How Do You Race An Automatic?
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Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Markham Ontario
How Do You Race An Automatic?
What is the best way performance wise to race my 95 auto, by (1)manually shifting through the gears, (2) leaving the transmission in Drive, or (3) leaving it in OverDrive?
Race Director
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 13,298
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From: Somers NY
Re: How Do You Race An Automatic? (Fartsy95vert)
What is the best way performance wise to race my 95 auto, by (1)manually shifting through the gears, (2) leaving the transmission in Drive, or (3) leaving it in OverDrive?
Race Director
Joined: Mar 1999
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From: I live in my own little world
NC Events Coordinator
Re: How Do You Race An Automatic? (Red96Coupe)
... But LET it shift itself..
Ab-so-freakin-lootly!!! It's more "fun" to shift...but your times will suffer. SOP isn't always the best indicator.
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 26,679
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From: This vette goes to 11 Milford MA
St. Jude Donor '03-'05
Re: How Do You Race An Automatic? (Alchemist)
I usually launch in first and then shift when I know I have traction. If I launch in D and get any wheelspin, it shifts into second and then either bogs down or downshifts and ruins my ET.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2000
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From: Irmo, S.C
Re: How Do You Race An Automatic? (Fartsy95vert)
I've had the best luck launching w/ it in second, then shifting to drive before the 2-3 shift but letting it run out and shift on it's own. Manual shifting always slowed it down.
Jason
Jason
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 27,818
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From: CT
Re: How Do You Race An Automatic? (Red96Coupe)
I think with the newer cars, like John P mentioned, letting it shift itself will provide the best results(In most cases....it didn't in my car). Don't be afraid to try manually shifting. See what works best for you.
[Modified by JD 90 383, 12:59 PM 5/10/2002]
[Modified by JD 90 383, 12:59 PM 5/10/2002]
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Former Vendor
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 7,204
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From: St Marys PA
Re: How Do You Race An Automatic? (Fartsy95vert)
I got better results by shifting myself, but you will have to try it out for yourself. It more fun shifting yourself, but you'll have to see for yourself.
I go off idle, but for different conditions a powerbreak might turn a better time.
I have to revise my whole system since installing the Vigilante 3200 TC.
Just wish I could get out of CT and get back home to race. This is killing me here!
I go off idle, but for different conditions a powerbreak might turn a better time.
I have to revise my whole system since installing the Vigilante 3200 TC.
Just wish I could get out of CT and get back home to race. This is killing me here!
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 26,679
Likes: 17
From: This vette goes to 11 Milford MA
St. Jude Donor '03-'05
Re: How Do You Race An Automatic? (cdsmith)
Put it in (R) for race. Close your eyes and press the gas.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 1,048
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From: Harrisburg PA
Re: How Do You Race An Automatic? (Fastguy)
What kind of Race are we talking about? I've never tried drag racing yet (and cant wait!!) but after running on the new road course at Carlisle, PA two weekends ago - 2nd was fine for me. When I autoX, 1st is usually fine but it depends on how long the main stretch is - you don't want to shift 1/2 in an AutoX heading into a turn because the back in kicks out, or at least it does for me.
When I ran at Summit Point last year - OD was fine and I let the car shift itself. I'm just starting out here so i'm sure other more experienced racers here will chime in.
When I ran at Summit Point last year - OD was fine and I let the car shift itself. I'm just starting out here so i'm sure other more experienced racers here will chime in.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 22,267
Likes: 3
From: Dallas TX
Re: How Do You Race An Automatic? (LayZ)
I thought this was going to be a .. i have a standard and need to know how to race against an auto .. i was going to say "YOU BETTER SHIFT FAST!" hehe. Especially against my tranny.
Like others have said .. you should let it shift.. or like fastguy .. do the 1-2 and that's it.
Like others have said .. you should let it shift.. or like fastguy .. do the 1-2 and that's it.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 1,040
Likes: 2
From: BowlingGreen KY
Re: How Do You Race An Automatic? (Glock'94)
If you've got a good tach and a shift light, Manually shift that *****! Set your shift light a little low to allow for the delay when shifting.
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 26,679
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From: This vette goes to 11 Milford MA
St. Jude Donor '03-'05
Re: How Do You Race An Automatic? (KYVette90)
Keep in mind the C4 tach is notoriously slow, when you see 5,200, you're closer to 5,700. That's another reason I let it shift itself once I have traction.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,143
Likes: 7
From: San Diego CA
Re: How Do You Race An Automatic? (Fartsy95vert)
If you are Auto-Xing or Road Racing, learn to brake with your left foot and keep the revs up with the right while cornering then late apex and let her rip.
