Formula Dynamics DBW update

[tomoshea]

I thought I would post this just for re-enforcement primarily.

I finally got around to having the FD DBW unit installed on my 2005 car, transformative is the best word to use for low speed changes and taking off from stop.

The throttle response change is noticeable also.

At higher revs I don't think it makes the shift any quicker.

Overall in my view worth it for around town drivability and throttle response overall.

In case any of you were thinking about taking the plunge.......

 

[Church of Noise]

Most interesting!
My car had it already when I bought it, but I haven't tested it yet as ever since fixing the clutch setup, I've only driven it for a very limited distance, and that was without it activated.

I do know that there are people at both sides, ie those that love it (including @tomoshea ) and those that don't.

So for now I'll sit back and follow the input here

 

[Black Mazerati]

Most interesting!
My car had it already when I bought it, but I haven't tested it yet as ever since fixing the clutch setup, I've only driven it for a very limited distance, and that was without it activated.

I do know that there are people at both sides, ie those that love it (including @tomoshea ) and those that don't.

So for now I'll sit back and follow the input here

If it's installed it'a always activated....just has 1 setting that is more aggressive than the other. I will also vouch for a substantial improvement and can't see how it will not add quite a bit of longevity to the clutch! I don't even feel the need to use sports mode all the time now. Just wish I would remember to turn it on when I give her a spirited stab as she does get floaty without when approaching 3 digits!

 

[tomoshea]

If it's installed it'a always activated....just has 1 setting that is more aggressive than the other. I will also vouch for a substantial improvement and can't see how it will not add quite a bit of longevity to the clutch! I don't even feel the need to use sports mode all the time now. Just wish I would remember to turn it on when I give her a spirited stab as she does get floaty without when approaching 3 digits!

Correct it is perm on unless you insert the bypass plug that comes with the unit.

 

[mjheathcote]

I thought I would post this just for re-enforcement primarily.

I finally got around to having the FD DBW unit installed on my 2005 car, transformative is the best word to use for low speed changes and taking off from stop.

The throttle response change is noticeable also.

At higher revs I don't think it makes the shift any quicker.

Overall in my view worth it for around town drivability and throttle response overall.

In case any of you were thinking about taking the plunge.......

It won't make the shift any quicker at high revs full throttle, because all it does is trick the gearbox to shift at lower revs/throttle as though you are driving at high revs/throttle, but you aren't!
So if you are giving it some, it adds no benefit.

 

[BL330]

Definitely worth having fitted. There are three modes, off, and two I would term " Enhanced " and " Harsh "
The engine must be off to change modes.
The benefits are in a more responsive drive, both engaging gear to take off, instead of the normal committee meeting to decide to proceed; quicker throttle response, and quicker changes down low, which is a good thing.
Harsh mode slams you in the back on all changes, so I hardly use it.

 

[tomoshea]

Definitely worth having fitted. There are three modes, off, and two I would term " Enhanced " and " Harsh "
The engine must be off to change modes.
The benefits are in a more responsive drive, both engaging gear to take off, instead of the normal committee meeting to decide to proceed; quicker throttle response, and quicker changes down low, which is a good thing.
Harsh mode slams you in the back on all changes, so I hardly use it.

Definitely worth having fitted. There are three modes, off, and two I would term " Enhanced " and " Harsh "
The engine must be off to change modes.
The benefits are in a more responsive drive, both engaging gear to take off, instead of the normal committee meeting to decide to proceed; quicker throttle response, and quicker changes down low, which is a good thing.
Harsh mode slams you in the back on all changes, so I hardly use it.

Harsh mode on mine doesn't slam me, I think the TCU SW updates over the years made the later cars more GT like for gear changing (so I have been advised), so the harshness of earlier TCU cars may not be as extreme, i certainly don't get it on mine