest.nsxca.org/mike.html
I don't why Ferrari does not improve the F1 paddle shifter by providing a manual clutch for 1st gear and reverse? That's where most of the wear and overheating occurs and makes it smoother and more predictable on take off as well as parking the car. The site you are referring is showing some 1999 NSX, what's your point? Have you built one and works well? How much would it cost?
No, I'd pass on that. I like the paddles especially when in any traffic.... (which is just about anywhere in the DC metro area) I guess I'm just tired of the footwork. I had a 4+3 vette........
I have had my 2004 360 F1 for one month. I really like the F1 system and paddles. No problems with smooth starts. Reverse and first are only slightly jumpy when the car is cold but it is really no big deal. My prior ride was an '02 Porsche Twin Turbo 6 speed. Don't miss the 6 speed. Therefore, not sure I would opt for a clutch setup for reverse and 1 st gear.
Now THIS is really good stuff. I appreciate the feedback. After reading some posts, I was starting to veer off of my plan to get the F1 car and maybe look at 6-speeds. But now I'm sticking to my plan. Also, the reason I include a link to my blown/injected, 410HP show NSX is to let people know that I'm not just another kid/poser on here, that I really am an exotic car enthusiast and that I really am going to buy myself a Modena for my next birthday. Mike http://northwest.nsxca.org/mike.html
I prefer the F1 system as it is,as previously said the only problems are in first and reverse.First gear is a little jerky when cold but it is not helped by the fact I go slightly uphill and sharp right to exit my garage and obviously I have a similar problem when reversing into the garage but overall I am extremly happy with the system baring in mind I said I would never go for an F1
On this subject, another issue with the F1 system is that a failure can leave the car stuck in gears in the middle of the road. I got stuck once and for me this was the end of F1 boxes. Such a failure is a lot less likely with a 6 speed manual. I think designers should include a way to disengage the F1 actuated clutch. In general, I really prefer my 6 speed trany. But I agree the main issue with the F1 is launching and a clutch would help a lot. AW
Have you tried to blip the down paddle after R is engaged? I have a 2002 Masser with the F1 box, this trick its not mentioned in the instruction Manual but it goes into a low speed parking mode ie R starts to flash and theres no more jumpy reversing, this also applies to 1st Gear, Rick
Sorry, I simply prefer a manual gearbox in my sports cars. I would have absolutely no interest in having an F1 system ready and waiting at my disposal. In fact, I would not consider buying such a hybrid. I think most buyers prefer F1 and they would have absolutely no use for a manual so I think they, too, would not consider buying such a hybrid. Besides, I have a feeling that a lot of the F1 advocates aren't comfortable with a clutch! fwiw, I wouldn't mind having F1 paddles in my minivan...
Doesn't matter how fancy the F1 works, I prefer the good old 6-speed. Hey! I get to rev the engine at "neutral" while doing 40mph....
No, because then it wouldn't be like shifting in an f1 car. keep the f1 'box like it is, and if your a real enthusiast...you'll buy the 6-speed. -Doug
i guess some people believe that in order to truly appreciate the car and quote be "a car enthusiast" one has to drive a manual 6 speed. I used to think Manuals are great...and yes they still are... however F1 takes the leg work out and allows for the driver to concentrate more on driving =)
then why not get a real automatic, take the "paddling" out too, you can concentrate even more on driving.
I love my F1 transmission on my 355. I never use the auto function. It really helps when you take the car onto the race track as you can concentrate even more on braking and turn in points, apexes etc. You can't over rev the engine and it prevents rear wheel lock up that you can get in a manual if you do not match the revs or are clumsy with your clutch release. It does take a while to get used to the F1. You can use the throttle to help smooth gear changes up and down in normal driving. Most modern race cars incl Formula 1 use a sequential box. I also own an E46 BMW M3 SMG which has a superb transmission that can change gears in 80 millisecs. The Ferrari takes 150 millisecs. The new BMW M5/M6 with the V10 engine will be able to change in 65 millisecs. You have to be a very good driver to match those times with a manual gear box. I also love the challenge to drive a manual gearbox well, heel & toe, and striving for the perfect changes, especially down changes. I have mostly owned manual high perfomance cars and it is only since SMG type transmissions have improved that the technology has won me over. P.S. For WOOdEar and 911Fan: F1 and SMG are not like auto transmissions where there is a torque converter or similar which while smoothing the changes, robs some of the power getting to the rear wheels.
Rick,thanks very much for the info and no I have not tried it,but will and post the results. Thanks again Dave Mc Rick,I tried it but it does not work with me,my 355 is 1999 and I would asume that the software upgrades between then and 2002 have sorted this problem out. Dave Mc
Sure you can. I've got 2 F1's. Hit both to put in neutral - then blip the trottle to your hearts content - then just hit the downshift to re-enter gear. What's the problem?
Well said. Whenever I opted for a non stick sports car, at some time in the future I was always missing the stick.
no clutch for me..........I'll stay with the F1. Plus, the way it is discussed in the original post, what would be the real purpose of a clutch with an F1 anyway?
