Porsche shifting question - DE Options

[Bill Smith]

I am running a 74 914 with a 901 trans with a quaiffe. Running in Blue and really wanted to go to white so I was really pushing and showing that I could be agressive. Running at Summit point, WV which is probably the same as most tracks. Long Straight followed by a 180 degree turn.

Going down the straight in 5th gear, shift light comes on so I am close to redline, full throttle, 500 feet sign, 400 feet sign, 300 feet sign - off throttle - full brakes, 200 feet sign, 100 ft sign, clutch in - Shift from 5th to 3rd with a throttle blip and turn in going about 50 mph.

My problem is sometimes I rake the gear. I read in an article that you should pause in the middle of the shift to smooth it out. I think my eyes were wide open and I was trying to hurry the shift because I was taking the turn fast - MY instructor even said that was hotter than I take it but your car really holds. One time he even yelled that I was spinning but it was just trail braking and I throttled out of it. At the end of the session he did say I was ready for white - will probably get moved up next event.

Is there a good way to learn to shift smooth?? - I dont want to screw up my ride.

[SirAndy]

Is there a good way to learn to shift smooth?? - I dont want to screw up my ride.

there are limits to how fast you can shift a 901. they're 40 year old technology and will never shift like a modern transmission.

the rennshift and JWest linkage really helped getting a nice gated feeling, which in turn helps with quick shifting.

on the track, i *always* blip the throttle when shifting, not just for downshifts but also for upshifts. seems to help a bit.

other than that, just spend more time with your car! experience is the biggest advantage ...
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif) Andy

[mudfoot76]

there are limits to how fast you can shift a 901. they're 40 year old technology and will never shift like a modern transmission.

on the track, i *always* blip the throttle when shifting, not just for downshifts but also for upshifts. seems to help a bit.

other than that, just spend more time with your car! experience is the biggest advantage ...
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif) Andy

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif)

Seat time, seat time, and more seat time. Also try the JWest shifter, that will help some. But in the end, practice is what will give you the best results. Or if you have cubic dollars, figure out a way to connect a more modern transmission to your car.

At my 'home' track, there is one corner where I occasionally have to downshift to second gear in my teener if I'm stuck behind a car with more HP but less turning ability. If I am in a hurry, I can feel a slight grind as if I may be nicking reverse. If I am gentle and take my time, no problems.