options to improve manual shift speed?

[seriously]

so I enjoy the manual shifting action. gates are well defined, rifle bolt action. however, two issues I'd like to improve.

1. what options are there to lower the resistance of the manual shift? is there different transmission fluid or different springs or something?
2. why does the Emira prefer slower deliberate shifting? many reviews mention this and I also find it to be true. when I try to shift quickly - it's more abrupt. when I take my time, I can execute smooth shifts easily. Is this something to do with the clutch or the supercharger platform?

hopping out of an s2000 I'm reminded of just how good manual shifting can be. very little effort to shift, very easy to shift quickly- gets you into a flow with the car. in the Emira everything feels like it requires so much deliberate action and it's more staccato in feel - like power, then bang power, then bang power. it almost feels like a muscle car compared to the easier to manage Honda.

 

[kitkat]

The S2000 had S-tier syncros and made for a silky smooth gearbox, the Emira gearbox simply isn't anywhere nearly as refined. I don't think there's much you can do without really tearing into the gearbox and rebuilding it with some custom parts.

 

[sendmeows]

Coming from an s2000 I know exactly what you mean. Especially the “staccato” feeling now. I imagine I’ll learn to drive around it, but the shifting and power proved difficult to drive the Emira smoothly around track.

I switched to a heavier shift knob for a slight improvement in feel.

 

[seriously]

Coming from an s2000 I know exactly what you mean. Especially the “staccato” feeling now. I imagine I’ll learn to drive around it, but the shifting and power proved difficult to drive the Emira smoothly around track.

I switched to a heavier shift knob for a slight improvement in feel. View attachment 52190

this makes sense as one physical option to counter balance the shifting resistance. problem is I am one of the few that like the stock shift knob! maybe if I can find a weighted one that looks OEM.

 

[RoryBellows]

There's not a lot out for emiras but searching for evoras I found this company who replaces the whole linkage assembly. It looks pretty involved and a bit sparse on details for how it feels at the end but worth a call/email to them to find out and see if they can make an Emira version.

Ultimate Evora shiftR111 2.0 — InoKinetic

Improved Shift Feel & Strength! This new, second generation, Ultimate shiftR111 package improves the overall feel of the Lotus shifter found in the Evora. It has been engineered to fit within the factory center console and retains the factory handbrake. It also maintains the stock

www.inokinetic.com

 

[Rapture]

so I enjoy the manual shifting action. gates are well defined, rifle bolt action. however, two issues I'd like to improve.

1. what options are there to lower the resistance of the manual shift? is there different transmission fluid or different springs or something?
2. why does the Emira prefer slower deliberate shifting? many reviews mention this and I also find it to be true. when I try to shift quickly - it's more abrupt. when I take my time, I can execute smooth shifts easily. Is this something to do with the clutch or the supercharger platform?

hopping out of an s2000 I'm reminded of just how good manual shifting can be. very little effort to shift, very easy to shift quickly- gets you into a flow with the car. in the Emira everything feels like it requires so much deliberate action and it's more staccato in feel - like power, then bang power, then bang power. it almost feels like a muscle car compared to the easier to manage Honda.

Have a look at this thread. This may help a bit. I'm going to try it soon. In addition to the different trans fluid, the OP of the thread also used an additive that is supposed to enhance the mechanical action of the transmission (and engine).

📓 Journals - Adding Lightness

You still have the third cat installed, correct?

www.emiraforum.com

 

[seriously]

Have a look at this thread. This may help a bit. I'm going to try it soon. In addition to the different trans fluid, the OP of the thread also used an additive that is supposed to enhance the mechanical action of the transmission (and engine).

📓 Journals - Adding Lightness

You still have the third cat installed, correct?

www.emiraforum.com

I did see that thread. I might try some type of redline transmission oil at some point. I think the additive was for the engine.

 

[seriously]

There's not a lot out for emiras but searching for evoras I found this company who replaces the whole linkage assembly. It looks pretty involved and a bit sparse on details for how it feels at the end but worth a call/email to them to find out and see if they can make an Emira version.

Ultimate Evora shiftR111 2.0 — InoKinetic

Improved Shift Feel & Strength! This new, second generation, Ultimate shiftR111 package improves the overall feel of the Lotus shifter found in the Evora. It has been engineered to fit within the factory center console and retains the factory handbrake. It also maintains the stock

www.inokinetic.com

That looks pretty expensive without 100% clear results. I did poke around the site and that led me to thinking about the clutch delay valve. Apparently the Evora GT has a CDV and some have eliminated it to enable faster/smoother shifting. Again, not 100% clear if this makes a real difference or not.

Apparently Lotus fixed some kind of rev hang issue with the Emira that allows us to rev match MUCH better than in the Evora GT. That fix tells me there could be something about the setup holding the Emira back from shifting more quickly. Not the shifting action itself, but more about gear engagement/clutch/mechanical related. Maybe it is the native synchro setup mentioned above.

So far ideas for improvement are weighted shift knob, eliminate CDV, change transmission fluid. Not really considering the wholesale replacement of the shifting unit. for my purposes, I don't think a short shift kit improves anything.

This also clued me into researching people's experience with the Evora platform...

 

[Rapture]

I did see that thread. I might try some type of redline transmission oil at some point. I think the additive was for the engine.

It was for both.

 

[Nba19002]

There's not a lot out for emiras but searching for evoras I found this company who replaces the whole linkage assembly. It looks pretty involved and a bit sparse on details for how it feels at the end but worth a call/email to them to find out and see if they can make an Emira version.

Ultimate Evora shiftR111 2.0 — InoKinetic

Improved Shift Feel & Strength! This new, second generation, Ultimate shiftR111 package improves the overall feel of the Lotus shifter found in the Evora. It has been engineered to fit within the factory center console and retains the factory handbrake. It also maintains the stock

www.inokinetic.com

I have their shiftR111 2.0 upgrade on my Elise and it is a huge improvement. I would not hesitate to get one for my Emira if they could offer a similar upgrade. The company (InoKinetic) worked on my Elise quite extensively and they do great work.

 

[seriously]

Took my car out for a fun run. Found a new local twisty road to push the car. I’m actually reminded that the gearbox situation is actually pretty good. I can shift pretty quickly and smoothly- it’s just that the technique/timing is not as intuitive and a little different from other manuals. Perhaps I chaulk it up to having to learn the quirks of the car. I don’t believe it’s a major deficiency. I am however getting more tinny rattling noise on throttle as has been reported elsewhere. It’s also minor- I can live with it. But it would be great if someone finds a fix.