Mike1

Some of you might have seen this video. Davide Cironi drives a lot of exotica, Alfas, BMWs, Porsches etc
It's interesting the narrative that goes with this drive, he has a few preconceptions about it being just a Ford but how his opinion changes as the test drive goes on

Glenn_

iTrader: (1)

Not a bad video that.

Wheres the sunroof??

Glenn_

iTrader: (1)

Has he not driven any of the focus rs.s mk1 2 n 3??

PAUL S

iTrader: (8)

On certain lhd markets the sunroof and even electric windows were an option on the 3dr unlike the UK.

Adam-M

He's a good driver but I don't have subtitles and it's all in Italian?

cossynut2

I just watched it and the subtitles were on. Good video. The T5 gearbox in it must have been a very rare one built perfectly as his comments on how precise and smooth the gear changes were made me smile!! My re-built Bara T5 box still leaves a lot to be desired compared to modern gearboxes!!!!

Adam-M

Subtitles worked 2nd time round cheers, I agree with him on the t5 I love mine so precise and mechanical feeling and always goes into gear.

It's Czech Mate

I couldn't tell if he liked it or not

Glenn_

iTrader: (1)

Interesting. Thanks for that info.

cossynut2

Are you being serious about your T5? Yes they are a strong box but not what I would describe as being precise and mechanical feeling!

Ridgey

iTrader: (5)

It's more mechanical feeling than most gearboxes.

The point is it's gear change speed....................SLOW

cossynut2

I love my Saff but the T5 is its one thing that as you rightly say cant be rushed!! 2nd up to 3rd when its on full chat is the one that is the most awkward sometimes on mine.

Adam-M

Granted it's not the best box in the world but I can't fault mine, yes you can't change fast but it still goes in nicely.

gingeRS

you guys ever tried the 4x4 sapphire cosworth

you got it easy

gcfcos

It's like reaching into the glovebox to get something from the drivers seat every time I change gear

Glenn_

iTrader: (1)

Mines like stirring soup. Mind you we have new Peugeot partner vans in our fleet at work and there just the same lol. These are new vans.

cossynut2

Never driven a 4x4 Saff , are you saying the gear change is worse than the T5?

gcfcos

The t5 is like a Winchester rifle compared lol

cossynut2

I never realised there were any problems with the 4x4 gearbox. I had always assumed it was better than the T5.
I must say the hydraulic clutch conversion has helped a lot with my 2wd and it will go into reverse now with no clunks , before with the cable operation it was crunch, crunch every time!

gcfcos

I seem to remember on the t5 there isn't a synchro on reverse gear but there is on the 4x4 box

Adam-M

Don't know if it's meant to but if I select 5th then go to reverse mine doesn't crunch, I know most boxes don't allow 5th to reverse but mine does lol.

And yes 4x4 gear change is terrible lol

Marc sierra

iTrader: (1)

I don't find the 4x4 gearchange that bad. It's a long throw but at least mine is smooth. I'd rather wish the 4x4 gearbox was a bit stronger, as that is the main problem. If I ever take the box out I will put a short shift on and a hydraulic conversion for the clutch.


The clutch is quite heavy on mine but I don't know what clutch kit is in. The clutch on my 24v is much lighter. In fact the difference is that big that several times I thought the cable broke when I pushed the clutch on the 24v after driving the cosworth.

Gazzonator

iTrader: (9)

The 4x4 gearchange as standard feels awful compared to a 2wd but I put a B&M quick shift on mine when I had it and that made it feel so much better but it isn't very kind to the synchros as I found out at Santa Pod!! Broke 3rd gear synchro on my 2nd and last run!

My T5 feels nice when just driving normally but when you're going up through the gears when you're having it, it's horrible! Especially 2nd to 3rd! My 4x4 change was a lot faster!

cossynut2

Agree with you on 2nd to 3rd upward change, mine will rev past 7000 rpm in second but when you try to go into third sometimes the gearbox seems like it cant keep up!!

Mike1

That just goes to show how hyped some of the exotica he drives must be perhaps if he finds the Ford pretty decent ?

Maybe those press reviews of the time weren't so far wide of the mark

I just found it interesting that it seemed as if he approached the drive initially with a few preconceptions - it being a Ford, based on a run of the mill everyday car etc

By the end he seemed pretty taken with it - the handling, performance and general feel of the car