TR2/3/3A TR3... Double Clutch or Syncromesh?

[Aldwyn]

Hey guys!

Quick question... were the TR3s syncromesh, or do you need to double clutch these puppies? (or double with first gear, and syncromesh on all others?)

Thanks!
Aldwyn

 

[TR3driver]

Synchomesh on 2,3,4; none on 1st or reverse. Some TR3B got the later box with synchro on 1st (but still not reverse).

Sometimes the 2nd gear synchro is worn out as well, so it's not unusual to find one that acts like it only has synchro on 3 & 4. Possibly that's because people learn to use the 2nd gear synchro to stop the countershaft before shifting into 1st or revers.

Likewise, lots of folks retrofit the 4-synchro box into their TR3s (as I did). Not quite a drop-in, but an easy modification.

Good luck double clutching into 1st, I could never do it smoothly. Easier to start in 2nd gear if not a complete stop. 1st is also a lower ratio on the crash box than on the later 4 synchro boxes. If you need a stump pulled ...

 

[Mickey Richaud]

2's and 3's were synchromesh in 2nd-4th.

 

[Twosheds]

Quick reply:

First gear is non-synchro, rest have synchro.

I double clutch and heel-and-toe going from 4 to 3 to 2 because I can and it's cool to do. Easier on the clutch to match RPMs. It's not necessary, though. I don't double clutch going up.

I come to a complete stop to go from 2 to 1. Sometimes I have to go to 2 from neutral before going into 1; prevents grindin' gears.

 

[Aldwyn]

Thanks gents!

 

[piman]

Hello all,

a little useless information; I passed my driving test ina Ford Consul, mid fifties model I think, which is a three speed car with synchromesh on second and top. Now the law in the U.K. then (probably still is)was that you had to be able to select first gear on the move, so the need to be able to demonstrate that you could double de-clutch was a requirement.

Actually it is not that difficult and having the confidence helps if you happen to suffer an inoperative clutch and need to change gear without it.

Alec