down shifting an auto....
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,733
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From: Sarasota FL
Re: down shifting an auto.... (C4kid94)
I'm not sure but, the logic I use, is that brake pads are cheaper and easier to get to. I only use OD @ 55mph or above and will use lower gears on mountain type or performance driving situations. Never for spot braking.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 3,886
Likes: 0
From: Northern California
Re: down shifting an auto.... (C4kid94)
Back in the days when most cars had 4-wheel drum brakes, we worried a lot about "saving" the brakes when driving in hilly areas. On autos, that meant downshifting once in a while. It didn't seem to hurt.
Just remember to "blip" the throttle just as the gear changes, so the engine RPM matches the drivetrain.
Just remember to "blip" the throttle just as the gear changes, so the engine RPM matches the drivetrain.
Former Vendor
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 7,204
Likes: 6
From: St Marys PA
Re: down shifting an auto.... (SharkInShark)
I do on occassion....never seems to hurt :confused: Most of the time its from 4th to 3d but in town sometimes I go from 3rd to 2nd neither of them are under a heavy load, or excess RPM
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,285
Likes: 1
From: kenosha, plymouth wi
Re: down shifting an auto.... (C4kid94)
i mostly do this during heavy performance touring at ROAD AMERICA or a sweet azz country road (plentifull in wisconsin). i usually rely on 2nd gear quite a bit and to get myself to higher speeds. i will downshift in bad weather to help slow myself down if conditions realy suck.
my mech "informed" me that the only gear that you need to pay attention to is 3rd. he said nine times out of ten that would be the first to go. and second gear in an auto trany will take a bigger beating than the 2nd in the manual trany. :steering:
my mech "informed" me that the only gear that you need to pay attention to is 3rd. he said nine times out of ten that would be the first to go. and second gear in an auto trany will take a bigger beating than the 2nd in the manual trany. :steering:
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Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 21,094
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From: Phila., PA burbs
Re: down shifting an auto.... (C4kid94)
I don't really see a need to......if you press the brake peddle it will slow down (and downshift) on it own :yesnod:
Although I must admit I do it now and then just to hear my exhaust gurgle :D
Although I must admit I do it now and then just to hear my exhaust gurgle :D
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,751
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From: Miami, FL, USA
Re: down shifting an auto.... (TA)
Letting off the gas and using the tranny for braking will cause premature wear, guaranteed. Use your brakes, or buy a 6speed next time. As far as performance driving, make sure to accelerate first, THEN drop it down to 2nd, or else the transbraking could hurt the tranny. Also, use your head, dont drop it into 2nd on the highway doing 80mph! I think 65-70 is the most Ive felt comfortable doing it.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 62,128
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From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
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Re: down shifting an auto.... (C4kid94)
OK, all I want to know is, WILL IT CAUSE DAMAGE :D
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
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From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: down shifting an auto.... (C4kid94)
I downshift from 4th to 3rd on a down grade or otherwise to get some additional engine braking but tap the brake pedal first to unlock the TC thus reducing stress on the drive train, including the tranny.
I guess that each gear change produces some wear on the clutch packs.
[Modified by 65Z01, 3:12 PM 1/5/2003]
I guess that each gear change produces some wear on the clutch packs.
[Modified by 65Z01, 3:12 PM 1/5/2003]
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 863
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From: Portsmouth,Va USA
Re: down shifting an auto.... (C4kid94)
Automatic 4 speed Transmission Shift Quadrant Positions. My owners manual says the following: 2-[second gear] This range is used when extra performancxe is required for hill climbing OR IT CAN BE USED TO PROVIDE ENGINE BRAKING TO SLOW THE CAR WHEN GOING DOWN MEDIUM GRADES. the shift lever may may be moved from "D" to "2" and vice versa under most driving conditions.
It also say the same as to "1" You may shift into "1" at any speed but the transmission will not lock into Low until the car speed is under 40 mph.
It also say the same as to "1" You may shift into "1" at any speed but the transmission will not lock into Low until the car speed is under 40 mph.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 5,556
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From: Jenison MI
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Cruise-In VII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '06
Re: down shifting an auto.... (Rick Williams)
It also say the same as to "1" You may shift into "1" at any speed but the transmission will not lock into Low until the car speed is under 40 mph.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 2,631
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From: Union City CA
Re: down shifting an auto.... (C4kid94)
If I leave mine in D then it upshifts too fast. Once I was at 25mph doing barley idle in 3rd gear. My transmission upshift too much so I do it m self, With a shift kit, makes you enjoy your corvette much much better :yesnod:
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 1,994
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From: Charleston, WV
Re: down shifting an auto.... (C4kid94)
I always do....... my trannies last over 100k .........I drive it like a manual trans I shift up and down manually all the time unless I have my cup in my right hand ........then I usually "pre-shift" ......... :lol:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
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From: Airport Cruise-in 1 Veteran Airport Cruise-in 2 Veteran
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: down shifting an auto.... (fsr402)
It also say the same as to "1" You may shift into "1" at any speed but the transmission will not lock into Low until the car speed is under 40 mph.
:bs :bs :bs I did it at 70 ONE TIME and she did it. I thought it was coming apart. I did not mean to.
:bs :bs :bs I did it at 70 ONE TIME and she did it. I thought it was coming apart. I did not mean to.
I do shift it manually, well at least I did. These single piston calipers SUCK!!Since engine braking is much better with the 3.54 than the 2.59, I doubt I'll need to manual downshift much anymore. ;)
