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Topic: Using a manual transmission with handcontrols (Read 20344 times) previous topic - next topic

Using a manual transmission with handcontrols

Reply #150 –
true, but I am working on throwing a computer in there anyways. I wouldnt have it follow the movement of the clutch, I would just have setting already. One for slow take off, one for a hill and one for a quick launch. Atleast I would like to. You can get motors with gobs of torque on them. My dad has some that I cannot turn by hand when they have power, and that is with a big  on it too.

I dunno, prolly more problems then its worth. Imagine having to reboot windows cause you killed it at a light.
Quote from: jcassity
I honestly dont think you could exceed the cost of a new car buy installing new *stock* parts everywhere in your coug our tbird. Its just plain impossible. You could revamp the entire drivetrain/engine/suspenstion and still come out ahead.
Hooligans! 
1988 Crown Vic wagon. 120K California car. Wifes grocery getter. (junked)
1987 Ford Thunderbird LX. 5.0. s.o., sn-95 t-5 and an f-150 clutch. Driven daily and going strong.
1986 cougar.
lilsammywasapunkrocker@yahoo.com

Using a manual transmission with handcontrols

Reply #151 –
Tonight I replaced the vacuum line with a brake line - the bigger one.  I took the car out for a try. It seemed like the first few times I used the clutch, it was comparatively easy but got harder each time I used it. Do I need a bigger vacuum line? Maybe a vacuum canister?

Also, "comparatively easy" is not really easy enough. Before the power assist, with just the handcontrols, I would have to pull on the clutch lever with two hands. Now, I can pull on it with one hand but after half a dozen times my hand would start to cramp. Are there any adjustments I can make to the brake booster to increase the assist?

Using a manual transmission with handcontrols

Reply #152 –
I know that with some brake boosters they dump so much vacuum with each application that if you pump the brakes repeatedly you can actually stall the engine. With fuel injection you'll not likely stall the engine (the IAC would simply close up to compensate) but the booster might not be able to build up vacuum again fast enough - especially a turbocharged engine. A large vacuum reservoir mounted near the booster combined with a large vacuum hose (at least 3/8" ID) would be the best bet, aside from using a vacuum pump.

I'm actually thinking a hydroboost setup might be the answer if you can't get the vacuum to regenerate fast enough. Most diesel pickups have hydroboost with a "spool" - a spring loaded reservoir that maintains pressure in the brake booster in case of engine stall. The spool is designed to provide power brakes for a couple of applications, much like the check valve and reservoir in a vacuum system. Using one of these may eliminate the no engine/no assist problem you mentioned about hydroboost earlier.
2015 Mustang GT Premium - 5.0, 6-speed, Guard Green - too much awesome for one car

1988 5.0 Thunderbird :birdsmily: SOLD SEPT 11 2010: TC front clip/hood ♣ Body & paint completed Oct 2007 ♣ 3.55 TC rear end and front brakes ♣ TC interior ♣ CHE rear control arms (adjustable lowers) ♣ 2001 Bullitt springs ♣ Energy suspension poly busings ♣ Kenne Brown subframe connectors ♣ CWE engine mounts ♣ Thundercat sequential turn signals ♣ Explorer overhead console (temp/compass display) ♣ 2.25" off-road dual exhaust ♣ T-5 transmission swap completed Jan 2009 ♣

Using a manual transmission with handcontrols

Reply #153 –
UPDATE: I was getting a good bit of flex in the power assist bracketry so I've taken it out and had it reinforced. Plus I had the atachment bracket for the slave reworked. I reinstalled it last night.

There is relatively no flex in the bracketry now and I think I've reach the most effecient mechanical setup. I.E. I think the clutch handle is as easy as I can get it so that the clutch slave travels in enough to change the gears. Although, I would still like to get the clutch handle effort 3-5lbs lighter.

The next thing I'm going to look at is the vacuum line. I'm going to take Thunder Chicken's advice and get a 3/8 I/D vacuum line on there. Right now I have the 5/16 brake line on there. That's 5/16 O/D isn't it? The mechanic who installed the clutch lines also suggested I take the vacuum right from the manifold rather from where I'm getting it on the vacuum tree.

But that won't be until next week. This weekend I'm going 'round da bay' for my fathers 85th birthday(tomorrow)...and fathers day.

Using a manual transmission with handcontrols

Reply #154 –
happy father's day to you and yours, and specially to your dad for that age!! whoo hoo..

sounds like you are getting closer. how hard do you think the motion on the clutch lever is now? any guesses or have you measured it?

Using a manual transmission with handcontrols

Reply #155 –
If you tap it right off of the manifold, then you will get more vacum
Quote from: jcassity
I honestly dont think you could exceed the cost of a new car buy installing new *stock* parts everywhere in your coug our tbird. Its just plain impossible. You could revamp the entire drivetrain/engine/suspenstion and still come out ahead.
Hooligans! 
1988 Crown Vic wagon. 120K California car. Wifes grocery getter. (junked)
1987 Ford Thunderbird LX. 5.0. s.o., sn-95 t-5 and an f-150 clutch. Driven daily and going strong.
1986 cougar.
lilsammywasapunkrocker@yahoo.com

Using a manual transmission with handcontrols

Reply #156 –
Quote from: Funky Cricket
happy father's day to you and yours, and specially to your dad for that age!! whoo hoo..

sounds like you are getting closer. how hard do you think the motion on the clutch lever is now? any guesses or have you measured it?

Thanks man! It was a great weekend. Dad really enjoyed himself. We had an open house for all his friends and family. I would guess about 60-70 poeple when through the house between noon and 10PM. Some only stayed a hour or so while others were there for 3-4 hours but it seemed like there was 20 or so there constantly. He had a visit from the Mayor, a couple councilors, the fire chief and the local member of the house of assembly. His 87 year old sister was there. She's the oldest.

Tonight I replaced the vacuum line with a 3/8 I/D line. Either it made a noticible difference or my hand is getting stronger. :)

I thing I'll practise with it like it is and maybe some day down the road I'll upgrade the hydraulic line to the clutch slave to 5/16" to improve fluid flow.

Using a manual transmission with handcontrols

Reply #157 –
I took my first real ride in the TC tonight. I drove it to our usual Thursday night lot night...and I only stalled it once.

Using a manual transmission with handcontrols

Reply #158 –
Thats awsome!  so did you get "riders cramp"  or uh "shifters cramp"?
One 88

Using a manual transmission with handcontrols

Reply #159 –
Dude, hat's off to you! Your definately an inspiration! No doubt!:bowdown: :headbang: :cheers:
Resident "Idiot".

Formerly TBob5pt0 :shoothead


Quote from: JeremyB;165772
Repairing a lock cylinder that is frozen or sans keys requires a drill, gumption, and a midget on a tricycle.
Quote from: Big_D
Forgot to put on intake hose when starting the car, sucked neighbors cat into intake.

Using a manual transmission with handcontrols

Reply #160 –
Thanks! My left hand did get a bit sore from squeezing the clutch lever. On the way home I noticed that the clutch was feeling harder to pull. I did figured out what was causing it...my sneaker had moved forward, under the clutch pedal and was rubbing the pedal when I pulled the lever. Moving my foot fixed that :)
 
I must admit, I did feel very proud of myself out riding around in that TC last night. That one ride was over a year in the making.
With my determination (read stubbornness) and a lot of help and ideas from my virtual and real friends (thanks) we managed to get a working system. Being the perfectionist that I am, there is still room for improvement but I'll worry about that later.
 
The total cost of the modifications was in the $200-$300 range. Was it worth it? Hell yes!
 
P.S. Video to come once I get a little better at shifting (remember, I've never driven a manual before) and I find someone to operate the camera while I'm driving since my hands are too busy steering and shifting.

Using a manual transmission with handcontrols

Reply #161 –
WWWOOO HHOOOO..
congrats!!!

way to go! Now go practice your burn outs! muhahahaha

Using a manual transmission with handcontrols

Reply #162 –
:bowdown:  Paul, somehow I missed your updates...

Absoultely outstanding effort... You can be very proud... Myself and I'm sure the other board members are definatly in awe....:bowdown:

Using a manual transmission with handcontrols

Reply #163 –
Yes indeed. I missed the last couple too.
Quote from: jcassity
I honestly dont think you could exceed the cost of a new car buy installing new *stock* parts everywhere in your coug our tbird. Its just plain impossible. You could revamp the entire drivetrain/engine/suspenstion and still come out ahead.
Hooligans! 
1988 Crown Vic wagon. 120K California car. Wifes grocery getter. (junked)
1987 Ford Thunderbird LX. 5.0. s.o., sn-95 t-5 and an f-150 clutch. Driven daily and going strong.
1986 cougar.
lilsammywasapunkrocker@yahoo.com

Using a manual transmission with handcontrols

Reply #164 –
Paul, your gonna have another award up your sleeve :D

Awesome job man