Sequential vs. H-pattern gearbox course
Online course of 300 hours in sequential versus H-pattern gearboxes. 6 modules covering transmission architecture, H-pattern versus sequential shifting, actuation systems, gear ratios and maintenance and reliability, with ISO 6336, ISO 1328-1, KISSsoft and an assigned technical tutor.
Sequential vs. H-pattern gearbox course — studying from New Zealand
New Zealand has a modest automotive industry, with most vehicle engineering centred on aftermarket parts, commercial vehicle body building, and the import and distribution of vehicles. Motorsport is a significant sector, with Hamilton and the Waikato region hosting a dense cluster of racing teams and engineering firms, and the Motorsport New Zealand body governing the national championships. Automotive engineers commonly work for importers, dealer networks, fleet operators and specialist fabrication businesses, and the sector also serves the country's large agricultural vehicle market.
Fees for New Zealand: NZ$1,280 (New Zealand dollar), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in New Zealand
Typical roles
Questions from New Zealand
Is automotive engineering a regulated title in New Zealand, and which bodies matter here?
The title Chartered Professional Engineer is regulated and administered by Engineering New Zealand, which sets competence standards for registration. Vehicle standards and certification in New Zealand are overseen by the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi. SEIUM's qualifications are private and not accredited by a national body, so recognition by employers or Engineering New Zealand is not something SEIUM can promise.
What kinds of automotive and motorsport employers hire engineers in New Zealand?
New Zealand's automotive sector includes vehicle importers, workshops and fleet operators, motorsport teams and specialist fabrication and engineering firms, along with companies supplying parts and servicing. Roles often reward hands-on experience and clear technical reporting. A private qualification can support an application, but whether an employer values it is their decision and cannot be assumed.
How much time does a programme need, and can an employer help fund it?
Specialist courses take about 300 hours, postgraduate diplomas 800 hours and master's programmes 1,900 hours, all online in English with an assigned technical tutor and a final project. Fees are payable in instalments, and employer sponsorship is possible. Choose a pace you can sustain alongside work, and check with your employer early about any funding or study leave arrangements.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Distinguish the architecture of sequential and H-pattern gearboxes.
Compare the performance, reliability and cost of both systems.
Calibrate actuation and ignition cut systems.
Calculate gear ratios for each circuit.
Plan the maintenance of a competition gearbox.
Apply regulatory restrictions.
Diagnose typical transmission faults.
Who it's for
- Transmission engineers.
- Gearbox mechanics.
- Competition maintenance technicians.
- Track engineers.
- Shift system calibrators.
- Chief mechanics responsible for driveline reliability.
- Engineering or science graduates seeking to enter competition motor sport.
What you'll work with
- ISO 6336 (load capacity calculation of spur and helical gears)
- ISO 1328-1 (accuracy of cylindrical gears)
- ISO 281 (bearing rating life)
- Appendix J to the FIA International Sporting Code (technical regulations for competition cars)
- FIA GT3 Technical Regulations (technical rules for GT3 cars)
- AGMA 2001-D04 (gear rating factors)
- KISSsoft
- Romax
- MoTeC i2 Pro
- OptimumLap
6 modules
1.1Role of the gearbox in the driveline1.2Manual H-pattern gearbox with synchromesh1.3Straight-cut sequential gearbox1.4Dog-engagement gears and dog rings1.5Selector drum and forks1.6Close ratios and gear spacing1.7Transverse versus longitudinal layout1.8Transaxle gearboxes in single-seaters1.9Splash and dry-sump lubrication1.10Practical: stripping down a sequential gearbox
2.1Shift time and loss of traction2.2Synchronisers and wear2.3Gear selection errors2.4Driver workload2.5Double-declutching and heel-and-toe2.6Regulations that mandate the H-pattern2.7Purchase and maintenance cost2.8Reliability in endurance racing2.9Advantages in historic categories2.10Case study: comparing shift times in telemetry
3.1Mechanical sequential lever3.2Steering wheel paddles and pneumatic actuator3.3Electro-hydraulic shift actuators3.4Drum position sensor3.5Ignition cut on upshifts3.6Automatic blip on downshifts3.7Seamless shift in F13.8Calibrating cut times3.9Safety in case of actuator failure3.10Lab: calibrating a quickshifter
4.1Calculating speed in each gear4.2Final drive selection4.3Gear spacing according to the circuit4.4Torque curve and optimum shift point4.5Sawtooth diagram4.6Changing ratios in the pits4.7Ratios homologated by regulation4.8Gear ratio simulation software4.9Effect of tyre diameter4.10Workshop: calculating ratios for a circuit
5.1Service life of gears and bearings5.2Inspection of dog teeth5.3Oil and particle analysis5.4Gearbox oil temperature5.5Adjusting selector clearances5.6Replacing parts between events5.7Mileage log per component5.8Typical failures and their causes5.9Specific tools and fixtures5.10Case study: season maintenance plan
6.1Definition of the vehicle and applicable regulations6.2Comparative analysis of alternatives6.3Choice of gearbox type6.4Calculation of ratios per circuit6.5Proposed actuation system6.6Maintenance plan6.7Life-cycle cost estimate6.8Reliability risk analysis6.9Report and presentation6.10Final project: final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetables: you progress at your own pace within the intake, so it fits around your job.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is KISSsoft, Romax, MoTeC i2 Pro and OptimumLap, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Practical work is based on real procedures for gearbox strip-down and inspection, quickshifter calibration and gear ratio calculation. Assessment is continuous per module plus the final project.
Standards covered: ISO 6336; ISO 1328-1; ISO 281; Appendix J to the FIA International Sporting Code; FIA GT3 Technical Regulations; AGMA 2001-D04.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No prior qualification is required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme software.
- English sufficient to read technical standards.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 300 hours over 3 months. You set your own pace within each intake, and your tutor helps you plan the workload around your job.
You work with KISSsoft, Romax, MoTeC i2 Pro and OptimumLap, using free, academic or evaluation versions. Your tutor indicates the free alternative wherever one exists.
A SEIUM Institute certificate, awarded on passing the continuous assessment and the final project. It is SEIUM's own qualification, not an official state degree; its recognition depends on the programme completed and the regulations of each country.
Yes. Modules passed are recognised in a higher programme in the same area (postgraduate diploma or master's). Ask about the recognition policy when you enrol.
No prior qualification is required; you need a computer able to run the programme software, an internet connection and English sufficient to read technical standards.
Start dates are set by SEIUM's faculty for each intake. Our admissions team will confirm the next available date when you apply.
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