What good is First Gear?

[Argess]

Bob? How's it going?

Yes, they probably are over 10 years old...maybe 1995 or 96 and with only 5000 miles on them...LOL

I dunno about the tire thing.....you'd think I'd hear something or smell rubber burning if the tires were an issue.

[DanEC]

Originally Posted by Argess

Nice video. Thank-you. My favourite is this one:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJPwxLZGzlM

That 3000 dump the clutch thing was jus a thought if I wanted to start in second. Clutch work aside, I may do some trials while already in first and just off-idle at around 1000 rpm and see what happens.

LOL....nobody wants to admit they can't drive, but here I am...."My name is John and I can't handle 1st gear!"

Normal driving, I'm fine. Way back when, I used to lose Camaro's quite easily on windy country roads with my 74 Datsun 710. Only mod was wider tires (Michelins). I don't play those games any more. Common sense has prevailed.

Still waiting on my Cobra to come together (but it is ordered) but in the meantime I have a 66 427 Corvette with a pieced together L-88 in it with 4.11 rear and I understand your 1-rst gear phobia. Since restoring the car and going back to a regular size tire, first gear is hopeless. Things happen so fast, so noisily and so out of control that I can't cope with it anymore. I figure a FE Cobra is even more so. So when I want a little fun I loaf through first gear, shift into second and then nail it. I think part of it is just being afraid of breaking something after putting so much work into it. Oh well, good luck with the therapy.

[CHANMADD]

Tires that old are no good. Also your car has a Jaguar independant rear end that is not the best for drag racing.
Leave the line...easing the clutch out and then put your foot down..
and depending on he surface you still might get wheelspin.
I like a a nice radial .. I have Kumho Ecsta's and find them fantastic all around tire with a really nice street ride with tons of straight line grip. I have 16's 255 rear and 225 front.

[Atlantacobra]

I'll tell you what....I just put the new Nitto drag radials on mine and I have to work at it to get them to break loose. I'll probably get less than 5k out of them, but they grab really well.

[D-CEL]

Argess,

Hold on there brother! You're spinning the motor to 6600prm, in first gear (3.28/1) with a 3.07 rear gear and a 295/50 tire, and you can't tell if they are spinning? What does your speedo say? Do you have a limited slip dif?

Anyway,
Those tires suck so bad its hard to describe.
Take them off and set fire to them!
They have no redeeming qualities and shouldn’t be on a Cobra.
Once you’ve done that, go get a FULL set of Drag radials yes, FRONT AND REAR! I like the M/Ts but everybody makes them BFG, Nitto, M&H, take your pick.
All that you know about your Cobra will change, it will be much faster and safer.



Jason

[Argess]

No, no, no, no......LOL. I hit about 6600 one time, ... just before a 2 to 3 shift, not in first. And I didn't mean to.....I figure 6000 is high enough, and in first a lot lower than that.

I appreciate all the tire talk. I'll have to have a witness watch from the side of the road, but I'm sure spinning isn't it.

It's a bit like DanEC described above...things happen so fast, I can't get a feel for the upcoming 1-2 shift. Unless I shift at really low rpms, I mess it up miserably.

Keep in mind, I only street drive, and a roaring blast from a standing stop isn't common. You can't do it in town due to children, pets, police, etc., and stopping on the highway to do a run isn't a wise move either, 'cept for maybe early Sunday morning when you have a long straight stretch and little, if any, traffic. So, even after all these years, I havn't mastered it yet.

[Anthony]

Originally Posted by Argess

It feels like first is geared too low, but yet, when I drive normally, first almost seems to high when I leave from a stoplight.

I am using a 3.07 differential with a Richmond Gear 5-speed (standard 1st gear) and a 428 FE.

You need to look at 1st gear multiplication to determine if you're geared right, too low or high. For a BB cobra, I've been told that you want between 8.5 and 9 . So, in your case, 3.27 (1st gear) X 3.07 = 10.0, so you might be geared a little too low, like you stated, however, you're not really that bad out of the ball park. I know some cars use the tremec 3550 with 3.27 1st gear coupled with a 3.73 rear, for a factor of 12.2, much more out of the ball park. I've run a wide ratio TL (2.78 1st gear) with the 3.07 rear for a factor of 8.53, which to me seems fine for drag racing as well as street use. However the richmond 5 speed is a true close ratio tranny, which my TL is not, and I had thought at some point I may replace the WR TL with a richmond 5 speed, but specify the 3.04 1st gear instead of the 3.27 if that was still available.

I have run a BB cobra with a close ratio TL ( 2.32 1st) with a 3.54 rear, factor of 8.21, which to me also seems fine for drag racing and street use.

You just can't put your foot entirely into it until you're moving somewhat, and on a drag strip, it's usually stickier than on the street.

I think you're fine.

[Sharroll Celby]

Work on your starting-line technique...even with crappy tires, you should be able to SMOOTHLY accelerate quickly through the gears.

Better tires WILL help a LOT, though!!! lol !!!

[Silverback51]

I wasn't going to say anything, but I just cannot keep my mouth closed any longer.

You can't tell if the tires are spinning? When you shift from first to second it lunges forward? You are not shifting smoothly.

Maybe a new Corvette or a similar car with an automatic and traction control is more within your capability.

In an overpowered car like a Cobra, the throttle is not an off/on switch. You have to learn to modulate the throttle.

Okay, I'm being a little harsh. Sorry. But you really need to learn how to drive this car before you injure yourself or someone else.

If you can find an advanced performance driving course in your area where you can use your own car, take it. You will then be able to fully enjoy your car.

[Argess]

Hey Silverback, you're supposed to laugh at me, not pick on me.........LOLOL.

I'm sure it's not spinning, but all the previous posts on "it's your tires" are making me unsure. Anyway, I'm not nailing the throttle. It doesn't lunge forward, it's the opposite...during the shift, it feels almost like I am braking. But you're correct.....I am having trouble with the 1-2 shift.

I've been driving this car since 1996. No accidents, no "almost" accidents. In fact, I've never had an accident with anything, and although no Cobra, I've also owned a Datsun 240Z and a lightly modified 82 RX7. I've been driving since 1976 and seem to have got along so far without injuring anyone, and that includes driving in and around major US and Canadian cities. And that also includes 14 years of a 100 mile + commute (return included) during maritime winters which include snow, slush, ice and black ice. oh-oh...time to "rap-on-wood" before I do get in an accident!!!

Only thing I ever owned with an automatic transmission was my 66 Mustang with a 289. I'm not a fan of automatics.

There are no HP Driving Schools anywhere within ....probably 1000 miles of where I live, but I would like to attend one.

To be a bit fair to myself, I find almost all manual transmission cars are a bit difficult until you get into 2nd, but the Cobra seems much worse. AND, in many of the dragstrip Cobra videos (like on Youtube), I see the driver shifts into second pretty early. I guess I can do that OK...."shift low and go". However, did you ever see one of those acceleration graphs of a Cobra? The 1-2 shift seems to be pretty high in mph. So I'm trying to get a little more revs up before the shift....and it just ain't working for me.

Anyway, I find nothing wrong admitting in public (i.e. the net) my faults when the purpose is to request help. Perhaps you have some tips you can share so I don't have to attend a driving school?

[Silverback51]

Originally Posted by Argess

Hey Silverback, you're supposed to laugh at me, not pick on me.........LOLOL.

I'm sure it's not spinning, but all the previous posts on "it's your tires" are making me unsure. Anyway, I'm not nailing the throttle. It doesn't lunge forward, it's the opposite...during the shift, it feels almost like I am braking. But you're correct.....I am having trouble with the 1-2 shift.

I've been driving this car since 1996. No accidents, no "almost" accidents. In fact, I've never had an accident with anything, and although no Cobra, I've also owned a Datsun 240Z and a lightly modified 82 RX7. I've been driving since 1976 and seem to have got along so far without injuring anyone, and that includes driving in and around major US and Canadian cities. And that also includes 14 years of a 100 mile + commute (return included) during maritime winters which include snow, slush, ice and black ice. oh-oh...time to "rap-on-wood" before I do get in an accident!!!

Only thing I ever owned with an automatic transmission was my 66 Mustang with a 289. I'm not a fan of automatics.

There are no HP Driving Schools anywhere within ....probably 1000 miles of where I live, but I would like to attend one.

To be a bit fair to myself, I find almost all manual transmission cars are a bit difficult until you get into 2nd, but the Cobra seems much worse. AND, in many of the dragstrip Cobra videos (like on Youtube), I see the driver shifts into second pretty early. I guess I can do that OK...."shift low and go". However, did you ever see one of those acceleration graphs of a Cobra? The 1-2 shift seems to be pretty high in mph. So I'm trying to get a little more revs up before the shift....and it just ain't working for me.

Anyway, I find nothing wrong admitting in public (i.e. the net) my faults when the purpose is to request help. Perhaps you have some tips you can share so I don't have to attend a driving school?

Okay, I will laugh at you and not pick on you.

If it feels like you are braking during the first to second shift, you're timing of the throttle lift to clutch depression is off. You should feel very little if any deceleration during the shift. Sounds to me that you are letting off the throttle to early compared to when you are depressing the clutch. That is why it feels like you are braking. Work on your timing and I believe you will see a huge improvement.

I have a good friend of mine that loves performance cars, but cannot drive a stick to save his sole. Ernie never could get the timing right, and he just finally gave up and has driven automatics ever since. I could loan him my car for a week and tell him that if he could pull of a good shift, just once after a week, I would give him a $100,000.00, and my money would be safe.

Your name isn't Ernie by chance is it?

[SPF2245]

I like the 1st gear launch at ~1300-1500 rpms after taking up the slack in the driveline by pulling a few inches forward (this all stops the car from bogging off the line, eliminates most wheel spin right off the line, stops any axle hop and makes it easier to back peddle if the rears break loose). I shift into second at 5800-6000 (at my peak power band and just short of the rev limiter), I don't power shift into second to avoid wheel spin and take it to 6K. Third is a straight open palm shove up with a slight lift on the throttle and 4th is the same but straight pull back. It works well and stops me from wasting time. Second gear launches are tough on the driveline (clutch and rear axle) so I'd stay away from those, just feed the throttle a little off idle and you should be able to get a nice launch. Good luck, and try doing some launches in a large empty parking lot...that way if you do get out of control...no one or nothing gets damaged.

[Buzz]

An ultra-low 1st gear ratio (particularly when combined with a wide ratio spread) and a quick-revving engine will give you a challenging 1 - 2 shift on an aggressive launch. The key is to anticipate it and be prepared for a short, fast shift after takeoff. Instead of grannying the shift, you'll have a better result if you keep your foot in it and shift aggressively, as long as you don't blow out the rear tires and lose it altogether. What causes the lurch is engine braking in a very low gear as you let off for the 1 -2 shift. Seize control of the car, establish yourself as the master and nail that shift early. Don't allow the quick RPM buildup to intimidate you into letting up and you'll be rewarded with a neck snapping (your head will snap backwards instead of forward) shift into second gear.

[Gary Stubbs]

Tires will help you to no end. Switched from the hard as rock TA's like yours to Mickey Thompson radials. I believe the same or close compound at drag radials. Anyway, they are the 15 inch version and did not want to change wheels. Big difference all across the board with these tires. Change tires at the minimum. Short shift from 1st to second 4500rpm and then nail it. Will see a big difference.
good luck gary

[Argess]

Thanks guys. I do believe you've hit it on the head Buzz. You have described the exact opposite of what I am doing....LOL. I shall try my best....in a large parking lot.

I think Silverback was trying to explain the same thing, but in a different way. I was going to read his post again, but somehow the "Ernie" thing got in the way. Oh well....I opened the door....never can tell who might walk in.

[mdross1]

For the coil-over equipped cars,it is a must to have the cars suspension scaled.Not having it done,forget a controllable launch.Also setup rearend with up to 4 degrees positive,it helps off the line traction considerablly.Finally practice launching the car and limiting wheel spin.Anything more than this,(suspension upgrades,better tires,gear changes,things that help make the car quicker) it's how much are you willing to spend.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by mdross1

For the coil-over equipped cars,it is a must to have the cars suspension scaled.

That's good advice for almost everyone on this forum. You can rent a set of scales for the day from your local race shop and then it just takes a little time on the coilovers to get your corner weights right. There are no tricks to it, just remember to loosen up your sway bars, check your tire pressure, use a level floor, and put some weight in the driver's seat. It's actually a pretty satisfying task to complete -- just remember to tighten your sway bars up when you're done.

[Argess]

Ah...a new response to this thread. I had let the thread go as it was deteriorating and I was unintenionally digging a hole I couldn't get out of.

Fact is, I've been reviewing as many on-line videos as I can, and for the most part, I shift like the ones I see. What I was attempting to do, was shift into 2nd a little higher in the power band, and that wasn't smooth.

There have been quite a few acceleration charts made of the Cobra over the years, and most of them depict a 1-2 shift from as low as 5800 and up to almost 7000 rpm. I find my best shifting is more around 3500 and getting into second gear low in the power band and letting it rip up from there, quite high, and then shift into 3rd with no issues.

Thank-you for your reply.

[Excaliber]

I launch at less than 2000 rpm, around 1500-1800 or so, then have to apply throttle in a fast but progressive way, can't "nail it", for my best 0-60 ft time. With 2nd it's a quick shift but short of "nailing it" and ALWAYS off throttle then progessive throttle following the shift.

[RET_COP]

Don't take your foot completely out of the throttle when shifting this car from 1st to 2nd (it will fall on its nose with a low 1st gear), my terminology is, crack back on the throttle just a bit and move that shift and clutch pedal quickly, like others said this is all timing and positive movements, you can't be shy about it.
Lou