FirebirdX

This probably has been asked 100's of times, but what kind of damage (if any) can come from manually shifting an automatic (nowhere close to redlining)?
This doesn't include downshifting (obviously).

ArkBird96

Nothing will go wrong by upshifting, but you shouldn't do it when racing. The only thing manually upshifting will do is give you the opportunity to bounce off the redline.

Understand, while the command to shift from the computer is instantaneous, the hydraulics that actually apply the clutches and band in the transmission are not. Therefore, it will take a little longer for the trans to actually make the shift after a shift is commanded.

My advice is that unless you have a full manual valve body (which you probably don't), leave it in OD. You cannot possibly shift faster or better than the computer can.

If the computer isn't shifting when/how you want, you should get a tune and/or have a shift kit installed.

Hope that helps!

FirebirdX

Thanks Ark, you pretty much summed it up. The only real reason I do is just to feel more torque and for the exhaust to sound better. I only do it occasionally.

ArkBird96

And the reason that happens is because by default, the computer is programmed to short-shift every gear well before the the engine gets up in the power band. That's GM's way of getting every last MPG out of these cars.

Now downshifting is another matter. Downshifting to any gear other than 3rd will damage the transmission, and even when going from OD to 3rd, make sure you're on the throttle. Sort of like rev-matching a manual trans.