On the 6-speed deal -
The original applications of 5- and 6-speed transmissions (up from 4) have been
for
performance purposes, because a larger selection of closely-spaced gear ratios
allows a
"peaky" engine to stay in its powerband. Closely matching gear ratios to the
powerband of
the engine is important - it doesn't help to have more if they're poorly placed
relative
to the engine's powerband (the folks at Mazda probably didn't have auto-xing in
mind when
they designed the 6-speed box for the Miata). A close-ratio (and more ratios
will
inevitably mean closer ratios) box can also help fuel economy and emissions
performance,
again by allowing the engine to work in the most efficient portion of its
powerband.
Gary McCormick
San Jose, CA
Leigh Brooks wrote:
> Just got an email from Nissan about pre-ordering the 350Z. I'm not
> going for one, but I did check out the specs. Seems the
> "performance" model is the only one with LSD. Of course they have
> the "boulevardier" version as well (geez isn't that what killed the Z
> in the first place?)
>
> My question though, is about 6-speed trannys. They seem to be all
> the rage these days. Miatas have gone to them, but it puts the 2-3
> shift in a really bad place for auto-xing. Is this true for all 6-speeds.
> And is this a case of "one more must be better" marketing vs.
> engineering?
>
> Leigh Brooks
> BADROC
>
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