Yes I know I have raised this before on the old forum a couple of years ago but since this section did so well on the scoop quiz proving there is a lot of talent walking it halls I was hoping to raise it again.

Please argue the pro's and con's of semi-automatic over manual as an Offroad tranny?

Examples:
Con - Hotter and no more roll start (Solution if any)
Pro - Better traction control (Debatable).

Also - suggested types / models, improvements, anecdotes, engine combinations, expert rebuild shops etc.

I was fortunate enough to go for a ride in MR930's semi-auto gold fleck manx and it was a real treat. Just like a go-kart - Stop and Go! that was it. I have no idea and didn't ask what it was like offroad on the slopes and soft stuff though.

The Bronze.

Yes I know I have raised this before on the old forum a couple of years ago but since this section did so well on the scoop quiz proving there is a lot of talent walking it halls I was hoping to raise it again.

Please argue the pro's and con's of semi-automatic over manual as an Offroad tranny?

Examples:
Con - Hotter and no more roll start (Solution if any)
Pro - Better traction control (Debatable).

Also - suggested types / models, improvements, anecdotes, engine combinations, expert rebuild shops etc.


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I was fortunate enough to go for a ride in MR930's semi-auto gold fleck manx and it was a real treat. Just like a go-kart - Stop and Go! that was it. I have no idea and didn't ask what it was like offroad on the slopes and soft stuff though.

The Bronze.

"7 replies" ????

Can only see 2

:alien

sorry Bronze that I'm not complying with your request just thinking out aloud...............how sensitive is the switch on the gear lever, would the rough roads etc trigger the disengaging mechanism ?
Is there lots of oil lines etc to consider re-routing?...............diff ratio with large tyres?

I have seen a type 3 auto box being used in a buggy, worked very well.

sorry not much help although I know new auto's are a pleasure to go offroading with.

they are great in a semi auto beetle.....

There wouldn't be any problems in the rough stuff unless Your leg accidently knocked the gearlever, and disengaged the clutch....

Lee

My Manx was using a type3 auto not a semiauto . It drove real good on and offroad . I think a semi auto would be good offroad too. There is a Manx in Grafton running one and he's real happy with it .

This is how much I know because I didn't know there was a straight auto available. Other wise I would have asked about that. I was actually considering a type 2 auto into a buggy project.

How was yours for 'over heat' and 'traction' Mark?

Bronze

The type 3 auto's can be fitted, but will require some fairly major mods to the frame horns, as the auto box is wide and won't fit between them. I think it is part of the reason why IRS type 3's got rid of the frame horns, to make way for an auto box.

type 2 autos have the same prob.

The real advantage of an auto / semi-auto / anything with a torque convertor, is that it has a torque convertor.

Torque convertors are not just nice auto clutches, they are actually torque multipliers. They effectively multiply the engine torque a number of times while the inital take-up is occuring. This is good offroad, and makes hill starts on slippery hills much easier than a car with a clutch.

I haven't had any experience with the VW auto's, but have had mates with auto and manual 4wds that I've driven and noticed the auto's were more capable.

I probably wouldn't go for a stick shift as I hear it is difficult to get it to work with anything bigger than the stock 1600.

I also know some of the serious offroad racing boy's use tricked up 2lt auto's in their race buggies. They install some very special plates in the sump part of the auto to change the internal shifting circuitry of the gearbox. This allows them to make the auto's a manually shifted sequential clutchless gearbox. I would love to use this set-up one day, but with the torquey V6 it probably isn't really needed.

As for temp, well I guess it all depends on what your doing. I would try it and see, if it gets hot fit an oil cooler to the auto. Shouldn't be too hard.

A guy with a red manx in the Manx Club is running a type 3 auto, and he thinks it's great in the sand and offroad.

Thanks Wes-

The physics of having a torque converter seems to add up for me. Having fluid application of power to the wheels can only be an advantage but at what expense? I have not had the opportunity to experience it or sit around the camp fire and ask it hence why the Forum is an excellent vehicle for such a discussion.

I recall now about the horns and the fitting is an issue.

My auto experience was 4 cyl underpowered Auto Hilux heading up Barrington Tops. Whined for 1/2 an hour before mashing the cam. 2nd was to low and 3rd to high. Eventually died 3/4 of the way up. Hasn't laft a good impression. I hope to change that.

Anyone else?