Redgarding 1-2 shift on Esprits

[Lotusacbc]

I know it pretty standard when driving an Esprit among those in the know not to slam 1-2 shifts. So I was wondering, what would you say is the fastest, or highest RPM you feel is comfortable to shift into second.

P.S. When getting on it!! Not driving around town.

[rlearp]

I used to never do it at all. Then, I changed my transaxle fluid and the world changed! I still don't like it as much as is other cars, but at least now I can shift at 7k and not have a nasty clash of gears. Still have to go slower than on the 2-3 or 3-4 shift, but not like it was before.

[greezmunky]

you should be able to go right into 2nd at any rpm.. if not you have a blown 2nd gear synchro. Try changing the tranny fluid, if that doesnt help you can try getting really good at double clutching.

[jk1]

Ron,

what gear oil are you running?

Thanks,
Jim

[rlearp]

Well, some listers would probably cry "foul" but the first time I did it it was just simple old Havoline 75-90W gearbox oil bought at Advance Auto for a couple bucks a quart. Nothing special and no it doesn't meet all the GL5, 4, or whatever they are requirements either. But, I'm sure it was a lot better than the 10 year old stuff that came out and it sure shifted a lot better too.

I changed it again, not more than 8 months later, for some Redline synthetic I got on sale and couldn't tell a difference, both fills shifted great.

Change it and see if you get an improvement. But, more importantly, make sure your shift cables are adjusted properly. Of the few Esprits I've worked on this has been the biggest problem but it usualy shows up in more than just the 1-2 shift, naturally.

[bojangles]

the RPM when you shift is not the problem, you can run 1st gear to redline. I do this over and over and over.. it is like a drug.. actually first gear is tough to manage, too much wheelspin it you floor it.. not controllable

THe slamming is the problem, and will kill any car eventually. The esprit is not that special and i think that any light car with 300 hp can kill a gearbox in a hurry.
just shift gently all the time and you wont kill synchros or anything.
Use all the power and al the rpm you want but dont shift fast and hard.

[mgb driver]

I had several bushings on the linkage in my 88 Turbo replace shortly after buying it and it made a HUGE difference........ take a look at those. The bushings are about $50 for all of them, but the labor (if you have it done) is about 5 hrs.

Kevin

[unity1]

Generally I shift out of 1st around 3k. However If on the very rare occasion the mood takes me I can shift from the red line.

I have a gear problem that some guys may be able to help with.

Not long ago I replaced my rod ends and translator bearings. The improvement was instant and fealt much more positive. However every now and then I seem to have problems shifting into 5th. As far as I can tell the translator is the 4Deg off but will admit its hard to get and exact reading. Anyone have an Idea what I could done wrong or what has broken since

[Esprit2]

Bruce nailed it. It's not the rpm at which you shift that's key. It's giving the synchro time to do it's job. Fully depress the clutch for a clean release. Then apply some pressure the gear lever and let it drop in when it's ready. Force it in, or slam-shift it, and you can grind gears at any speed.

Regards,
Tim Engel
Lotus Owners Oftha North

[ErnestM]

Esprit2 said:

Bruce nailed it. It's not the rpm at which you shift that's key. It's giving the synchro time to do it's job. Fully depress the clutch for a clean release. Then apply some pressure the gear lever and let it drop in when it's ready. Force it in, or slam-shift it, and you can grind gears at any speed. Regards, Tim Engel Lotus Owners Oftha North

...and after it gets fully in gear, NAIL IT! Second is one of the best pulling gears in the Esprit IMHO.


ErnestM