Pro's Con's Sportshift
Discussion
StephenP said:
Laser Sag said:
Was under the impression that SS1 does a clutch learn each time the car is started so long as you allow it the few seconds to carry it out.
No, you need to initiate the clutch learn yourself, something that is rarely mentioned at handover and very few owners seem to do. The procedure was discussed at length a while ago and instructions stuck on PH ....
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=111...
Laser Sag said:
This is the procedure that I carry out every time I start the car from cold, was based on discussions on here and the handbook. If owners choose not to carry out the procedure I don't see how that can be put down to SS1 not having a learn facility.
Not sure I understand. The comment was that it was automatic with SS1, which an incorrect assumption made by many SS1 owners and leads to so many complaints of juddering when pulling away.I have a Vantage Roadster with ASM1. Whilst it was great in manual mode, I never used it in automatic.
However, I had Mike at Bamford Rose put in the lightweight twin-plate clutch, and it has transformed the gearbox. Much quicker changes, great throttle blips on downshifts, much faster pick-up. It is now perfectly drivable in auto mode, but you'll still want to take over in manual mode just to engage with the car as one.
However, I had Mike at Bamford Rose put in the lightweight twin-plate clutch, and it has transformed the gearbox. Much quicker changes, great throttle blips on downshifts, much faster pick-up. It is now perfectly drivable in auto mode, but you'll still want to take over in manual mode just to engage with the car as one.
StephenP said:
Not sure I understand. The comment was that it was automatic with SS1, which an incorrect assumption made by many SS1 owners and leads to so many complaints of juddering when pulling away.
But if you leave it for a few seconds it does it itself what is not automatic about that?Windymiller said:
Speedraser said:
Graham,
If you have no real reference to begin with, then you should try both and see which you like better (or whether you'd be happy with either). I've driven SS1 and SS2, as well as various other paddle systems including dual-clutch 'boxes. I've never had any problem getting the SS (1 or 2) to work well and to work smoothly (using the paddles -- I have zero interest in auto mode). To each his own, but I greatly prefer using a real manual 'box, and the one in the Vantage is a very good manual 'box. To me, using a manual ‘box is one of the more significant ways that a car and its driver communicate – it’s so much more involving, IMO, than any auto or semi-auto system. It's that analogue vs. digital issue -- which do you prefer?
I beg to differ - it's not at all 'that analogue vs. digital issue'. DSG and all the new twin-clutch systems are idiot proof/seamless/don't require input and are certainly closer to this 'digital' thing, but automated manuals still require an amount of driver input and finesse to get right - you still decide which gears and when, although obviously you can't select 1st at 100mph, and as mentioned you need to adapt your driving style to the way you want to drive the car; lift for changes when cruising, foot to the floor when on it. It's also not an automatic - there are distinct ratios as it's still a manual gearbox underneath all the robotics. I've had a few automated-manual cars over the years, and have never driven then without using the paddles.If you have no real reference to begin with, then you should try both and see which you like better (or whether you'd be happy with either). I've driven SS1 and SS2, as well as various other paddle systems including dual-clutch 'boxes. I've never had any problem getting the SS (1 or 2) to work well and to work smoothly (using the paddles -- I have zero interest in auto mode). To each his own, but I greatly prefer using a real manual 'box, and the one in the Vantage is a very good manual 'box. To me, using a manual ‘box is one of the more significant ways that a car and its driver communicate – it’s so much more involving, IMO, than any auto or semi-auto system. It's that analogue vs. digital issue -- which do you prefer?
Anyone who dismisses things like SS1, SMG, and even things like DSG or PDK is on a par with Clarkson, living in the dark ages and afraid of change. They all have their uses and applications for certain people and vehicles. It's a personal thing, so there's no 'right' answer other than the decision you make yourself after driving both.
The fact that almost every race driver chooses automated gearboxes speaks volumes...
I'll bet people scoffed at 'automated screen wipers' once upon a time...
To me, an "automatic" is a transmission that can change gear automatically, regardless of whether it has one clutch, two clutches, or a torque converter and planetary gear sets. Heck, some planetary automatics use clutches rather than a torque converter. Some conventional automatics let you choose the gear just as much as an "automated manual" does.
We're talking about road cars, and the enjoyment of driving. For me, that the paddle 'box shifts faster isn't the most important thing. And let's not ask about how long those synchros will last in a single-clutch automated manual that is shifting so quickly and forcefully every single time...
Race drivers choose paddles because they're faster -- logical since they earn their money on a track where every fraction of a second matters. But on the road -- speaking of "speaking volumes," Lewis Hamilton ordered his Pagani Zonda 760 with a manual gearbox because he prefers a true manual 'box when he drives for pleasure. Good man!
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