Just me that pefers long gear throws?

[DanielJames]

I've been mulling over this in my head today, I really do prefer a longer throw.

I think the PSA group gets it spot on in most cases (when it doesn't feel like a bag of marbles)

My Saxo VTS was great, it had a comical, but great feeling gear change, which was totally ruined when my second one came with a short ster kit.

Now my dads just got a new Berlingo van, and it's also excellent! PSA rock at this.

The Integra is too short for my liking, I'm too scared of mashing the synchros so shift steady in it. Surely shorter shift = shorter time for the sycnhros to get ready = more risk of damage?

Anyway, am I alone here, am I just lacking skill?

Over to you

[Mastodon2]

The short, super accurate throw of a Type R gearbox is one of the real joys of motoring. Short throws don't suit all cars though, a GT car can be good with a longer throw.

[Bill]

I had a bay window camper that needed a slight twist of the gear stick for a smooth change from 2nd to 3rd

[Synchromesh]

Never really seen the appeal of short shift boxes myself, as unless you're driving a race car with almost no flywheel, it's always going to take longer to match revs than it will to move a stick 20cm.

[the stigs dad]

Shorter and more precise the better. Honda s2000 has a fantastic box.

[RemyMartin]

Short and precise FTW

My Ford Puma had the best gearchange action of any car I've owned. Punchy, precise and just so rewarding to use. The gearknob on those helped to IMO.

[poing]

I love the fact it's more of wrist movement in the MX5 than a full arm swing to change gears. Does depend on the car though, I love the long throw in a hire van, suits it better for some reason.

[littlebasher]

I had an old rwd Cavalier Sports hatch which had a comically long throw, it was a free workout everytime i drove it.

That or an old VW camper...which was like stirring a bucket of porridge with a walking stick

[acf8181]

Yes!

[Locke]

I can remember it was like a metre from 1st to 2nd in my 106 GTI

[DanielJames]

Locke said:

I can remember it was like a metre from 1st to 2nd in my 106 GTI

Lol, comical, but safe!

Bump for the morning lot, although I did have some fun through the VTEC this morning

[nosittap]

Once warmed up the gear change in my VRT is pretty satisfying, the 106/saxo platform is just a plain fun, and the silly long throw suits the car.

However, I would like something more serious with a shorter, more precise rifle bolt like gear change on whatever I get next.

[Dr Interceptor]

The Stag is pretty comical to drive - the distance between the left and right hand side of the box is probably about 6 inches at the knob - so going from 2nd to 3rd is a big shift over to the right!

[McSam]

Synchromesh said:

Never really seen the appeal of short shift boxes myself, as unless you're driving a race car with almost no flywheel, it's always going to take longer to match revs than it will to move a stick 20cm.

Pretty much this, hence their regular sale to those with no mechanical understanding whatsoever!

To me, the quality and feel of the shift is far more important than the distance it requires - within reason, obviously

The BMW is quite long, all things considered, but it's the action that annoys me. I actually like the length of movement, it suits the car's style and seating position quite well. The Audi sat you a lot lower, your arm was naturally more horizontal towards the gearstick, and it had a shorter throw which worked well for it.

Depends on the car, the engine and how you're sitting

[kambites]

I don't really care about throw length as long as it's not extreme, but I prefer mechanical feeling boxes to smooth ones. Boxes that just slot straight into gear without giving you any idea of what's going on inside are dull - I actually prefer driving with weak syncromeshes.

[The Wookie]

Have to say I don't think I've ever driven a French car with a satisfying gearshift, always rubbery and vague with a lot of friction.

Long throw boxes don't bother me though, I really like the shift in my Defender, the R380 box seems nice and slick with the engine I have for some reason. Long throw but very precise and mechanical feeling.

Best shift ever though is definitely an Evora GT4 with the X-Trac box and a manual selector. It's a well worn cliche but it's literally like a rifle bolt.

[kambites]

The Wookie said:

Best shift ever though is definitely an Evora GT4 with the X-Trac box and a manual selector. It's a well worn cliche but it's literally like a rifle bolt.

I assume that's a straight-cut sequential?

[chongwong]

kambites said:

I don't really care about throw length as long as it's not extreme, but I prefer mechanical feeling boxes to smooth ones. Boxes that just slot straight into gear without giving you any idea of what's going on inside are dull - I actually prefer driving with weak syncromeshes.

you'd love my micra then, it feels like your trying to fit a big pole in a small hole when changing to any gear but second. Very satisfying to get through the gears quickly, by a free workout trying to keep the pathetic engine in the revs on a twisty road.
Edit: pork related speelung mistake

Edited by chongwong on Friday 30th November 09:01

[Telomerase]

I love short throw boxes, my wife's Honda FRV maybe very un-PH but the stubby, nottchy wee stick on the dash, level with the steering wheel is great bit of engineering, also helps that it is connected to a VTEC. I have short throw on the type 9 box in my westfield. Long throw boxes are great in an old tranny van though, makes you want to eat a Yorky.

Edited by Telomerase on Friday 30th November 09:04

[The Wookie]

kambites said:

I assume that's a straight-cut sequential?

It is indeed which to be fair does help it! Still I've used some fairly horrid sequentials though, for example the Porsche Cup Car one is fairly poor