Shadowman's Experience

[Shelby#18]

It's official now. Today I picked up my Whippled X1 with the Stillen gear and clutch swap. :banana
Today's cruise was 3+ freaking hours of stop and go traffic with no roof and the temps in the low 100's.

First off I love it!!! My impressions are that take off is now smoother. Running through the gears is a dream. When traffic broke up I was cruising in 6th. at 2,000 rpm and going with the flow. Until I reset the speedometer I won't be sure of my exact speed but the car did feel better and not as bogged down. Kirby would still hate following me.:lol

The job was done at Stillen. Kyle and his group went above and beyond the call of duty in getting my car done before cars and coffee tomorrow. They also took the time to explain some of the issues particular to my tranny that they had not come across before. (Just my luck:frown) Thank you for everything guys I really appreciate all that you did for me. I've run my business for 30 years, and it is fantastic to see an operation that is as well run as Stillen is.

Finally a big thanks to Shadowman for his time and assistance from the beginning to the end of this mod.. I owe you another one Bill! :thumbsup

 

[B O N Y]

Can't wait to see that work of art!! Congrats!! ::

 

[TEXAS GT]

Hey Shadowman, how about an update on your impressions of the gear set and clutch.

I may need.

 

[Shadowman]

Hey Shadowman, how about an update on your impressions of the gear set and clutch.

I may need.

In a simple statement they are "absolutely wonderful".

The gearing makes the gal so much more enjoyable to drive; roll outs from a stop are as simple as engaging the clutch meaning the rollout ratio feels to be a natural for first gear and the idle torque of the gal’s heart. Then once rolling each subsequent gear remains as with the previous; perfectly placed.

The change took what I would call the long legged natural of the original gears and seems to bring them closer together. Now I know that the gear spacing is not changed however the end result of changing the ring and pinion makes them feel so.

The clutch is smooth to engage and the pedal feels as if OEM however you can feel it fully engage particularly when under power whereas the OEM clutch always felt spongy.

There is no doubt that attempting to describe the changes in a mannner that is clear to all is difficult because the the subjective natural of this conversion as such I have to defer back to my opening comment; “absolutely wonderful” and that I have no regrets.

All the best as you consider your options

Takes care

Shadowman

 

[Derry]

Hey Shadowman,
Most of the cars I have owned through the years ended up with a gear change, anywhere from 3:90 to 4:11 range on 6 speeds. In all cases it was a great improvement in driveability and many track situations. The power of the whipple helps the track area with the stock gearing but I am very interested in possibly changing. Many of the low volume gears made end up being a little noisier than OEM even with a good set up but my experience is mainly with pumpkin gear changes and not a transaxle set up but it seems the same theory should apply. Is there any noticable noise from the new gears? Thank you.

Derry

 

[Shelby#18]

None that I've noticed in either car. Sorry for busting in. :wink

 

[Shadowman]

None that I've noticed in either car. Sorry for busting in. :wink

You my friend can bust in any time

I know that originally there was a slight gear noise however the face or ? of the gears was changed by Ricardo and then the couple folks with the originals were offered to have them swapped out. I know of one that had them swapped and another that said the noise was of no concern

With regards to my personal experience; they are for the most part as OEM with only a minor noise under a specific decell situation. During my drive to Sin City and back; 1100 plus miles I had no issues and the noise was never a concern but rather a minor change in her character; but then my gal was barking out her arse the entire time.

I feel certain that to a person the change would be a welcome one

Takes care

Shadowman