Zf Owners

[broke]

hey guys, this is just a quick question for XR6T owners with ZF autos.

ive been looking and looking for a manual BF2 XR6T but also read quite a bit that the auto is quicker. what im interested in know is how often some of you guys use the sports mode to manual shift in your auto trans car?

some people on other forums (AFF) say that they drive their T's 100% in sports mode.. does this affect the life span of the trans by doing this? as I was lead to believe that using the sports mode on the 4sp was a good way to kill it quickly (by a car salesman at my old job.) Is that the case with the ZF as well or are they really THAT good?

thank you

Michael

EDIT: my main reason for asking is the ratio of ZF to manuals is around 4:1 online. im just thinking if I open my mind to the auto I think I'll get a better car out of it.

Edited 01/12/11 12:22 AM by broke

[Kv!]

An auto is as good as you drive it, meaning if you thrash it hard, its more than likely you would have to rebuild quickly.

Autos are quicker, in a straight a line.

Personally, I use sports mode when I'm giving it a squirt (2nd to 3rd), having a bit of fun, you get the idea..When I'm cruising I leave in auto and let it do what it was intended for.

Ive read that some people place in sports mode when cruising and select the higher gear to save on fuel?

Honestly mate, I'd stay clear from the 4 speeds, they are junk useless they are built..

Every thing really depends on your driving style

Edited 01/12/11 12:29 AM by kvbaby

[CBXRT]

Michael, I've used sports mode 100% in the 4 speed for 180,000ks - hasn't killed it yet mate!

Its extra power/poor maintenance that kills gearboxes, can't see how it would reduce life using "tiptronic" function at all.......and as the ZF is far superior to the 4 speed, I sincerely doubt it would affect that in the slightest either.

[efdohc]

The zf opened up my eyes in terms of performance out of a auto trans. Great for any occasion. I have a Bf mkii T ute with about 310rwkw an 97,000 and has not missed a beat yet. My track car an occasional weekend driver if it's not broken is my ef falcon with a DOHC turbo motor an 6 speed manual. As a daily I'd recommend the auto hands down. But if your likely to be doin dumb sh!t every weekend maybe then the 6 speed manual?

Edited 01/12/11 01:59 AM by efdohc

[Dillz]

I use normal most the time and manual for racing and spirited driving on twisty roads. Don't really use performance auto at all.

[louiseanddanny]

I've used the 4 Speed auto in my Ba and felt it was lacking performance(even in PERF) maybe it was how it was tuned I dont know! and have the ZF 6 speed in my current car and really notice the difference in PERF, Even when im just cruising around and you want to overtake it snaps back wildly. Its awesome the way the 6 speed auto's handle. Just remember there is also the ZF tune that is available too.

[broke]

wow thanks for all the replies guys.

CBXRT - I think the salesman that I worked with just had his own personal opinion on the 4sp. this was back when the BA was the current model. I drove a few of them (as a detailer) and had a ball.

im not a racer as such but I'd imagine I would be inclined to give it a spray from time to time obviously. the only real gripe I have with the manuals is the weight of the clutch. ive only driven a few 6sp manual XR8/T's and I couldn't believe how heavy the pedal felt compared to the VE SS. I do plan to do a few mild mods, nothing too crazy though.

[bionicxr6t05]

I went to a test n tune when mine was basically stock (bf xr6t sedan zf auto) with a mates car (stock ba2 xr6t ute 6spd man) he ran 14.4 I ran 13.5 nuff said lol

[efdohc]

That's the great thing about the auto. Unless u close the throttle no losing boost.

[sexual harrassment panda]

I always drive in manual mode, never got used to an auto kicking down a couple gears when you go to overtake. Rains a shipload up here and overtaking someone sideways at 100 once was enough for me.