Need a little help with the trans/clutch feel....advice welcome

[5][Spyder]

I have a 36k on my 08.5 MS3 and the general feel of the trans/clutch is terrible IMO compared to other hi-perf vehicles I have had in the past. Even accounting for it being a FWD car, it is very harsh when engaging the clutch abruptly from high RPM or clutching to shift quickly. I can make it shift smoothly but with alot of effort. I believe the problem is in the motor mounts. What is everyones experience with this? Is my car just abnormal or do they all feel like this? I have tried the Corksport motor mount insert and have noticed an increase in the 'feel'(the shifts are much more firm and positive, but the vibrations can be a little much, esp on startup)....I could bare the vibes if a mount could actually solve the nasty clutch engages, etc however.

Does anyone have any advice on modifications for this? thoughts?

Thanks.

 

[Darth Vader]

You need 2 things on this car:

A decent rear motor mount

A different driving style

By the second I mean how we used to drive force-inducted cars back when we blew through carbs and such. On a shift, get on the gas a tiny fraction of a second before the clutch engagement point. Hit this right and, smooth as glass, every time.

I've been drag racing over a decade and hot rodding cars for over 25 years and this car still made me look a fool when I first got it and still does occasionally. It's not an easy car to drive, even though all the efforts are low.

OTOH, this car speed shifts at the track brilliantly.

I also strongly recommend getting a short shift plate. I'll send you my design sketch if you want to make one yourself for about 5 bucks in materials and an hour of your time or, you can buy one from a vendor here. That is a totally transformational mod for this car.

 

[Remspeed3]

Its going to be hard to avoid the engagement feel that your getting with a stiffer mount, theres less movement in the drivetrain so it gets transfered to the car...the mount will soften the longer you run it so hang in there!