Comfortmatic gearbox (1 Viewer)

[appydaze]

I was under the impression that the 'Comfortmatic' gearbox was in fact an auto clutch and not an auto gearbox.... hence, better fuel consumption...

 

[peterc10]

I was under the impression that the 'Comfortmatic' gearbox was in fact an auto clutch and not an auto gearbox.... hence, better fuel consumption...

Sort of but not quite. Not only is the clutch automatic, but so is the change of gears, unless you put it into manual. Hence my point about "proper" and "semi" automatic in my previous post #29

 

[Puddleduck]

We have robotised gearboxes on both the car and the van. Wonderful bit of kit

The only (minor) downside is the lack of very fine control putting it up on leveling blocks.

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[EX51SSS]

We have robotised gearboxes on both the car and the van. Wonderful bit of kit

The only (minor) downside is the lack of very fine control putting it up on leveling blocks.

So can you convert a manual into comfortmatic?

 

[Puddleduck]

So can you convert a manual into comfortmatic?

Sorry I don't know - we bought the car because it had the gearbox (ex-motobility) and the van was ordered with it. Perhaps @dave newell lvs could tell you.

The mpg in both is about the same as I would have expected from a fully manual system. Not like the older style autos which drank fuel.

 

[Techno]

It would cost a small fortune to retro fit so not a practical proposition

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[mikebeaches]

It would cost a small fortune to retro fit so not a practical proposition

Like what Techno says - to all intents and purposes it's impractical, as I understand.

The closest you'll get is installation of an automatic clutch (which is not the same as the Comfortmatic).

Here are a couple of converters:

Broken Link Removed

http://alfredbekker.com/portfolio-view/automatic-clutch-for-manual-cars/

We researched the whole subject deeply a couple of years ago and got very close to going for one on our last MH because we were so pleased with the van, except the manual gearbox.

In the event, we changed it for a new van with comfortmatic.

 

[EX51SSS]

The first one looks very much like the old comfort button on wagons.

 

[Badknee]

I once changed to a manual gearbox from an automatic on an MG Magnet, 'bout 1968. Does that count?

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[ivorantony]

Sort of but not quite. Not only is the clutch automatic, but so is the change of gears, unless you put it into manual. Hence my point about "proper" and "semi" automatic in my previous post #29

I have the Renault equivalent of the comfortmatic and it fuel consumption is slightly better than the manual,
I average 28 mpg in normal driving and for a nearly 4 tonne motor I find that very acceptable,
as had been said the only slight downside is getting her position on the levelling ramps, but easily mastered with time,

 

[nigel smith]

I was apprehensive but have got used to it now .It is not a lot different from my Volvo but you have to remember it is 3500 ton so it does not fly of in first and second but get ii in third and it pulls lovely we went for the 150 bhp engine which I am really pleased with the extra money when you are spending all that is well worth it.

 

[GWAYGWAY]

I used to drive a Foden eight wheeler with a fourteen litre Rolls Royce engine connected to a sixteen speed none synchro gearbox, "interesting" when fully loaded.

My Guys had the RR eagle engine and Leyand box, bit of a gutless setup and not very economical. Volvo and Merc followed them and a bit better but the Autos now make it too easy for them.

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[GWAYGWAY]

I was apprehensive but have got used to it now .It is not a lot different from my Volvo but you have to remember it is 3500 ton so it does not fly of in first and second but get ii in third and it pulls lovely we went for the 150 bhp engine which I am really pleased with the extra money when you are spending all that is well worth it.

' Kin 'ell, is that a marine engine in a big boat?

 

[Portland]

I'd like to see the young drivers of today with a twin splitter or a 13sp Fuller, I'm sure it would sound like a rendition of Rule Britannia. Everything is auto now, they even do their tests in an auto.

Bin there done that! Have you tried a Foden 12 speed!!! Very different

 

[Bulleteer]

We have a Bessacarr E442 which we picked up on 1st August. Its a comfortmatic and drives great. Its surprisingly fast and smooth. It only gets its knickers in a twist between first and second, but once you are used to this, its not an issue. Kick down is good and you can also change manually, like a tiptronic in a car. I wouldnt be arsed with a manual MoHo!

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[Cairngorm]

Early days for the Comfortmatic gearbox, a week and 970 miles. But I wouldn't t want to go back to manual, even after only driving for a week . True it isn't a patch on the Volkswagen DSG system , which you just leave to get on with it. The Fiat does need to be converted to manual in certain situations,but since that just involves, flicking the gear handle and reducing the revs by going up the gears.
On another matter, I have driven an A class before but I obviously didn't encounter wind on the Western Isles when I was there. As I was heading homeward on Sunday ,when there was a gust of wind , the gearbox changed down and clicked back up against almost instantaneously. Would not have felt it , if it was manual gearbox.