Manually shifting an automatic
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,817
Likes: 1
From: Hartland WI
Manually shifting an automatic
I have an '88 'vert, automatic. I preferred the automatic becasue I spend a fair amount of time on the highway or in city stop-n-go traffic and my old knees just can't take the constant clutching anymore.
But I still love the "interactive" driving experience of shifting, and having more control over shift points.
Will manually shifting my automatic (nice twisty road kinda stuff, maybe auto-cross) damage it? Are there any kits that one can buy that might improve performance (ie. "crispness of shifts") in this case.
The car is a daily driver, no engine mods (yet )
I'm not into drag racing so I assume that the stock TC is adequate for my needs.
Ok - let me have it.
But I still love the "interactive" driving experience of shifting, and having more control over shift points.
Will manually shifting my automatic (nice twisty road kinda stuff, maybe auto-cross) damage it? Are there any kits that one can buy that might improve performance (ie. "crispness of shifts") in this case.
The car is a daily driver, no engine mods (yet )
I'm not into drag racing so I assume that the stock TC is adequate for my needs.
Ok - let me have it.
Last edited by rstackjd; Jan 14, 2005 at 11:42 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 7,625
Likes: 4
From: Director of Bands
St. Jude Donor '08
I've asked this question before and there seems to be mixed opinions on this topic. Some will tell you that they do it all the time and it doesn't hurt much as long as you don't over-rev the engine. Others will say that running the trans in low gears at high rpm produces extra heat and additional clutch wear. 
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,255
Likes: 50
From: Clayton, NC north carolina
Originally Posted by rstackjd
I have an '88 'vert, automatic. I preferred the automatic becasue I spend a fair amount of time on the highway or in city stop-n-go traffic and my old knees just can't take the constant clutching anymore.
But I still love the "interactive" driving experience of shifting, and having more control over shift points.
Will manually shifting my automatic (nice twisty road kinda stuff, maybe auto-cross) damage it? Are there any kits that one can buy that might improve performance (ie. "crispness of shifts") in this case.
The car is a daily driver, no engine mods (yet )
I'm not into drag racing so I assume that the stock TC is adequate for my needs.
Ok - let me have it.
But I still love the "interactive" driving experience of shifting, and having more control over shift points.
Will manually shifting my automatic (nice twisty road kinda stuff, maybe auto-cross) damage it? Are there any kits that one can buy that might improve performance (ie. "crispness of shifts") in this case.
The car is a daily driver, no engine mods (yet )
I'm not into drag racing so I assume that the stock TC is adequate for my needs.
Ok - let me have it.
The problem with manualy shifting an automatic is that the trans doesent have time to sufficantly build line pressure. Your car is designed to shift at the optimum point to match the cars torque and HP requirements. If you mod then you shoud have the trans reprogramed.
Most people who try to manualy shift there cars (bone stock) usually end up going slower in the 1/4.
Alot of the guys that have L460E's get an over speed code when they try to manualy shift.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
I suggest you install a TransGo shift kit as the quicker/harder shifts are more fun and less clutch slippage is better for tranny life.
During ordinary driving I tap the brake pedal to unlock the TC before down shifting. On manyal up shifts I try to do it when the car is accelerating as this is the way it works in auto mode.
My stock '88 A4 shifter did not have detents from 1st-3rd so I cut detents into the shift gate. Now, when I manually down shift, I must press the button first and there is shift feel on the manual up shifts.
So I too like to sometimes control shifting on the highway and when driving the twisties but leave it to the A4 on the drag strip.
The bottom line is, you bought your Vette to enjoy, so drive it to derive the most pleasure.
During ordinary driving I tap the brake pedal to unlock the TC before down shifting. On manyal up shifts I try to do it when the car is accelerating as this is the way it works in auto mode.
My stock '88 A4 shifter did not have detents from 1st-3rd so I cut detents into the shift gate. Now, when I manually down shift, I must press the button first and there is shift feel on the manual up shifts.
So I too like to sometimes control shifting on the highway and when driving the twisties but leave it to the A4 on the drag strip.
The bottom line is, you bought your Vette to enjoy, so drive it to derive the most pleasure.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,252
Likes: 6
From: The Colony Tx
I had a 72 auto rebuilt with a shift kit and went with the mid-point rather than full out. If you floor it when it hits 2nd it will chirp the tires. Feels really good but isn't that noticable in normal driving.
