Technical help with the F1 gearbox?

Hi guys -

I've done a search on this board and the old board and while I found a few spirited discussions (mostly to do with buying a 360 with or w/o the F1 tranny), I haven't really found what I'm looking for.

I'm hoping that someone might be able to point me to a somewhat technical discussion of the F1 gearbox and how it works. It is my understanding that unlike the tiptronic gearbox that Porsche uses, the F1 box is a true "clutchless" manual gearbox and not an automatic that allows you to select gears. I searched Ferrari's web page to no avail.

I'm asking because I was having a spirited argument with my boss today and its come down to a bet over lunch. He says the F1 box in the Fcar is nothing more than a glorified auto whereas I understand the truth to be different.

Can you help?

Christian

 

Hi Byron -

I haven't been around much lately. I'm sorry about that but things have been pretty tough for me.

Unfortunately, my dad suffered a pretty severe stroke about two months ago and I've been trying to help my family deal with the event. In fact, I sold my S2000 a few weeks ago to free up some cash to help my Mom deal with the finances. Kind of a bummer, but not really when you consider what's really important.

I still intend on checking in here because of the people and the cars but I haven't been posting too much because frankly, without my S2000 I feel kind of lame doing so.

Anyway, your help in digging up the article would be appreciated.

Christian

 

On topic, the easiest way to delineate the two is a traditional automatic-based ("automanual") transmits power via fluid. It has a traditional toroidal torque converter, just like the one in a 1969 Chevy Malibu with a Hydramatic. This transmission has buttons and/or levers which does the same as placing a traditional PRNDL into low. In modern iterations, the shift is computer controlled utilizing sensors such as steering position, lateral acceleration, yaw, engine rpm, throttle position and throttle velocity to determine how and when to shift when you push the button.

In a Ferrari with F1, it is a true manual transmission (or "manumatic"), with a traditional dry clutch, that has been converted to utilize hydraulic actuators in place of a shift linkage to the cockpit and link to the through out bearing for the clutch. Power is transmitted via mechanical linkage of the clutch's friction surfaces, no fluid power here.

Again, just like in with a automanual, computer controlled shifting utilizing inputs from the aforesaid sensors to determine shift timing, speed and quality. BTW, it also blips the throttle for a perfectly timed downshift, saving the synchronizers from typical abuse.

Best regards,

Rob Schermerhorn


Christian, sorry to hear about your dad.

 

Thanks guys for the thoughts.

Byron - I found a pretty good article written in an older R&T that won the bet. No need to keep digging, but I appreciate the offer.

And I appreciate the offer of seat time and will likely take you up on that offer once my life gets somewhat back to normal. I've had zero free time for much of anything and know that I'm going to burn out soon if I don't find some recreational activities and frankly, without my little pride and joy, I'm going to have to rely on you guys for that

Thanks again for the warm thoughts. I'm not super religious but I am spiritual and believe that thoughts and prayers go a long way.