A&Q about 350Z
Q:
Hypothetical scenario:
-automatic transmission
-flywheel and clutch from a manual transmission car
Clutch in place of torque converter, and a control system (shift lever) to initiate upshifts and downshift (sequentially) instead of being rpm/throttle driven. The clutch would still be used on shifts, since there is no fluid coupling to absorb shiftshock. Has this been done before?
A:
i dont think so...
why would you want to do that though?
never mind, bad question.
you mean like a cross between an autostick and an f1 style automated manual
A:
Yes it's been done before.
But I don't know any other details.
It's also been done the other way, torque converter on a manual box.
A:
how would you disengage the lockup on the TC... did it run w/o one?
A:
I don't see it being a problem.
Back off the go pedal before changing and the TC unlocks.
A:
Check out the BMW M3 SMG, its like that, you drive it like a stick, only no clutch to engage and disengage the gears, its got a hydraulic piston or something that takes the place of the clutch. Unfortunatly I wasn't the lucky one who drove it, one of the other guys did, but he says the car is really weird to drive.
Chris
A:
I think the Aston Martin Vanquish uses a type of manumatic gearbox, Top Gear did a segment on it and said the shifts are slow and harsh though.
A:
Okay...I see that I need to clarify my question....
Has anyone made a hybrid transmission with "off the shelf" parts?
I know that transmissions have been produced that combine automatic and manual features, but what I'm getting at is a modification of an existing transmission. Why? Because I want to.
I want a clutch, and a sequential shifter, but connected to a planetary gearset actuated by hydraulic clutches and bands. Electrons don't even need to enter into this. An (old/mechanical) automatic transmission's shifting is governed by hydraulic valves tied to RPM and throttle, I want it to ignore all that and shift when I SAY. And rather than a torque converter, I want a good ole fashioned clutch.
Has anyone done this? again, I am talking about modifying an existing transmission....not what millions of dollars of R&D at [Insert Manufacturer's Racing Department here] have gone into producing. Because I have access to transmissions and tools, but not to millions of dollars.
A:
are you saying you want a manual gearbox without a gate?
it's been done before. rally cars have a clutch, but use a lever and a sequential gearbox so you push forward to shift down, and pull back to shift up. like a motorbike transmission.
A:
Why not spend the timing and effort refining your exhaust tip?
A:
If your asking can it be done? Yes. Powerglides are modified to be direct drive without a torque converter. They still use a clutch pedal that controls oil pressure to internal clutches to disengage and connect power through the trans.