It seems that nearly everybody who owns a 6 spd, eventually complains about its "short" 1st. gear at one point or another. And while being little abbreviated, it seems that we're not the only ones out there whose manual trannys spool up fairly quickly in that same cog.
Listed below is a random group of 10 other manual transmissioned cars that are within 5 mph of the Crossfire when taken to "redline" in 1st. gear.

R.P.M._______M.P.H.___________Vehicle


6000__________31__________04 Crossfire
6400__________31__________05 Mercedes SLK 350
6750__________31__________06 Miata
6000__________33__________09 Mazda Speed 3
6600__________34__________03 Audi TT
6800__________35__________06 Solstice
6700__________35__________08 Subaru WRX STI
6500__________35__________07 Audi TT 3.2 Quattro
6300__________36__________09 Cobalt SS
8300__________36__________06 Honda Civic SI
6500__________36__________03 BMW Z4

Even though nearly all the other cars have "redlines" that are 100's of rpm's higher, theyre not that much faster. So maybe things aren't quite as bad as they seem.
But if any of you out there still feel the need for speed in that lowest of gears, then why not offer some SRT driver your 3.27 differential in trade for their 3.08? You will probably pull an extra 5+ mph in first gear?

 

Good find on the list.

I'm one of those who wish 1st was a little longer, but it's wayyyyy easier to bit*h about it than go through all the effort to fix it. I've pretty much gotten to the point where I really don't notice it that much. If I was to change rear ratio's now it would throw me off my shifts for a while. Then I'd probably just complain about that too.

Interesting thought though......how much less time would be spent in first gear if someone was to figure out a turbo system for the 6-speeds.

 

What would probably change things is a swap to an E55 rear diff.

 

I, for one, have never complained about my manual gearbox. Heck, even my 1-2 upshift is fine AND I can slip it back into 1st before the car comes to a complete stop.

Then again, I'm used to the shifter in my old Miata, which also wound 1st gear pretty quickly.

And wouldn't switching from a 3.27 rear end to a 3.08 slow the car down off the line as well as lengthen the time spent in 1st?

 

Most definitely Mike, but how much is the big question. 0 to 30mph would have to be slower.
As for drag racing, if you got a good launch, you might be able to complete the 1/4 mile in third, eliminating the time lost shifting into 4th. But still run approximately the same time and speed.
It would give you better M.P.G. as well. But since your speedometer and tripometer wouldn't be accurate any longer, most people wouldn't notice.
I'm like you, the short 1st. gear really doesn't bother me either, but it does seem to annoy many others.
The biggest problem that I can see with it, is if somebody eventually comes along and offers a 3.55 (or better) ring and pinion for the Crossfire. That would make 1st. gear practically useless in the 6 speeds.

 

Given that 10 other cars have essentially the same 1st gear window, it would suggest that the engineers have all agreed on the same "sweet spot."

Putting taller gears in the rear would make launches harder, not easier, and put more wear on the clutch. My '75 Starfire had very tall gears and hot launches ruined the clutch in 10K miles.

Simplier would be to raise the redline in the engine to 6800 or even 7000. That gets you to 36 MPH or a 12% gain in all the gears. The engine can take it no problem. Shops like LET or TVT could do it on a laptop and your hands stay clean.

roadster with a stick.

 

And my thing is, I couldn't care less about drag racing. Bores the heck out of me, actually, especially with a car that is so darn capable in the twisties. I've run down C5 Corvettes and other, faster-in-a-straight-line cars than mine on a couple of different road courses.

Oh, sure, the SRT6 guys will telll me I'd like drag racing more in an SRT6, but they're wrong. I guarantee you I'd rather spend 20 minutes at a time in my 6MT Limited, accelerating, braking, cornering, heel & toeing, than 12 seconds at a time just planting my right foot in an SRT6.

 

To bad you don't live closer you would love the "Tail of the Dragon" run in Tennessee/North Carolina.

 

I own one of each there Mike.

You are dead nuts on.

The SRT is fast but after the OMG coming off the ramp, kinda boring. Holding the beast at bay while driving city streets is ........tedious. At least with the manual limited, you have something to do. And it's fun.



roadster with a stick

OH MY< HERE IT COMES!!!!!

 

I agree, Pat's 100% correct. The Dragon is where all Crossfires are created equal.

 

No doubt I would love it, having perused the maps, etc. But I'm fine here in SoCal - plenty of great mountain roads with more twists and turns than I can shake a stick - a 6 speed stick - at (yeah, I crack myself up!!)



Your comments are proof positive of the old saying "It's more fun to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow". Not that I'd call the N/A Crossfire particularly slow.

 

That steep first gear is nice in stop and go traffic. You can creep along with the engine at idle going about 2-3 mph. Saves wear and tear on the the clutch.