WhiteKnight '01

So I was finally bored enough tonight that on my way home I decided to mess around with my car a bit, get a feel for what "1" "2" and "D" could do when manually shifting them. I noticed that from a 20MPH launch in "1" the car launches MUCH harder, there's no slight hesitation, everything is instant! The shift to "2" took about 1 second or so, a bit slow, but the car felt a lot different manually shifting it like that. And then when downshifting it, or just driving in "1" and then letting off, the car felt a lot more like a manual, didn't know I could get almost the same feeling, even sounds like one too.

So my question is, what are the benefits of manually shifting the auto? How can I and how should I be doing it? Lastly, are there any negatives about doing this? will it hurt the tranny? Thanks in advance.

01ssreda4

iTrader: (96)

It will generate more heat but other then that if the trans is healthy it should be fine. When going WOT from a roll, typically the 30-60 range, I will manually pull down into 2. This lets the clutches engage before the application of power. Then after going WOT, I click up to D. This will let the computer take over for the 2>3 shift. Letting the clutches engage before the hit prolongs their life IMO.

WhiteKnight '01

Will the car be faster by doing this? Or does it just make it more fun?

01ssreda4

iTrader: (96)

Its not really about being more fun, its about saving the life of a used transmission. But often giving the clutches a chance to bite makes the pull harder (feels like it) vs. making the trans auto down-shift under power.

Kingc8r

iTrader: (21)

This is what I do too

Op doing this just eliminates that lag kick down when you punch it going 55....

bones_c

iTrader: (3)

So when your at a 50 roll just keep your foot on the gas and drop it down to second... Then throw it through 3 to D once you hit wot? Is that what I'm getting from this and this will reduce the high rev before the clutch engages?

Fbodyjunkie06

iTrader: (10)

no 50 roll let off the gas....coast while downshifting to 2nd.....then once engaged in 2nd then get back to 50 mph and floor it, a second after flooring it or anytime before where your shift point is set, shift it into D. This will allow the puter to take over shifting into 3rd at whatever the computer is set to shift at going into 3rd at wot.

bones_c

iTrader: (3)

Ok cool thanks

01ssreda4

iTrader: (96)

This.....as you do it more you will get a good feel for it. Don't be surprised if the pull is a little harder then you're used to. I could really tell a difference the first time I did it.

Kingc8r

iTrader: (21)

Yea it definitely feels better. Make sure you shift in into d3 or OD right away or sometimes you'll hit the linter if you shift too close to redline

WhiteKnight '01

So since I get the feeling the car is pulling a lot harder, does this make the car faster? Does it nearly put it in manual territory?

PGUFF

iTrader: (12)

you still get the horsepower loss through the auto

Kingc8r

iTrader: (21)

This. Just eliminates some of the lag when you give the computer total control

WhiteKnight '01

Ahh, I really like your quote at the bottom which is why I like my Camaro Z28 so much. Although I do want to give it the SS spoiler and SS hood, and maybe even the SS wheels, I still want to keep the Z28 badge. Because you have the Chevelle SS, Camaro SS, Malibus SS, Trailblazer SS, the list goes on...but there are no other cars that have the Z28 badge.

TransAmWS.6

I'll say that when you have it in let's say 2nd gear and you punch it, the car feels like it's a little more responsive. But, other than that, I don't see a point to it or how you could benefit from it when you're actually racing. The car doesn't even shift right when you want it to either which is very annoying.

01ssreda4

iTrader: (96)

It will not shift to 3rd at the moment you select D. If you wait till it is time to shift to select D, you will likely hit the rev limiter. I learned that the hard way when i first got my car. It is a delayed response. After going WOT, you immediately select D and the car will return to full auto mode and it will stay in 2nd then shift according to the tune. The benefit is clutch life and no lag time on take off. You cannot manually shift a stock 4l60e better then the computer can, and if that's what you are trying to do then I understand your frustration.

TransAmWS.6

Yeah, that's pretty much what I was getting at there. But I guess if you do it the proper way like you explained, I could see it making a slight difference.

Krazedkuniva

iTrader: (3)

So it's safe to downshift into second going around 55 mph? Is that with stock gears though? What about in a car with a 3600 stall and 3.73 gears?

camaroz28lt1at

iTrader: (16)

I have a 3600 stall and 3.73 and have shifted into second around 50. I cant remember what the rpms were (havent drove the car in 4 months) probably around 4K if I remember correctly.

01ssreda4

iTrader: (96)

I can with 3.73s, but try not to at that high.....I like to go in about 35-45.