I just can't get used to having a performance car that determines when to shift. Only time it's spot on is during WOT in a straight line. Yes, I know that's the whole idea, but, it sure does make driving the rest of the time a PITA. Am currently doing some mod's. to spice it up a bit. Although, it's doubtfull that these mod's. will change my opinion. Have a feeling that a T-56 is in the future.

 

I love it, with the converter (ST3800), I hit it and it's right in the powerband, no matter the gear or mph. I've auto'x it before, and I let a friend drive it at an event that usually drives a miata, he got nealy the same time (within a second) in my car as he did in his miata (which had suspension and other mods). He really liked it. Once you learn how it acts, it's a lot better.

I do miss rowing through the gears, manuals are fun, but I'm not sure I'd trade my auto for one. Not to mention getting people bad off the line in a drag race when they have a car with a manual. Even awd cars.

With the right software you can change a lot about the way and when it shifts.

 

never auto-x my car, but i like the fact that it never miss-shifts, yea manuals are fun but i would never trade my car in for one, maybe just buy a second car that is manual and have both

 

I like my auto most of the time... I know what you mean about when it shifts, but what do you expect? Your computer doesn't know how you want it to drive at a specific point. If you want the rpm range higher, just stick it in a lower gear... That's what I do. 6 speeds are great if you want to do it yourself, but if you like the computer to do the work most of the time, autos are great.
You know what would be kinda cool though? If you could push a button that would make the tranny hold a certain rpm range that you have set and only shift at the point that you set it for... Like race mode tranny button.

 

I have one. Problem is it has half the power & one third the torque of the LS1.

 

Now that's more like it; that would be cool.

 

I hated mine before I got it tuned; I love it now with tuning and a shift kit. I can do my shifting and keep it right where I want it with my right foot 90% of the time. For the other 10%, there's the shifter.

 

Glad to hear these types of comments. I have a wake-up kit & am awaiting winter storage to install it. Am hoping that this is enough to improve the transmission. Shift points were tuned after the H/C work. However, it's the torque converter lock-up in 4th @ say 40 or 45 MPH making it feel like overdrive that makes me nuts. We'll see how it goes.

 

I love my automatic!

 

I wouldn't trade my auto for smoked clutches, worries of grenading the rear end, and worse times at the track for anything in the world. Most of the time I just cruise around in my car anyway, and I even autocross the auto and have even had success (won my class at an all F-Body event against many M6 cars, and it was only my second autocross ever). Dealing with a clutch healthy enough to stand up behind the power of a cammed LS1 isn't something I'd want to bother with, even if my car is just a weekend warrior. After driving a stalled auto, I dont think I'll ever go back if I can help it.

 

that drives me crazy also, i just leave it in 3rd until 50 mph

 

all your problems can be fixed with a shift kit and programming. Stock these things shift so so. Modify the shift tables and add a shift kit and you will be happy. nuf said.

 

I hate my auto... I really wan a 6 speed i love ripn threw the gears on windy road not to mention how shitty it is on the rolling races.......

 

Downshift...DOWNshift! Or just don't race from a roll. Tell your opponent that roll racing is for pussies and you only race from a stop. And then you'll need to invest in good tires.

 

Get a converter, it'll help a lot, even from a roll race.

 

Good point, I didn't realize he didn't have one of those yet. A converter makes a whole world of difference in the A4.