David Miller:
Never had a V8 Fiat either Robert but no doubt you are right about the different engines.However I think that there is very much more ‘theorising’ about the use of constant mesh boxes than experience like we had actually punching one up and down the road week in week out.
Personally I have some really wonderful theory’s about, for example, driving multi fuel gas turbine engines but none of them have even an ounce of actual experience.
But like it or not the truth is that when Mr Scania or Mr Volvo gave us good syncro boxes life became a lot easier.
David
Firstly I wouldn’t say that what I and nmm said is theory or not based on first hand experience ( Detroit/Fuller/Spicer and Rolls/Foden/Fuller boxes at least in my case and as I said instinctively a few others too including my car ) .
As for synchro boxes if easier means slower and shoulder and wrist ache fighting against a pointless bag of bolts which,assuming best practice by a driver who takes pride in the job,still needs rev matching of shifts just the same anyway.The difference is it also covers up the mistakes of the type of driver who I posted driving the 8v71/Fuller conventional example.Let alone the type who has to stop and start again because they couldn’t get a gear during an upshift let alone a down shift.
On that note it’s surprising just how much a proper rev matched double de clutched shift will also clean and speed up the shift quality of the average synchro box whether car or truck.Sometimes including upshifts. 