What do you guys think of this. It can be adapted to the MINI:

http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=3979857



Discuss

I don't know about the launch control, but the no lift shifting sounds intriguing.

 

This will be interesting...I have always thought that you had to have a stand alone management system to achieve this...but I am always learning...

 

Not really its more of an signal intercepting/manipulating gadget. Its along the same lines as say an AFC how it manipulates the present operations.

 

Seems like it will cheapen the skills we develop as drivers. Making fast, accurate, clean shifts is something I've spent loads of time perfecting.

 

I have a friend who's crazy about the Mazdaspeed 3 and he says it's built to handle no-lift shifting stock. I can see how it's more of a plus for turbo applications. From what I could gather from that thread it looked like it was specifically for VWs and Audis. Just out of curiosity, were you saying this IS already applicable to the MINI or, bringing this up as a possibility that it may be compatible?

 

Cobb Tuning offers this on their AccessPort for Subaru's. Since the throttle is drive-by-wire, it's tunable and controllable. What it comes down to is the talent of the guy hacking the code (i.e. you get what you pay for).

 

Most of our cars are still under warranty heck I shift all the time w/o lifting the gas. Our cars are after all drive by wire. I was especially relentless on my 2004 and no probs with that.

 

It could be adapted:

 

true story! thats what all the new "not-so-rice" drivers who think theyre all that cause they can shift so well, when in reality their cars do it all for them

also, we have superchargers, the boost builds instantly with the rpms of them engine whereas with a turbo'd car you have to have air flowing through the engine to keep the turbo spooled (assisted by the blow off valve) and making boost

the launch control sounds pretty cool if it works though!

 

I see where you're coming from, but technology will continue to evolve, and you can't draw a line in the sand and say "any technology beyond *this point* cheapens the driving experience".

Thanks to synchromesh transmissions, we no longer have to double-clutch every single downshift. Likewise, anti-lock braking systems mean that "threshold braking" isn't as important a skill as it once was.

In these days of fuel injection and inexpensive exhaust gas analyzers, my skills at synchronizing carbs and reading a Gunson Colortune are pretty much obsolete, but that's the way it goes.

Remember, every time you talk about some new technological development "cheapening" your skills or the driving experience, there's some MGA driver snickering at your fancy-schmancy power steering, power brakes, and points-free electronic ignition.

 

Duely noted, and I do want a car with no fancy systems like you mentioned, so I can learn more.

 

LOL, my boss said the other day that the new kid wouldn't even know what points were.....I said, that's a good thing, who wan'ts points?

 

True - while it's nice that just about any problem with points can be solved with a screwdriver, a spare condenser and a matchbook, the drawback is that eventually, you're going to *need* the screwdriver, matchbook and condenser, usually out in the middle of nowhere when you're already running late.

Likewise, I don't miss having to top off the oil in my carburetors and shock absorbers, or adjusting the carbs twice a year as the seasons change or if I go up into the mountains for a trip.

You know what they say about anyone driving an old British/Italian car - He's either a self-taught mechanic, or he's about to become one, possibly in the next five minutes.

 

No lift shifting is something that would outperform regular shifting and be pretty cool to have. Have any of you tried the VW/ AUDI DSG. I saw a comparison and basically there isn't a pro driver that can shift as fast and smoothly as it does. It has two clutches and actually rev matches for you. Technology at work.

 

May I present....




Technology is great, I'm all for it. But I also want to at times to be engaged more in the act of driving. Good thing there are so many used low tech cars out there.

 

bah - Fuel injection, solid-state digital ignition, full-synchro transmission with overdrive, sealed shock absorbers, power brakes, dual airbags, and a $61,000 price tag. The wheels are even standard five-luggers, unless you pay $3000 extra for true center-mount knock-off wheels.

That's more for the people that like the "idea" and appearance of low-tech without actually having to deal with low-tech.

 

This better....

Doesn't even have door handles...but does have dual SU's



Ugh yeah, someplace this is a thread about a high tech product....

 

Much better - LOVE the Bugeye Sprites!

 

I've got a set of SU's in the garage for you that will fit that!

 

So could you run this just for the two step?

 

Yes you can

 

I wanna revz and shootz flames....

 

Has anyone emailed them to ask them if it would work?

 

The argument of new technology making basic skill obsolete doesn't hold water. It's like saying we shouldn't teach math and reading/writing because we have computers with calculators and spell checkers available to us.

 

I f you read the thread about it, they say it will work with any car that has:

• A throttle position sensor or accelerator pedal position sensor - Nearly all cars have this, so it is a given
• Fuel injection or Coil on plug ignition - Again, 99.99% of cars....
• A clutch "up" switch

If you email them they will give you specific instructions for your car.