I posted this query on NLOC site also. I will be driving some open road course Driver's Ed events at Summit, Pocono, and VIR this summer and fall and I was wondering if the FTVB is a benefit or detriment on open road courses. Does the harder shifts at 1/2 and WOT affect traction when you need the smoother shifts on a road course? The truck is street driven and not drag raced. Tim, Greg and any and all with the FTVB, I am looking for your opinions. Thanks all.

Rick

 

You will not want a shift to occur in the corners. If the track is slow or you are autocrossing, leaving the tranny in 2nd can prevent untimely shifts. If the tranny shifts in the corner it can break the rear tires loose and cause the back end of truck to come to see you, but a softer shift wil probably upset your balance if you are pushing it hard.

 

I've been debating this one also and was actually discussing it with a tranny guy the other day. No question that the harder shifts will upset the vehicle in the corners. I like it on the street but on the road course, I could do without it. Maybe playing with the shift points could help but you have to be careful on the track.

On the reliability side, many will say that the shorter shift duration and therefore less slip is a good thing for long term reliability. I agree with this for regular driving with occasional high speed shifts but on the road course with constant WOT shifts the stress on the tranny is certainly higher. The WOT 1-2 shifts which I like on the street, have me really concerned about the transmission internals.

I know we can debate this until the cows come home but this is my take on it.

TB

*One other thing Gregg Evans told me that if you accelerate at 90%, the torque reduction will not come on. I have noticed that if you just hit that sweet spot, that 1-2 shift can be absolutely brutal.

 

WHOA!

Gregg has said over and over again NOT to leave the gear selector in 2nd while driving (or doing burnout). From what I recall, when you do that, that gear is held by a "band" of some type and it is not that strong as leaving it in regular "D".

I asked one of the 1% a week or two ago and he said he leaves it in "D" with the "OD" off.
But I'm sure that is dependent upon the course and which track you are at.

you may want to do a search about leaving the tranny in "2" and doing a burnout, there was a great write up about it maybe a year, year and a half ago.

 

It all depends on the speed of the course, of course. Most of the courses that I run require fourth gear.

 

And if youi go FAST enough in the corners, you won't downshift on the way out!
Now I just need a ******** big enouff to do that all the time !!

 

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