Geartronics Failures

[Gary Slahor]

I'm considering springing for the substantial cost of a Geartronics shift system.

Before I make the final decision, I'd like to get a feel for what kind of failures have been experienced with the Geartronix equipment. Maybe it will help me decide what spare parts I should keep on hand ?

Are these systems any more/less reliable than any from the other manufacturers?

TIA............ Gary

[ghickman]

I'm a brand new Geartronics customer. I'd resisted installing one since I was in the development stages on my personal car and just didn't want the added distraction of yet another complexity.

Boy was I ever way off base. I regret not installing this sooner. I just got back from testing at WSIR and the Geartronics has exceeded my expectations.

I didn't go the compressor / reserve air bottle route. I'm not fond of the compressor for a few reasons. Mostly because of moisture getting into a system that really needs dry air.

I've worked on customer cars that have the Geartronics and there seems to be no weakness I've seen.

Only spare I would consider keeping on hand is the Gear Position Sensor. Its a 2 channel Hall Effect sensor that could easily get damaged in a fire or simply doing an engine swap. I didn't really dig the conversion kit it came with (since I own a machine shop and make just about everything). I came up with a nifty blipper mount if anyone is interested in one.

[sprocketmensch]

Gary,
love to see what your blipper mount looks like. We installed the Geartronics this year and I have nothing but good things to say. We did crack the accumulator tank cover though. Must be mounted carefully.

[JohnPaul]

Best money you can spend hands down. I'd say your looking at multiple seconds per lap right off the bat. Once it's installed it's bulletproof. I'd say you the only thing you should have as a spare is the sensor ($200, although I have not had any issues with mine)

[Jasonrmbell]

I agree with all of the above. Best hands down love the system. I have 3 of them. And would consider selling one as well.

[JakeL]

Not an owner, but from observing, it does seem that the gear position sensor is the weak link, as others have indicated.

Gary, if you didn't do the pump-and-accumulator, what did you do - the on-board bottle at 3000 or 4500 psi? (that was common in DSR ~10 years or so ago, Kevin Mitz did a lot of those)

-Jake

[Bob Wheless]

you have a pm,,,

[ghickman]

Not an owner, but from observing, it does seem that the gear position sensor is the weak link, as others have indicated.

Gary, if you didn't do the pump-and-accumulator, what did you do - the on-board bottle at 3000 or 4500 psi? (that was common in DSR ~10 years or so ago, Kevin Mitz did a lot of those)

-Jake

Jake
High pressure paintball tank, Geartronics endorses this technique.

I'm designing a new purpose built gear position sensor for the Suzuki that will be a bit more car friendly. If it works I'll let everyone know about it.

[sprocketmensch]

Gary,
Can you share any photos? What size tank? How many shifts is a tank good for? What is the weight advantage/disadvantage? Costs?
Thanks,
Doug

[glenn cooper]

Keeping the gear position sensor from getting too hot is a good idea - pretty hard to do on the RFR w/ the left side exhaust.
Running a tube to direct cool air from a sidepod or whatever is easy enough.

[Gary Slahor]

Trying to get a feel for whether anyone has mounted the geartronics control unit (GCU) in the drive box..... and if so, did you have any problems with doing so ?

I was told it should be OK, as long as you keep water off it.

TIA.............. Gary

[sprocketmensch]

Gary,
My control unit is mounted in the cockpit, just about under my knees. I installed it where the previous owner had mounted a camera control unit as it is about the same size. It is covered by a small box. Had no troubles all season. Geartronics (Nicholas) made a custom harness including my PTT buttons so I would only have one cable to the steering wheel. Works great. I'm in the process of converting from compressor to nitrogen tank. Bought the kit to allow me to keep large tank in trailer and refill as needed as I refuel.

[glenn cooper]

Citation drive box?
My initial thought was "That sounds like a kind of harsh environment".
My second thought was "Where was Brandon's located?"

[Brett Lane]

I agree with all of the above. Best hands down love the system. I have 3 of them. And would consider selling one as well.

In the twilight years of my racing career, I managed to get through my financial woes. I didn't have to sell the car after all, and I am pressing on with my bullet proof Dan Robinson cable blipper that I paid $175 for.

I could be interested in the one you have to sell, but I am the used tire cheapest guy out there and the price has to be right.

Here's to the divisional path to the runoffs.

[Jasonrmbell]

I have a Pro Shifter I am selling see Pic

[James Hill]

if you cant drive, do you think electronics and more hp are going to help? we wanted to start a class of formula car that was less expensive than FA, might have gone too far.

[James Hill]

Citation drive box?
My initial thought was "That sounds like a kind of harsh environment".
My second thought was "Where was Brandon's located?"

I thought you were the all knowing one? see you soon my friend.

[Jasonrmbell]

if you cant drive, do you think electronics and more hp are going to help? we wanted to start a class of formula car that was less expensive than FA, might have gone too far.

Who is it you are saying can't drive ? Unless I'm reading your comment wrong.

[Jasonrmbell]

Citation drive box?
My initial thought was "That sounds like a kind of harsh environment".
My second thought was "Where was Brandon's located?"

Mine is mounted right behind the throttle bodies. See Pic