The fastest I will down shift to 1st is about 10 usually i am in 2nd by 5 mph and go from there

 

well with a broken motor mount the engine/trans will move around under accel. this can cause the output shaft to flex and it will cause metal on metal contact and can also cause input/mainshaft misalignment which is why it would make noise in a certain gear, due to the torque multiplier of first gear.

 

Our Cars have a split driveshaft. The carrier bearing worn or loose would cause this. If the motor mountrepair dosen't fix it, I wouldlook there.

Power shifting loads this part very seriously. Shifting up or down.


roadster with a stick

 

Doc called it! Glad it wasnt serious!!!

 

"AMEN BROTHER"

 

I do not believe anything would be covered by the PT warranty, especially with evidence of (possible) abuse....

Why do you say this? Is it because of his issue, or would you say no one should ever start out in second? Please explain further.

I always start in second, unless on a hill or really trying to take off. The start is much smoother and none of that 1 --> 2 harshness. In winter, this method helps out quite a bit in slick conditions, in fact, I believe the W on the shifter on the autos is winter mode where the car actually starts in second for this exact reason.

 

first gear is there for a reason. 2nd gear is a bit hard on the clutch. I will always use the first gear to take off unless the roads are icy or i am facing down on a hill.

 

If I'm only intending to smoothly move away from a stop.....I frequently start out in 2nd.....there's just absolutely no slippage in these circumstances with the 6 spd Crossfire...no strain.....nothing. You would never do it if there was any desire to accelerate briskly. It's especially useful in parking lots where 1st gear might kill a pedestrian...

 

I agree 1st is there for a reason, exactly as I stated, when I am on a hill or trying to really take off. As Chris stated, there is no additional strain on the clutch, as usually I do not even apply gas to the car to get it rolling and I NEVER have an issue starting, never a funny smell, and never a jerky start. I fail to see why there is anythign wrong with this logic.

Unless there is a transmission tech or someone else out there with serious expertise with THIS car that tells me otherwise, I will continue my practice. (with other cars, I have never tried this, just found it to be most convenient and less stressful on the X than 1st starts)

 

I beat first gear like it owes me money

 

if you have 1 broken motor mount the other is likely worn and the tranny mount as well. spend the money now and replace all 3. if not you will be paying labor all over again to do this repair down the road. just my .02
with over 2 million miles driving everything from a 7 speed to a 21 speed triple stick mack i know a bit about shifting. the closeness of the gear is what allows you to start in the higher gears without slipping the clutch
with the xfire 6 speed it wouldnt be advisable to start in 2nd on a regular basis. use 1 to get rolling then shift. again my .02

 

i had a similar problem in my automatic crossfire, i remplace the 3 motor mounts because they were broken, and the grinding sound disappeared, i donīt kwon the sound was coming from mount, i thing the sound was from the moffler or something like that, but no, the sound is relationated with the motor mounts.

 

I would stay away from dealership take it to a good transmisson & clutch place !! Call & check around will be a lot cheaper !!!!!