GS Gearbox mapping/upgrades

[GilbertTHB]

Has anybody had any experiences with updating software on the gearbox? Was it any better?and where it could be done? Also the FD DBW kit has anybody had one installed does it make much difference to the driving experience ?

 

[Wattie]

I believe that’s quite a popular mod around these parts on Granaports and that it does make quite a difference to changes. Someone will be along shortly with their experiences.

 

[philw696]

The only one I know of in the UK was Marks yellow GS which is possibly still for sale @MAF260

 

[Twinspark]

For some reason all gearbox software upgrade topics have been meaningless and whoever had their software updated are always very secretive.

The DBW will make the gearbox shift faster and more aggressively by tricking the throttle input parameter, so even when on cruising it would give the quucker shifts.

 

[Zep]

No doubt someone will be along to talk about the gearbox update Illuminati and how you could be told about the update but we would have to kill you.

The truth is that the best part of a decade ago, a few people had an update done but the person who did it doesn’t do it anymore and no one really knows what was done, so you are currently left with two options.

1. make sure the gearbox parameters are set up as well as possible (PIS etc)

2. Go for the DBW upgrade

Personally, I never did the DBW, it works by spoofing the speed signal to the gearbox but I got snappy shifts from option 1. But it will never be Stradale / DSG fast, which in some ways is a good thing.

 

[conaero]

Did the FD DBW on my first GS, was not impressed if I’m honest.

What I did on my second GS was to flash the TCU with Ferrari 360 Challenge software and that made a massive difference.

Your issue to do this is finding someone prepared and capable to do it.

 

[CatmanV2]

on cruising it would give the quucker shifts.

Not quite so, I believe. It uses a number of parameters and at normal cruising will shift normally. And if it doesn't, there's a switch...

C

 

[safrane]

I hate to think what more aggressive gear changes will do to the clutch/gearbox.

If the milliseconds change is not quick enough for you, do as suggested and get the clutch looked at as that will be where the issue (if any) is.

But this is 20 year old tech now, so it will never compete with a modern twin clutch set up.

 

[mjheathcote]

Personally actually like the character of the original software, it is as fast as its going to be at full chat, which isn't a slow change, and obviously slower when you are tootling along.
Having had a DSG daily for a while and the Mrs Golf is DSG, the instant twiching rev counter between instant changes is rather soulless really.
Gordon Murray on his interview about his new supercar commented that he disliked dual clutch gearboxs, simply because you miss the feeling of the car making the mechanical change.
The same also with the new automatic gearboxes like the ZF 8 speed. Super efficient and fast, you don't know charges are taking place.
Of course now with EVs no gear changes.
So embrace the gear change 'pause'!

 

[BL330]

I've had the FD DBWEM for 5 years or so and wouldn't be without it. The factory setting was too d**n slow selecting first at the lights.
There are switches fitted discretely for totally off ( back to factory ) and another switch to change between sport and race modes.
You can only change modes with the engine off.
It improves throttle response too.

 

[mjheathcote]

This throttle response.
My M140i has eco, comfort and sport settings.
Ignoring the eco which means nothing happens very quickly, all the sport does is give you full throttle for half the pedal movement, its so all or nothing. It's a fudge again.
The linear comfort setting is much more pleasant to drive, even when gunning it as it is easier to balance the car with the wider linear throttle movement.

 

[Twinspark]

Not quite so, I believe. It uses a number of parameters and at normal cruising will shift normally. And if it doesn't, there's a switch...

C

I've had the FD DBWEM for 5 years or so and wouldn't be without it. The factory setting was too d**n slow selecting first at the lights.
There are switches fitted discretely for totally off ( back to factory ) and another switch to change between sport and race modes.
You can only change modes with the engine off.
It improves throttle response too.

My case is actually unique from most over here as I’ve never actually driven a 4200 without the DBW. The previous owner fitted it and I didn’t know until later this is why I don’t want to say whether the DBW is good or not.

But all I know is that it is unable to make the max shift speed any faster like a remap would, but instead makes rhe max shift speed more accessible.

 

[CatmanV2]

My case is actually unique from most over here as I’ve never actually driven a 4200 without the DBW. The previous owner fitted it and I didn’t know until later this is why I don’t want to say whether the DBW is good or not.

But all I know is that it is unable to make the max shift speed any faster like a remap would, but instead makes rhe max shift speed more accessible.

Absolutely correct

C

 

[tomoshea]

has anyone actually got a video that shows the FD DBW system in operation when driving leisurely and aggressively, i.e. showing the instrument binnacle for comparative purposes with switched on/ switched off - I would love to see it... cant find anything on YouTube that actually shows it, only 1 guy in America...but its not really a good video..

Per conaero above... if I could find someone to do the CS software update I would gladly pay for it.... did it on my 360 using a guy of ferrrarichat... and boy was the difference huge.... but it appears to be like chasing a unicorn to find that elusive person today...

Catman V2 - you can switch the DBW system on/off there should be a toggle switch attached to your DBW box (or a wire coming off it) to revert to the standard TCU Software.

 

[spkennyuk]

My case is actually unique from most over here as I’ve never actually driven a 4200 without the DBW. The previous owner fitted it and I didn’t know until later this is why I don’t want to say whether the DBW is good or not.

But all I know is that it is unable to make the max shift speed any faster like a remap would, but instead makes rhe max shift speed more accessible.

You can turn the DBW off if you wanted to try the car without. There will be 2 switches mounted somewhere in the car. Usually in the passenger side.

 

[Twinspark]

You can turn the DBW off if you wanted to try the car without. There will be 2 switches mounted somewhere in the car. Usually in the passenger side.

Yea I've seen that but I was under the impression that its just a softer setting.

 

[spkennyuk]

Yea I've seen that but I was under the impression that its just a softer setting.

The switches change between the programmes. There is also a bypass connector which is probably in the footwell under the cover.

 

[spkennyuk]

Im not 100% certain butni think there was an early version with 1 toggle switch and a bypass plug and a later version with 2 switches.

2 switch version being

Aggressive + bypass for on + off

Aggressive + very aggressive for the on plus on switch positions. (Ready for war setting i think they call it)

I pressume on the two switch off and off will be complete bypass.

An email to FD or another member that has the module installed will hopefully confirm the exact method.

 

[RJ237]

My understanding is that the second switch is for the power upgrade (ECU remap), if installed. I don't have that, just the DBW module.

 

[todd.the.submariner]

Has anybody had any experiences with updating software on the gearbox? Was it any better?and where it could be done? Also the FD DBW kit has anybody had one installed does it make much difference to the driving experience ?

I’ve installed the FD DBW and it definitely makes a difference. Speeds up shifting and more aggressive shifting at low rpm to reduce clutch wear.


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