22-06-2022, 01:46 PM
On a crash box, like the 3 speed and the early 4 speed, when you change gear you're actually moving a straight cut gear into mesh with another one. It only happens if the two are rotating at the same speed (ie synchronised) - in the later synchromesh gearboxes this is done for you by cone clutches, which allow the change to be made without having to match engine to road speed.
When changing up, you have to wait for the engine speed to drop to what it would be at the same speed in the next gear. The A7 has a heavy flywheel and it takes time for it to slow down. Try counting out loud "One, one thousand - neutral, two, one thousand, gear" and you'll not be far off. Same for a down change, but this time you have to increase the engine speed to match the road speed. Don't rush it. If the speeds of the gears are matched it will drop in as smooth as silk. If not you're making steel dust.
It's really hard to ddc into 1st at anything above walking pace without a crunch. Better just to stop.
When changing up, you have to wait for the engine speed to drop to what it would be at the same speed in the next gear. The A7 has a heavy flywheel and it takes time for it to slow down. Try counting out loud "One, one thousand - neutral, two, one thousand, gear" and you'll not be far off. Same for a down change, but this time you have to increase the engine speed to match the road speed. Don't rush it. If the speeds of the gears are matched it will drop in as smooth as silk. If not you're making steel dust.
It's really hard to ddc into 1st at anything above walking pace without a crunch. Better just to stop.