Much Difference Mechanically? - Baii And Bf F6

[fish_351]

Hi there,

I'm looking to go back to a manual (I have an Auto BA 1 T), and also while I'm at it taking it to Nizpro for a stage 2 kit. They seem to be getting reliable stage 2 results of over 340rwkw for F6's, so it seems logical that I go for an F6.

Manual conversion for my current car isn't really on the agenda, I live too far away from any mechanics that I'd trust to do it right. I'd rather get rid of what I have (that still goes OK, no problems).

Just wondering if there's much differences mechanically or otherwise between the BA2 and the BF?

Bearing in mind that I'm going for a manual, would I be missing out on much if I picked up a low-kay BA2 F6 instead of a newer BF? (I wouldn't be getting the BF new, probably get an ex-demo/exec car)

Cheers

Edited 26/09/06 08:07 AM by fish_351

[sport]

I have had BA I auto, BFXR 6sp auto, and now BF F6 6sp auto. I understand that some people just want a manual but definitely don't buy a manual in any model until you drive the F6 in 6sp auto. You will do better times in the auto if that's you thing. My Tornado is the best thing I have ever owned and one of the best things I have ever driven & I have driven all sorts of cars from porsches to maseratis, which are fun but what the F6 6sp auto has is just sustained pulling power and I can only dream about how it would be with a stage 2 Nizpro. Please consider. Sport

[ZAP]

I agree with what Sport has said, but if manual is your thing then the BA2 is the same essentially as a BF when it comes to manuals.

The main differences are cosmetic aside from the brakes as the BF came stock with 4spot Brembo's up front and single spot PBR's on the rear, where the BA's came with PBR's stock and brembo's as an option.

[fish_351]

Thanks for your opinions guys.

I guess I just miss the fine grained sort of control/delivery you have with a manual, but on the strength of your opinions I will see if I can have a spin in a 6sp auto.

Brakes are a definite biggie for me; if you pull up shorter with good brakes than the standard brakes, then it could be a life (or lives?) you've saved. I've had a few frightening left-foot-to-floor moments and have been pleasantly surprised with the premium BA 1 brakes. I gather these were standard on the BA2 F6.

You guys got any opinions on the Brembos over the old PBR std. setup?

Sounds like I'd better go and have a flirt with the local Ford dealer. Down boy.

[ZAP]

Fish,

My XR6T had premium brakes as well and they are fine for normal road use. If you do the odd driver training (ala Track) day, you will find they run out of bite after a few laps. The BA 1 & 2 Typhoon's come with the premium (PBR) brakes as standard. The Brembo brakes WILL NOT stop your car quicker, they will only last longer when used more. In other words, they will still stop you after 5 laps of a track, when the PBR's are overheating. Do not be confused by larger brakes, and the ability to stop your car faster, they will not.

The limiting factor is the tyres not the brakes.

If you want a manual get the BA2 with low k's as you can get them under $50k now, I am sure you will find several who ticked the Brembo option, but remember the pads are $500+ just for the fronts

[Guest]

Hey,

You know, I'd always been a manual person...through and through, but after jumping into a couple of ZF6 Speed Autos, especially in a GT-P and then an F6, I know come end of this year that when it's time to change...I'll be pissing of the cog swapper for intelli-does-itself-for-ya-jobbie.

Frees me up so I can mung on a cheeseburger whilst driving

Daz

Bloody ten percent!!!

[fish_351]

I guess one of the things that piss me off about the 4sp auto I have is that it's a bit sluggish. It seems to just need more oompf (techo term there...) to get it off the line. Hard to describe, probably sounds like I'm whinging.

What I'm trying to say is that a manual car "feels" a bit lighter engine-wise. Like it can get up and boogie a bit easier. I hope the 6sp ZF is tighter. Time will tell for me, after I bat away a salesman and go for a drive in one. :disguise:

My existing auto probably needs a good freshen up, but it's still just a 4 speed.

Thanks for your advice guys. Also, thanks for the heads up on the brakes Zap.

P.S. Daz, dont you use the old knee bracing the wheel trick whilst chowing down on your Royale-with-cheese? :-) Or just put her in top and use the torque? ;-)

[Guest]

P.S. Daz, dont you use the old knee bracing the wheel trick whilst chowing down on your Royale-with-cheese? :-) Or just put her in top and use the torque? ;-)

←

What the bloody hell??? How'd you know!!!

D.

[tab]

I guess one of the things that piss me off about the 4sp auto I have is that it's a bit sluggish. It seems to just need more oompf (techo term there...) to get it off the line. Hard to describe, probably sounds like I'm whinging.

←

The very low first gear in the ZF most definately overcomes that - hit the go pedal and it's on straight away so to speak. Almost the same effect that side-stepping the clutch would give you!

Bottom line is though drive one first as it's only your opinion that matters

[fish_351]

Yep. did just have a drive at lunch and it did seem quite nice. (05 BF T) Once edited it should allow the upshifts to rev out bit more - it seemed softer changes than my 4 speed.

Also it seemed to want to pull in the same gear if in normal mode rather than kickdown when flattened at 90-100kph.

Once switched over perf. mode it would kickdown well. Overall the box did seem much tighter whilst in gear than the BA Mk1 4spd.

Maybe I'm hard to please, but I didn't hop out saying "wow, I'll get a XR6T\F6 with one of those in it" though.

Salesman is going to get a manual and an auto together when I get back from OS in Nov. for a back to back test.

Thanks everyone for your replies.