FR-S After One Year

[Ddreder]

Originally Posted by billyk

I have a growing suspicion that the way syncros work may not be fully understood by all FRS/BRZ owners (I am just a recent convert myself) and that not accommodating for syncro spin-up when cold is really at the root of the dreaded "2nd gear issues" for most, if not all owners.

I read your post but I dont think I understand what you're getting at.. Are you saying that when you take of in first that you should just sit in that gear longer? or maybe at a certain speed for 5ish seconds before shifting? I only ask because I think I might try this today and see if it helps. Everytime I go for second gear it is a clunkfest and it feels like a beaten up transmission. For reference my 90 miata isnt even that bad and it has had a long hard life full of clutch kicks and side steps. I am just getting mega frustrated and I even had the dealer "check it out" which they didnt do squat. I think I am going to have to take them for a ride along because I really dont think that it is supposed to do that.. plus constant gear lockouts when up shifting and downshifting are getting on my nerves..

[Koa]

Originally Posted by Ddreder

I read your post but I dont think I understand what you're getting at.. Are you saying that when you take of in first that you should just sit in that gear longer? or maybe at a certain speed for 5ish seconds before shifting? I only ask because I think I might try this today and see if it helps. Everytime I go for second gear it is a clunkfest and it feels like a beaten up transmission. For reference my 90 miata isnt even that bad and it has had a long hard life full of clutch kicks and side steps. I am just getting mega frustrated and I even had the dealer "check it out" which they didnt do squat. I think I am going to have to take them for a ride along because I really dont think that it is supposed to do that.. plus constant gear lockouts when up shifting and downshifting are getting on my nerves..

Yes- 'hang' in first for a little longer than normal, sweeping up to around 3k rpm or so. Then shift into second like normal.

Takes a little practice but his advice is sound and I've been enjoying great results so far with the technique. I sometimes get the notch/clunk... but that's due to me being lazy or dropping the gate too quickly/not at the right rpm

[gzpermadi]

My built date is this month so 2 years for me

[tennisfreak]

Mine hits the 2 year mark soon.

1st year I was in love with the car and had big plans for it.

(right at the first year mark I bought a 600 supersport bike which changed my plans for the car)

2nd year the small annoyances have started to dwindle my love for the car.

[D_Thissen]

I've had my car for a bit over a year. Picked it up Feb 14 2014. Only have 9500km on it but I love it. Only problem I had was the block heater failing, had it replaced, it failed again lol. So 3rd block heater seems to be holding out so far. No one knows why the others failed (the 2nd failed in a month) oh well. Looking forward to another good year with my 86!

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by D_Thissen

I've had my car for a bit over a year. Picked it up Feb 14 2014. Only have 9500km on it but I love it. Only problem I had was the block heater failing, had it replaced, it failed again lol. So 3rd block heater seems to be holding out so far. No one knows why the others failed (the 2nd failed in a month) oh well. Looking forward to another good year with my 86!

I know why they failed!!!!

[D_Thissen]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

I know why they failed!!!!

Bahahaha I know man. I'm in Whitby right now for dads bday. Man I miss it down here. I think they have more snow

[Hot Lava]

I've owned mine for a year now. The two things that I've grown to appreciate are surprising because at the time of purchase I didn't even consider them as selling points. First would be the transmission. At first it was a pain to drive. Over revving and stalling it while launching. Jerky gear shifts. This after a many years of driving manuals. Forced me to concentrate on proper shifting techniques. I've grown to appreciate the precise feel and function. With mastery came a pleasant discovery. The trans responds amazing well to aggressive shifting.
The second was the ride quality. I can't over state the sensation of confidence it transmits. Whether just cruising in traffic or pushing it over uneven roads. It just radiates this 'I'm there for you buddy' confidence.

[Koa]

Originally Posted by Vincenttam

Aww man, i had my car for a year and the only thing that happened to me was getting laid... Meh good enough

vincent.. I don't always facepalm... but lawd

[MokSpeed]

Originally Posted by Dadhawk

Not sure I understand the part about the HVAC selector knob, I've never turned it and thought "hmmm, cheap, wonder what Toyota was thinking". I know others have complained about it, but to me its just a selector knob.

To me this can be seen as an aesthetic preference. I'd be lying if I said I don't prefer the console setup inside the BRZ. It just looks more complete. That being said, it's not a big enough of a difference to make me choose it over the FR-S.

I'm coming up on the 1 year mark and about to hit 20,000 miles. I think I should cool it on the distance driving.

[Silver Ignition]

I rolled over a year just about two weeks ago...21,000 miles

I love the car more and more every day, still struggling to find a fault in it...

Originally Posted by MokSpeed

To me this can be seen as an aesthetic preference. I'd be lying if I said I don't prefer the console setup inside the BRZ. It just looks more complete. That being said, it's not a big enough of a difference to make me choose it over the FR-S.

I'm coming up on the 1 year mark and about to hit 20,000 miles. I think I should cool it on the distance driving.

I can second this. I have the "BRZ" auto climate control in my 10 and I honestly wouldn't have it any other way. One of the main selling points for me to get the 10 Series over the base FRS.

[billyk]

Originally Posted by Ddreder

I read your post but I dont think I understand what you're getting at.. Are you saying that when you take of in first that you should just sit in that gear longer? or maybe at a certain speed for 5ish seconds before shifting? I only ask because I think I might try this today and see if it helps. Everytime I go for second gear it is a clunkfest and it feels like a beaten up transmission. For reference my 90 miata isnt even that bad and it has had a long hard life full of clutch kicks and side steps. I am just getting mega frustrated and I even had the dealer "check it out" which they didnt do squat. I think I am going to have to take them for a ride along because I really dont think that it is supposed to do that.. plus constant gear lockouts when up shifting and downshifting are getting on my nerves..

Further to what Koa added, here's a little more detail to make sure you get the concept.

Previously, this is what I did on a cold morning...

1. Start the car and warm it up a bit.
2. Put it in first, accelerate briskly.
3. Within 2 seconds "try" to shift into 2nd. Doesn't work. I am totally locked out. I shift into 3rd instead.
4. I bitch out loud and wonder why my new FRS has such a horrid defect.

Now, this is what I do on a cold morning...

1. Start the car and warm it up a bit.
2. Put it in first, accelerate slowly. Remain in first gear for about 5 seconds. Yes, this feels like an eternity. This gives the cold syncro time to spin-up to synchronize the shift into 2nd.
3. I shift into 2nd. Smooth, no effort.
5. Smile.

Hope this clarifies things.

[NyC Zn6]

Had my car for 1year and 7 months with only 8000 miles lol..car only comes out in the spring and summer. Other than not driving as much my 86 is awesome. I always had a soft spot for lightweight rwd cars. So she's a keeper. No problems so far (fingers crossed).

[Tcoat]

Only 6 months but at over 17,000 miles (and that is lower then normal) I figure I can chime in anyway!
Not one single issue!