Has anyone ever tried a DCT?
 

I apologize for the noob question. I'm new to the forum and was exploring my build options. I have not seen any builds with a dual clutch and paddles, nor do I know of any that could be feasibly used. I was curious though considering the level of expertise many of you veterans seem to have if anyone has ever successfully used or even seen one in a build.

While I understand the complexity of the DCT and matching it to the engine with the appropriate software, if it were a viable option, it would allow my old lady to enjoy the car....which would go a long way in increasing my budget :)

The DCT is certainly a high end, high performance option. However, if you want to avoid the cost, complexity, and headaches of pioneering such a swap you could opt for one of the more common automatics and set it up to shift via paddles on the steering wheel. Different model boxes may have to be set up slightly differently to work, but it shouldn't be a tall hill for a good, innovative transmission guy.

If you wouldn't mind foregoing the paddle shifters, you could use one of the off-the-shelf ratcheting floor shifters that allow you full manual control of the auto box, very similar in driving effect to a DCT. Push to up shift, pull to downshift.

I was going to do this myself at one time. I still have a new B&M ratchet shifter that I was going to install on a built 700R4 automatic behind a hopped-up 3.4L Chevy V-6 in a Miata....until I discovered the V-8 conversion was possible.

My Jeep has a 4L60E with a controller that allows paddle or button shift operation. It also has a B&M ratchet floor shifter. I was reading up on what it would take to get the paddles (buttons in my case) working. For my controller it is as simple as hooking up the wires and enabling the option. It'll take more time to pull the steering wheel to install the bracket. No good reason to do it on my rock crawler, but still going to...b/c BLING!

Dual sequential would be the bees knees, but forging new ground for these conversions. ...do it! And post!

SMG install
 

If I thought for a second I could get my BMW M 3.2 with SMG 6speed into my Miata it would be done, Damn straight six is long. I bought a spare motor and tranny a few years back but looks like I would have to sit in the trunk to get it to fit.. However one of the new twin turbo units might fit!!!

If I can find turbo V6 and trans at a good price I will give it a go, programming the BMW stuff isn't to bad as long as you have the right programmer.

Dean0

I alluded previously to using one of the "conventional" automatics set up for manual control. On the pre-electronic control designs (GM 700R4, Ford AOD, etc.) you must use a full manual, or manual automatic valve body. You must also rig up the shifting mechanism. With a ratchet shifter that is mechanically direct; with paddles you must employ some stepper motors/solenoids, etc. to create the mechanical movement for input to the valve bodies.

If you don't mind blowing at least one of your kid's college education, there are even cooler options based on contemporary, electronically-controlled automatics modified for performance use. TCI has a GM 6 speed auto built to handle 850 HP and designed for full manual control via electronics. They are packaged in kits to allow installation on most popular V8 engine brands and families. It includes an electronic transmission controller that offers far more versatility than possible with the older, non-electronic, full manual/mechanical setups. In other words, inputs from the paddle shifter go directly into the transmission controller/computer which means instantaneous response from the transmission.

Here's a kit for the GM crowd:
6X Six Speed Transmission Package; GM Bellhousing & Paddle Shifter - TCI® Auto

Here's a kit for Ford small blocks:
http://www.tciauto.com/tc/6x-six-spe...e-shifterhtml/

Add a compatible Momo steering wheel and appropriate, high performance torque converter and you're push-button shifting through 6 speeds at the speed of electrons, all for a bit less than five figures. Cool setup, but about twice the money of a new, complete T-56 with bellhousing, clutch, pressure plate, flywheel, and shifter.

Interesting, as I once owned a Plymouth with push button shifting that you could have bought FOUR of these deluxe sedans BRAND NEW for less money than one TCI transmission conversion! So, just in case any of you young-uns think shifting gears by tapping a button is a new idea: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P40iJTP4GvA :sign0184:

Save yourself a bunch of money & teach your old lady how to drive a stick.

A DCT in a V8 Miata is definitely an interesting idea. I would think that with all of the LS swap kits on the market for various vehicles, a bell housing adaptor for a bimmer manual(for example) might be floating around out there. Then it's a matter of having the fluid reservoir, control module, and driver interface. This would make a killer setup and out-shift any SMG or auto by far. I like the idea.

The E90 DCT M3s and the F10 DCT M5s are awesome to drive. These transmissions still blow my mind when I run them through the gears.

OK I have looked at this tread several times hoping it could come clear but apparently I'm the only one on the planet that doesn't know what DCT stands for!

Double clutch transmission.

How Dual-clutch Transmissions Work - HowStuffWorks

Here is an easy explanation.

SMG's are so awful. lol well they aren't THAT bad but they aren't THAT good. And like to fail a lot. They don't feel good at all unless you're driving hard, IMO. But yes the BMW DCT are MUCH better than the previous SMG transmissions.

I was looking at a 06 M5 years ago that was a gorgeous car with such an addicting exhaust note. I just couldn't come to terms with the SMG. I even read all the forums and went back for successive test drives trying out the various settings, but just plain hated that transmission.

SMG thoughts
 

SupaDupaSteve, Gator Bait

I purchased my E46 M3 Convert in 2004 new. I drove a 5 speed 85 TBIRD ( 351EFI truck engine and '86gt running gear), Loved the car drove great, had to be manual or it was junk, then I seen a Laguna seca bleu convert parked at the BMW dealer on my way home from " The Depot". Had to look, loved it but one draw back, freaking SMG but it was the only LSB convert available in CANADA, so with a lot of " what ever" I bought the car. After 10 years and 158 000KM ( 100 000 M), I love it, However it does take a small learning curve and a bit of German thinking but I have to say I agree with the "STIG" that an SMG is faster than a Manual when shifting. Next time you take one out, put it in M Mode-( Traction off - M setting#6 appears), put on brake and hold shifter fully forward and floor it. Engine will rev to 3000 RPM (NA) , 7200 RPM (EU), set mine to 4500 at local dealer, then let go of shifter and brake. Get ready for 2nd gear as it comes fast.
Few things as a stick driver I had to cure:

1 - That 2nd to 3rd shift - always wanted to push the shifter forward- downshift instead of third ooops.

2 - if you are a new driver reset trans on the fly by getting to 60 kph shifting to neutral and pulling both paddles back for 10 seconds while coasting then pop back into gear. SMG only learns for 1 driver yet car has three keys with memory for driver positions.

3 - learn to push throttle slower, German programming does not like it when you just cram your foot to the floor, car tends to start bucking like a bronco, funny to watch new drivers.

4 - Must give up rolling stops, SMG hates those plus it make you a better driver, lol

5 - Tranny stops shifting or wont shift into gear from N, lock, unlock doors, this kick starts SMG pump then drive to closest dealer and buy a salmon relay at back of engine compartment, drivers side and all is good. $15 fix.

6 - When you feel clutch slip I had to cure letting off the gas, push it down further and it won't shudder as hard on a uphill start.

7 - If it is hilly, start / stop driving ,set the performance level to 4 or 5 otherwise SMG will shift slower and you will almost come to a stop before it grabs second gear. can be a bit annoying.

I still drive a standard but I now prefer my SMG, had to change driving habit some but once you figure the faults of the system, be human and program around them, lol, it is convieniant. In 158 000 KM I had to replace the salmon SMG relay, thermostat, alternator and battery. Not counting general maintenance like oil, plugs, guibo and such. Out of all this I would still go SMG or newer tech as I really enjoy the auto shift when you just feel like being lazy. My car is a daily driver, yes winter too, and the trans has never let me down.

Just my opinion take it for what it's worth.

Dean0

Laguna Seca blue is my favorite color on that car.

I have been on many test drives with customers for SMG shifting complaints. More than once, I found that the customer insisted on letting off of the gas pedal in between shifts resulting in a horribly jerky experience. There are a lot of drivers out there that need a little coaching to get it right.