Tips and tricks of MC Shift

[bigbadwedge400]

Hi all, tried searching for some hints and tips on best practices with MC Shift but cant see anything that useful!

I am picking up a 2010 MC shift later this week and this is my first automated manual box. In the 20 minutes I drove it I already felt I was getting used to lifting off for gear changes making it a bit smoother when driving normally but wondered what other things I should be doing (apart from driving it like a manual which a machine is doing the movement parts!).

Only other point I know is putting in N when stationary just like I would in a manual.

Look forward to hearing your thoughts and being more regular on here

Cheers!

Matt

 

[Zep]

To be honest there aren’t really that many tricks. You have already got the neutral when stationary (which is a bone of contention, some do, some don’t) and lifting slightly when dawdling. The only other I would say is don’t lift when upshifting and keep it in sport and this may reduce wear.

 

[bigbadwedge400]

Thanks for the fast reply.

Sounds like the only real thing to do is not worry and just enjoy it then

I'm always wary that some people just like to make out things only go wrong.

I'm lucky enough to also have two TVRs which (especially when buying the Tuscan many years ago) everyone said how unbelievably unreliable they are and it's absolute nonsense. With mechanical understanding and sympathy, they have been absolutely brilliant. Hopefully the GT-S will be the same. My 222se years ago did take quite a lot of love

 

[Scaf]

The MC can be jerky when first started, particularly in reverse. I was told that a good procedure to follow is to:
Turn ignition on
Let it go through its checks and wait for the lights to settle down
Then start it.
I found it made a huge difference in both my GTS and the Strad.
I use the time it takes to go through its check to put my seatbelt on - it now comes as second nature.

 

[Scaf]

Another tip would be not to leave the EPB (electric park brake) on if storing the car for more that a few days as people have found the shoes can stick.

If you ever find the brake does stick, don’t be tempted to drive off to “break it free” as you will break it.

 

[bigbadwedge400]

The MC can be jerky when first started, particularly in reverse. I was told that a good procedure to follow is to:
Turn ignition on
Let it go through its checks and wait for the lights to settle down
Then start it.
I found it made a huge difference in both my GTS and the Strad.
I use the time it takes to go through its check to put my seatbelt on - it now comes as second nature.

Thanks! Funny, this is something I always do anyway. I think it comes from driving diesels for many years and waiting for coils to warm up!

 

[bigbadwedge400]

Another tip would be not to leave the EPB (electric park brake) on if storing the car for more that a few days as people have found the shoes can stick.

If you ever find the brake does stick, don’t be tempted to drive off to “break it free” as you will break it.

Thanks! I thought it went on automatically TBH. I think it's an age thing but I usually read the owners manual when I buy a car (probably shouldn't admit to that... ;-)

 

[Tallman]

Thanks! I thought it went on automatically TBH. I think it's an age thing but I usually read the owners manual when I buy a car (probably shouldn't admit to that... ;-)

On my QPV it does, but you can switch it off again with a button (Park Off) on the dashboard.

 

[Gazcw]

Thanks! I thought it went on automatically TBH. I think it's an age thing but I usually read the owners manual when I buy a car (probably shouldn't admit to that... ;-)

It does and that's the problem if wet and leaving for a while or garaging.

 

[bigbadwedge400]

It does and that's the problem if wet and leaving for a while or garaging.

Thanks, something else to be mindful of.

 

[bigbadwedge400]

Whilst on a roll, need to change the front tyres as they are old. Car has PZeros on all round at the moment, should I stick to that? I know in the TVR circles people get very emotional about tyre choice...!

 

[Gazcw]

Thanks, something else to be mindful of.

I always turn mine off by park off button before switching off ignition.

 

[Gazcw]

Whilst on a roll, need to change the front tyres as they are old. Car has PZeros on all round at the moment, should I stick to that? I know in the TVR circles people get very emotional about tyre choice...!

Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

 

[bigbadwedge400]

Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Feel like I might have stood on a landmine

 

[Sam McGoo]

As said above.
Ignition on, when all dash lights off, start. Makes a big difference to slow speed manoeuvres.

Have it in sport manual as often as you can.
Always have it in manual when driving from cold (even tells you that in the manual)

Manual tells you NOT to lift off when changing gear, but if just pootling around, it does make it a bit smoother.

Do not lift off changing gear when accelerating hard. In fact, foot on the floor and don't change until after 6k, that way you get the full MC-shift gear changes. (needs to be at least 80.% throttle and 5800rpm I think)

Try not to ride the clutch. Ie don't reverse up hills if you can help it. A good solid engagement is what you want.

A fast double press on the paddle, does change 2 gears with one clutch movement, so a double down-shift can be very enjoyable on thr ear.

ENJOY!

 

[Sam McGoo]

Whilst on a roll, need to change the front tyres as they are old. Car has PZeros on all round at the moment, should I stick to that? I know in the TVR circles people get very emotional about tyre choice...!

If your driving it in all seasons, remove the pzeros. They're ****.
Michelin PS4S, is what you want.

 

[azapa]

all the above make a huge difference. the gearbox snags and chugs like a tractor with a loose diff unless you wait a while (I wait until the airbag light stops flashing) before the final ignition key turn. IMHO Don't lift off when shifting: press on full chat!

 

[Gazcw]

I lift off occasionally if the whinger is sitting next door. Is this an issue as it is smoother?

 

[bigbadwedge400]

Thanks for all the replies, lovely active forum! Michelin on the shopping list then!

 

[JJbing]

Another tip would be not to leave the EPB (electric park brake) on if storing the car for more that a few days as people have found the shoes can stick.

If you ever find the brake does stick, don’t be tempted to drive off to “break it free” as you will break it.

I’ve always left in garage with it on, I’ll change that now! Thanks