SHIFTING ISSUES FOR SUPERUTES

A number of Haltech V8 Superutes had driveline issues across the series’ second round at Sydney Motorsport Park.

Concerns that there might be an inherent problem within the drivelines have been alleviated by Luke Sieders who has been an intricate figure in the development of category in its switch from turbo diesel to V8 power.

Newcomer to the category Matt McLean broke a shifter and stopped a practice session before he had clutch and diff problems.

Round one winner (at The Bend) Ryal Harris completed the opening race, having to hold the ute in fourth gear before completing the last race without fourth altogether. Chris Formosa was another to also have clutch issues.

Sieders said the problems have been driver-induced on the most part.

“What it is, the drivers have been out of the seat for awhile and they have come back quite aggressive.

“The production-based Tremec T66 gearbox (the same that was used in the V8 Utes some years ago) is a synchro box and has been a proven product. It is not a Hollinger or an Xtrac, you can’t flat shift and some driver were flat-shifting.

“The Superutes don’t have a carbon ceramic clutch like what Supercars and the like have – you have got to have some finesse and a few of the guys have been a bit brutal with them, and there have been a few that had no problems.”

Sieders added that there is a driving style – but in saying that we will at some of those areas where they can reinforce, make some adjustments, and make them a little better.

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