Originally Posted by +fireamx

Your cars computer won't accept that gear ratio, and by 3rd. gear it would put you into "limp" mode, (Unless you have an 04-6 speed). Then you could probably get away with it just by disconnecting the main line going into your TC. (But you will still lose your anti-locks).
On later model 6 speeds, (when disconnecting the TC) other nasty things happen like losing your brake lights, and I forget what else.

Originally Posted by oyster_gold

Just out of curiosity how is the brake/accelerator pedal alignment in the manual XF's? I was surprised how much variance is in my AT. I have to actually pull my leg back to get my foot on the brake instead of simply pivoting my foot. One of the very few complaints I have with my car. Sorry if this is off topic in this thread.

Originally Posted by tunaglove

Yup, same here. Does anyone know if there is an adjustment to the brake pedal to even it with the gas pedal? (probably not)

Op, try to get a friend who knows stick and watch him drive your car. It's like riding a bike, once you get it you never forget.

Originally Posted by Rapp's

You will need to shift to 2nd around 14-16mph unless you can take the screaming of rpms and the looks of drivers next to you wondering why your making all that noise and not going faster than a child on a tricycle. If you don't lose the forward motion that came from 1st get into 2nd then it's an more enjoyable experience. If you do lose forward motion open the door, put your foot on the pavement and like a scooter push and lift your foot until you can shift into 2nd. The manual was not designed for any kind of "spirited" driving it's easier to accept this now than fix a transmission later.

First of all my manual is at 3100 rpm at 15 mph, hardly screaming, there is 2900 rpm left and 31 mph is accurate- I checked yesterday. I don't know how you lose so much forward motion from 1st to 2nd as it coasts rather well - you are making it sound like a Yugo. I drive it like I stole it some ( Spirited ) and I don't seem to come up with anything like your cars shifter. Even when I drive it like the grandpa I am I don't see it like you do at all. That little pedal on the right makes it go faster and makes first gear a little more fun.
Message - CrossfireForum.org Gallery My car at Gateway on the track starting in first gear, at least I hope so I'm not on my computer at the present and this one won't allow me to run videos.

Originally Posted by Franc Rauscher

You are quite right. Third is the awesome gear in the Crossie. One can do the entire Dragon in third very well.

I also find in stop and go rubberbanding traffic that the engine handles the lugging OK and the top end (about 85 MPH comfortably) is more than enough for that situation. One can keep the left foot at rest.

The biggest problem I have is that after so many years of driving a four speed, as I leave heavy traffic it is not uncommon for me to notice some 20 miles down the road, that I haven't put it in 6th. The torque curve in this engine is so level, one does not feel it drop off at the higher RPMS.

Originally Posted by onehundred80

Overdrive is a gearbox ratio of less than 1:1, and this cars 6th gear is less than 1:1. Its 0.838 as in the post above. That's the definition of overdrive.

Originally Posted by Chris L.

The HHR SS sticks were called "no lift shift" setups, the XF stick sure seems to me to function like that....anyone know technically why Chevy called the HHR SS "no lift"...as compared to any other of their cars with sticks?

This is not computer controlled rev-matching like on the new Zs.

Originally Posted by Larry Hitze

Larry.....settle down there- it was meant as humor more than anything, certainly not to bring visions of Yugo's to mind. That's a disturbing thought you got there. To each his own as far as driving styles and rpm/noise. To clarify, I don't lose forward motion 1st to 2nd, you took this far too seriously and I don't have a video to post of me driving the Crossfire so you'll have to trust me on this. Plus it would be so dull you'd be snoring by the time I opened the door to put my foot out to push the car into 2nd! Maybe I'm more comfortable with the gear box on the Viper?
I still stand by my point it's the XF is a great car, love mine glad I bought it.

Originally Posted by Rapp's

In first gear you can get to full throttle in less time than any other gear, the result is more acceleration than any other gear and you can feel it. Therefore when you push the clutch pedal your car actually starts to slow down and you jerk forward as you are carried forward by momentum, a passenger feels it more as they have no steering wheel to hang onto.
The more you get toward the red line the bigger the jerk is.
It's much more comfortable to change from 1st to 2nd earlier. The car does coast extremely well and will start to roll when the brakes are removed on almost imperceptible slopes.
Forward motion is not actually lost, it is the sudden absence of acceleration that is felt.

Originally Posted by onehundred80

Engineers think they have the answer to everything. Except, perhaps, the width of the front gate.

Nicely explained Dave.

Originally Posted by DSGoose

Lots of things to think about here. Here's one more: Try not to get into the habit of coasting for great distances with the clutch pushed in.

Worst case scenario, you're coasting down a highway hill in 1st gear with the clutch depressed. Your car is going 65 mph, your engine idling at 900 rpm, and your flywheel is spinning at a bazillion rpm. When that comes apart it will be a dramatic event, to say the least.

Dennis

Originally Posted by onehundred80

When my engine is idling at 900 rpm my flywheel is going at the same rpm.
Coasting is out of gear and there is no need for the clutch to be depressed.
1st gear at 65 mph?

Originally Posted by DSGoose

My bad - that would be the clutch plate that's spinning very fast in the scenario I described.

I'm not sure what the correct term is for moving while in gear with the clutch depressed. Forgive me if "coasting" is inaccurate.

And this is hyperbole to make the point, but somewhere in North America there must be, for example, a service station at the top of hill.

Regardless, coasting in neutral, or in gear with the clutch depressed, is bad practice and illegal (since you must be in control of your car at all times).

Dennis

Originally Posted by onehundred80