MC Shift gear changing

[slay]

Hello gang,

I have had my Stradale for just over a month, have not had many chances to drive yet.

Having come from an auto, it is certainly a lot more involving to drive and I love it, but just a couple of questions seeking feedback from all you MC shift owners.

1. I understand that th gear shift will never be as smooth as an auto, but how do you make the first to 2nd gear change smoother, if at all possible. My other half seems to think that it is my problem rather than the car!

2. I see that little green arrow next to the gear number flashing, telling me to shift up even when I was just doing less than 30... found it a bit strange why it is asking me to shift up so early. Do you guys actually shift up as soon as the green arrow flashes ?

Finally, when is the first meeting in 2019, would be fantastic to check out everyone’s cars and talk Maserati!

 

[Rwc13]

1 back off the throttle a little as you shift up 1 to 2 usually smooths out the gear change - also do you allow all the lights to go out before you start the car? This also seems to help with the way gear change operates. Some also recommend pumping the throttle a few times before starting the car.
2 the arrow indicates the economical shift up point, not the performance/fun factor shift up point I believe

 

[Felonious Crud]

Agreed, and a big thumbs up especially for Robert’s first point. This is the differences between driving a hyperactive kangaroo and a car. I believe the key is to let the lights go out - pumping the pedal is just something to keep you amused while they do.

First 2019 meet? Not sure. @dem maser may know, perhaps Ace. Dem?

 

[Bladerunner]

Same as above, takes a bit of getting used too!

I came from a lightning fast BMW where you could keep foot to the floor and move through the gears with the paddles...

The MC Shift is far more sensitive and to avoid a ‘lurch’ on gear change I let off the accelerator momentarily at the same time as shifting up and then jump back on the accelerator.

I’m in the North West so not sure when the next meet up is but there’s a monthly Supercar meet in Preston...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[GeoffCapes]

When ‘giving it some’ don’t even bother lifting. Just change gear. Flick the paddle and you will be rewarded accordingly.

 

[voicey]

Check to ensure the clutch isn't dragging on the flywheel - I've had a couple of these in recently where this has been the case and caused poor low speed gear changes.

 

[slay]

Thanks all for the tips, I have indeed waited for lights to go out before pumping the brake and accelerator paddles a couple of times, so I guess I just need to drive more

How would I know if clutch is actually dragging on the flywheel ? Any other symptoms if this is actually an issue?

 

[Zep]

Thanks all for the tips, I have indeed waited for lights to go out before pumping the brake and accelerator paddles a couple of times, so I guess I just need to drive more

How would I know if clutch is actually dragging on the flywheel ? Any other symptoms if this is actually an issue?

What mode are you? With mine Race has a fair thump to the shifts on high throttle openings but it’s perfectly smooth while going steady.

 

[slay]

I was refer to the racing mode - can’t beat th exhaust note while on racing mode and th fast gear change. Mine does a fair thump when shifting from 1st to 2nd, but pretty smooth once I have got the car going, just need to practice more I guess.

 

[Zep]

I was refer to the racing mode - can’t beat th exhaust note while on racing mode and th fast gear change. Mine does a fair thump when shifting from 1st to 2nd, but pretty smooth once I have got the car going, just need to practice more I guess.

I can’t bring myself to drive out of race so yes, subject to what Voicey said, it’s just practice!

 

[slay]

Same here, I know exactly how you feel! The car is certainly a lot more involving to drive, rather than just get in and step on it, all part of the car’s characters I guess.

 

[outrun]

The accelerator pumping doesn't do anything. Just turn the key, wait for a few seconds for the dash lights to go out, then start. Like Zep, I didn't have any issues with kangarooing from 1st to 2nd so it's either you or the clutch dragging as Voicey suggests!

 

[dem maser]

Agreed, and a big thumbs up especially for Robert’s first point. This is the differences between driving a hyperactive kangaroo and a car. I believe the key is to let the lights go out - pumping the pedal is just something to keep you amused while they do.

First 2019 meet? Not sure. @dem maser may know, perhaps Ace. Dem?

Hi Adam and Slay

Yes February 14th is the scheduled one but I realise that its a special day (for some) and some may not make it
Any suggestions? A week later/prior is alright but wouldn’t be Italian night at Ace
March seems too long to wait

 

[Felonious Crud]

Yes February 14th is the scheduled one but I realise that its a special day (for some) and some may not make it
Any suggestions? A week later/prior is alright but wouldn’t be Italian night at Ace
March seems too long to wait

According to the forecast, February is when winter will happen. A few degrees either side of freezing, possible snow, all that kind of seasonal crarp. So for that reason as well February might not be a great month. We may have to wait!

 

[slay]

Ha, I think Valentine is more suitable for people in their 20s and 30s, so I would say most of us would actually make it if it was not for the weather (most likely wet and cold, and the salt on the road certainly not desirable).

I personally would prefer one during the day, when I can see and appreciate the Maserati’s better.

 

[dem maser]

Our event is from 1pm in a nearby pub then Ace till 10ish, we may have to wait till March but that is a long way away

 

[bennzwel]

From my prespective and some technical studies I did , and told by a well known Ferrari mechanic locally , you shouldn’t lift your foot when changing gear , while you might achieve a superficial smoother gear change , it totally unabalnces the ECU and TCU collaboration and alters the PIS ( point of initial slip ) for the clutch . I noticed it on my car when I first tried to work around the pronounced gear shifts , and leaving the foot on the gas will achieve a better gear change after car adapts to your driving .

Another point is the throttle positioning when changing gear , first few mm of the throttle pedal is where gearbox slips the clutch until the gear engages , the quicker you pass that level ( allowing a sufficient time to full clutch engagement from stationary ) the less slippage and better driving experience .

It is also better to drive the MC car in either sport or Race ( for Stradale ) if you have lots of stop and goes.

Try to down or upshift at minimum 3000 RPM if you can , this well ensure the engine torque and gearbox change occurs at optimum level.

Drive the car with spirit , nannying these cars will have adverse effect on everything . Drive it lazy and it will become a lazy car .

I suggest to do PIS adjustment at least once a year at a authorised mechanic or dealer . It is a simple procedure done via the SD tool.

Make sure you change your gearbox oil every two years. Even if you don’t use it often.

Don’t reverse too high up , and don’t suddenly lift the throttle on reverse . The reverse gear is giant and releasing the gas suddenly let go of the clutch and you hear a big clunk . Try to moulds the throttle within the first few mm to drive short reverse distances with a big of clutch slip.

 

[slay]

Thanks Ben for the info, I will try the technique that you have suggested above and perform up/downshift at 3000 rpm.

They are certainly more involved to drive aren’t they, so many different theories just on gear shifting, it is an art to perfect the gear change!

 

[bennzwel]

Thanks Ben for the info, I will try the technique that you have suggested above and perform up/downshift at 3000 rpm.

They are certainly more involved to drive aren’t they, so many different theories just on gear shifting, it is an art to perfect the gear change!

You are absolutely right , the involvement and engagement with the car is such a unique experience . While some might see it as a downside of F1 gearbox, I certainly see it as a technique and a well worth interaction with the car. A component that is dying rapidly with technology replacement .

I have owned my car for a year and every time it puts a smile on my face when I drive it to the best of my abilities . The car rewards you with perfect behaviour and a killer sound ! It’s a well worth learning curve and I feel accomplished increasing my knowledge .

The most problematic side is when the owners don’t do their research and rush the learning curve , and when the car doesn’t respond as they expected , the car is to blame .

You don’t need to go fast to get the best out of this car , and to me it is one of highlights of the ownership

Enjoy and be safe