newbie manual trans??'s

[mazdarotary]

Hello all,



I'm new to the TDR and so far very grateful of the site. I have yet to buy a Diesel yet but have a deposit on one that was posted on the classifieds on the site. The truck is pretty far away so I have yet to see it in person or drive it. So here is my question. I have been driving manual transmissions for a while(and race)but they are all in gasoline powered cars that rev really high(Mazda rotaries)and I have a feeling driving a diesel powered truck will be alot different. Is therea different shifting technique with the diesel?Is there a different take off technique with the diesel?What about downshifts,double clutching?I ask because I don't want to drive it like the mazda and kill it. The mazda loves to take off around 3000 rpm or a bit higher with the lightweight flywheel and I know the diesel probably redlines a 3000. Also the redline on the wankel is 8000. The diesel would become a grenade at that level i'm sure. Thanks for the input. Sorry if these are stupid questions.





Chris

 

[DieselBuzz]

Manipulate the manual

Chris,

Your assumptions are good. At 3000rpm, well most motors are governed so they can't quite go that fast. Launching? check the racing forum maybe. I usually start out in 2nd. With 4. 10s 1st is a real creeper gear. Double clutching and down shifting is up to personal taste. It is a sychro'd trans so it is not vital. I double clutch, I have no muffler and I like the sound a lot. Does it make a big difference? Eh, I was once told my truck sounded like a cement mixer. I took it as a compliment.

I think you will enjoy towing your Mazdas around with a Cummins. Just be very deliberate when you switch from the truck and back.

No questions are dumb here. Hope this helps.

Art

 

[BCaldwell]

Only stupid questions are the ones we don't ask O. k. you don't say what year the truck is but mine is an early 91 with a five speed and not a lot of modifications yet I drive it like an ordinary pickup no double clutching not required,3000 rpm no not even close yet defuels around 2200 2300 rpm soon to change also. trani is syncroed so you can drive like you stole it if you want but watch the torque mine dynoed at 167. 1 h. p. and 430. 7 pf torque last Saturday next week those numbers will change. lol with the truck purchase. bill

 

[rkubicki]

Chris,



I race a built-up VW with a high-end, low-torque engine... The driving experience between the VW and the truck are worlds apart but fun in their own unique ways... One main reason I bought my truck (besides the fact that CTDs are cool) was to haul the VW to race events... . After a day of racing the VW, the truck feels like an "easy-chair" - a place to unwind as I drive home... For me, adjusting driving styles from the VW to the truck is not too bad... The truck, by design, is pretty hard to speed shift or anything like that since the shifter and clutch pedal have such a long throw... I have a harder time going from the truck to the VW... I get in the car still mentally trained that I am in a vehicle with gobs of touque.



Rob

 

[BushWakr - RIP]

mazdarotary,

Welcome !!

The guys are right. The CTD is usually governed at around 2450 RPM when in stock setup. That is the top end for them until you get it set "right". .

You didn't mention which model year, but assuming since you're posting in here, it will be a 1st Gen. If so, add an extra litre (quart'ish) to the Getrag and it will last longer... or so the rowing crew tell me...

Your setup can be made to run much better than stock but the downstream components take a beating the more you uprate, which is normal.

Guages are a must in the long run so get them in first. EGT, Tach, and Boost, but start with the EGT if $$$ are tight.

You'll need to know what your temps are as you tweak/adjust.

Well, that's about all the damage I can do for now...







BCaldwell,



"... next week those numbers will change... "



Now what are you up to??? If you want to do some tiddling, drop by. I'll make the coffee but you have to provide the Valium...

See what happens when I go away for a couple weeks... . geeez. . you can't take your eyes of em for a minute. .



Bob.

 

[BCaldwell]

Hey Bush going to go to Piers Friday am already booked it but thanks for the kind offer, just going to get the valves done Bill