Do you manually change gears while driving?
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 18,308
Likes: 21
From: Marlton. Increasing performance one speeding ticket at a time! NJ
Absolutely a waste of time.
For one, the computer can switch gears much better and faster than you.
Second, downshifting is only accomplished when the computer determines that parameters are appropriate. For example, if you're going 70 mph, and try to put it into 1st, it won't do anything. Will only shift when the RPM and MPH threasholds are met. So to get reliable (if that's the best word to describe it) shifts, a computer controlled auto is not the best thing to use. Plus since it's decoupled from the engine directly through a torque converter, you're never going to get the feel of a manual car.
Third, for anything but racing applications, brakes are more than fine for hard use.
Now, despite the computer controlling the transmission being bad for a "drivers" car, it is an absolute godsend for the average driver. You can't do something stupid like overrev, or put the car into reverse when going forward, etc. The protection routines are there to keep the equipment and yourself safe.
The transmission is definately a weak spot in an auto car for road racing. But for consistant operation (like 1/4 miles), it can't be beat.
For one, the computer can switch gears much better and faster than you.
Second, downshifting is only accomplished when the computer determines that parameters are appropriate. For example, if you're going 70 mph, and try to put it into 1st, it won't do anything. Will only shift when the RPM and MPH threasholds are met. So to get reliable (if that's the best word to describe it) shifts, a computer controlled auto is not the best thing to use. Plus since it's decoupled from the engine directly through a torque converter, you're never going to get the feel of a manual car.
Third, for anything but racing applications, brakes are more than fine for hard use.
Now, despite the computer controlling the transmission being bad for a "drivers" car, it is an absolute godsend for the average driver. You can't do something stupid like overrev, or put the car into reverse when going forward, etc. The protection routines are there to keep the equipment and yourself safe.
The transmission is definately a weak spot in an auto car for road racing. But for consistant operation (like 1/4 miles), it can't be beat.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 18,308
Likes: 21
From: Marlton. Increasing performance one speeding ticket at a time! NJ
Shifting an A4 manually simply locks out the higher gear, not the lower ones, except for second gear which will allow a second gear start. But if you floor it, it will still downshift to first. Conversely if you leave it in third, it will start in first and run through second and third, locking out fourth (OD). All of this information is in the owner's manual.
A 3.42 final drive ratio in an A4 means that the gears you will get better acceleration and that in top gear (fourth) you will be turning at a higher RPM. This is a very common upgrade and a very satisfying change, giving better response. The fuel mileage and noise level penalties are almost insignificant compared to the better feel. It will really wake the car up!
Having the shift points and shift pressures altered through a "tune" gives more performance oriented experience to the A4. The 3.42 upgrade plus a sharp professional dyno tune will really enhance your A4.
A 3.42 final drive ratio in an A4 means that the gears you will get better acceleration and that in top gear (fourth) you will be turning at a higher RPM. This is a very common upgrade and a very satisfying change, giving better response. The fuel mileage and noise level penalties are almost insignificant compared to the better feel. It will really wake the car up!
Having the shift points and shift pressures altered through a "tune" gives more performance oriented experience to the A4. The 3.42 upgrade plus a sharp professional dyno tune will really enhance your A4.
Last edited by nj02vette; Jan 1, 2010 at 09:23 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 11,664
Likes: 15
From: Wellsboro Pa
Shifting an A4 manually simply locks out the higher gear, not the lower ones, except for second gear which will allow a second gear start. But if you floor it, it will still downshift to first. Conversely if you leave it in third, it will start in first and run through second and third, locking out fourth (OD). All of this information is in the owner's manual.
A 3.42 final drive ratio in an A4 means that the gears you will get better acceleration and that in top gear (fourth) you will be turning at a higher RPM. This is a very common upgrade and a very satisfying change, giving better response. The fuel mileage and noise level penalties are almost insignificant compared to the better feel. It will really wake the car up!
Having the shift points and shift pressures altered through a "tune" gives more performance oriented experience to the A4. The 3.42 upgrade plus a sharp professional dyno tune will really enhance your A4.
A 3.42 final drive ratio in an A4 means that the gears you will get better acceleration and that in top gear (fourth) you will be turning at a higher RPM. This is a very common upgrade and a very satisfying change, giving better response. The fuel mileage and noise level penalties are almost insignificant compared to the better feel. It will really wake the car up!
Having the shift points and shift pressures altered through a "tune" gives more performance oriented experience to the A4. The 3.42 upgrade plus a sharp professional dyno tune will really enhance your A4.
Changing to 3.42 gears and a tune definately made a difference in mine. But remember, once you start the modding, you can't stop! I also now have headers, cat backs, and a supercharger. What's next????????????? Enjoy your Corvette. 
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,975
Likes: 9
From: "Philly" Pennsylvania
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 368,063
Likes: 24,731
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '25
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
Have only had my A4 since September, but really haven't found the need or desire to manually shift the car. I just put it in drive and go.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 357
Likes: 0
From: Pas de Calais
I have a different opinion. Upgrade your gearing to at least 3:42's, install a performance converter and increase your line pressure on your A4. I used to do the shifting / downshifting to get the power thrill, however it is no longer necessary. tons of power to the wheels and firm, crisp shifts by the A4
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 9,987
Likes: 25
From: If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door. South West Florida / Livin' The Dream
St. Jude Donor '12
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-p...-converter.htm
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,300
Likes: 115
From: Odessa FL
St. Jude Donor '10-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
[QUOTE=DeeGee;1572607790]I should say at the outset, driving an A4 in the US and driving it in Europe is like chalk and cheese. Like you I drive European type roads here in UK although we drive on the "correct" side of the road I drove my A4 for many miles around CA and NV including a road trip around Tahoe.
DeeGee, dont believe that CA and NV roads are representative of driving everywhere in the States. Driving the switchbacks through the Smokie Mountains on the east coast is much more like driving through Europe than you may imagine. It is on these roads that I really enjoy my six speed manual gearbox.
I drove my A4 for many miles around CA and NV including a road trip around Tahoe.DeeGee, dont believe that CA and NV roads are representative of driving everywhere in the States. Driving the switchbacks through the Smokie Mountains on the east coast is much more like driving through Europe than you may imagine. It is on these roads that I really enjoy my six speed manual gearbox.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 43,084
Likes: 33
From: Raleigh / Rolesville NC
Brakes are less expensive to replace then a transmission.
for Street or public road use, just let the transmission do its own shifting
Now on a road race course, then YES you want to manually shift the automatic, down shift at the end of the brake zone, prior to going into the corner. Then upshift after the corner
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
Likes: 87
From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
[QUOTE=alxltd1;1572615471]
I know just what you mean. I've driven maybe 30 of the States and I think I've seen scenery and conditions which remind me of most countries in Europe. I guess I mentioned CA and NV because that trip from Vegas to San Fransisco and back to Vegas down PCH took in probably 5 different types of driving. The shifter was a blur at times. I followed one guy dropping down into Tahoe who rode his brakes the whole descent. Its amazing he had any brakes left when he hit the bottom.
That said, most roads in the US make most roads in Europe seem tiny. The road through my neighborhood in Vegas was wider than the M1 which is our main highway.
I just get the impression that many on the Forum consider freeway driving to be representative. Anyone who drives in Europe knows that freeways, autobahns and motorways are not the norm. I still say that sometimes letting the transmission do its own thing is not the best way to drive. In Vegas it was D all the way. Around here I set the transmission how I need it.
Each to his own I guess
I should say at the outset, driving an A4 in the US and driving it in Europe is like chalk and cheese. Like you I drive European type roads here in UK although we drive on the "correct" side of the road I drove my A4 for many miles around CA and NV including a road trip around Tahoe.
DeeGee, dont believe that CA and NV roads are representative of driving everywhere in the States. Driving the switchbacks through the Smokie Mountains on the east coast is much more like driving through Europe than you may imagine. It is on these roads that I really enjoy my six speed manual gearbox.
I drove my A4 for many miles around CA and NV including a road trip around Tahoe.DeeGee, dont believe that CA and NV roads are representative of driving everywhere in the States. Driving the switchbacks through the Smokie Mountains on the east coast is much more like driving through Europe than you may imagine. It is on these roads that I really enjoy my six speed manual gearbox.
That said, most roads in the US make most roads in Europe seem tiny. The road through my neighborhood in Vegas was wider than the M1 which is our main highway.
I just get the impression that many on the Forum consider freeway driving to be representative. Anyone who drives in Europe knows that freeways, autobahns and motorways are not the norm. I still say that sometimes letting the transmission do its own thing is not the best way to drive. In Vegas it was D all the way. Around here I set the transmission how I need it.
Each to his own I guess
Last edited by DeeGee; Jan 2, 2010 at 10:56 AM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 357
Likes: 0
From: Pas de Calais
Here's a link to Torque Converters and how they work. A performance converter will multiply torque better than a stock converter. Lots of choices and they will give you a different feel than stock converters.
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-p...-converter.htm
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-p...-converter.htm
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,300
Likes: 115
From: Odessa FL
St. Jude Donor '10-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
[QUOTE=DeeGee;1572615624]
I know just what you mean. I've driven maybe 30 of the States and I think I've seen scenery and conditions which remind me of most countries in Europe. I guess I mentioned CA and NV because that trip from Vegas to San Fransisco and back to Vegas down PCH took in probably 5 different types of driving. The shifter was a blur at times. I followed one guy dropping down into Tahoe who rode his brakes the whole descent. Its amazing he had any brakes left when he hit the bottom.
That said, most roads in the US make most roads in Europe seem tiny. The road through my neighborhood in Vegas was wider than the M1 which is our main highway.
I just get the impression that many on the Forum consider freeway driving to be representative. Anyone who drives in Europe knows that freeways, autobahns and motorways are not the norm. I still say that sometimes letting the transmission do its own thing is not the best way to drive. In Vegas it was D all the way. Around here I set the transmission how I need it.
Each to his own I guess
Agreed. I drive in the UK, France, Belgium, Italy, and Switzerland on business quite often and know that the roads are quite different and that what we here in the States take as the norm is not in Europe. I have noticed that you in the UK drive on the "wrong" side 
, that French drivers seem to think all others drive inferior (just kidding), the Swiss have very strict driving etiquette , the Belguim drivers are more interested in where the next beer is to be found, and that the Italians believe brakes should be optional on any auto purchased!
I know just what you mean. I've driven maybe 30 of the States and I think I've seen scenery and conditions which remind me of most countries in Europe. I guess I mentioned CA and NV because that trip from Vegas to San Fransisco and back to Vegas down PCH took in probably 5 different types of driving. The shifter was a blur at times. I followed one guy dropping down into Tahoe who rode his brakes the whole descent. Its amazing he had any brakes left when he hit the bottom.
That said, most roads in the US make most roads in Europe seem tiny. The road through my neighborhood in Vegas was wider than the M1 which is our main highway.
I just get the impression that many on the Forum consider freeway driving to be representative. Anyone who drives in Europe knows that freeways, autobahns and motorways are not the norm. I still say that sometimes letting the transmission do its own thing is not the best way to drive. In Vegas it was D all the way. Around here I set the transmission how I need it.
Each to his own I guess
, that French drivers seem to think all others drive inferior (just kidding), the Swiss have very strict driving etiquette , the Belguim drivers are more interested in where the next beer is to be found, and that the Italians believe brakes should be optional on any auto purchased!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 753
Likes: 2
From: Denville NJ
I think that one of the original concerns was: is the manual shifting of the A4 harmfull? I hope some trans experts chime in, but the A4 is related to the previous 4L60E. These auto's do not like to be downshifted repeatedly. After a while you will see the apparent engine braking fade away to nothing, which is what happened to my previous Camaro.
So, like some of the guys above said, "brakes are cheaper than transes". Be carefull!
So, like some of the guys above said, "brakes are cheaper than transes". Be carefull!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 357
Likes: 0
From: Pas de Calais
I think that one of the original concerns was: is the manual shifting of the A4 harmfull? I hope some trans experts chime in, but the A4 is related to the previous 4L60E. These auto's do not like to be downshifted repeatedly. After a while you will see the apparent engine braking fade away to nothing, which is what happened to my previous Camaro.
So, like some of the guys above said, "brakes are cheaper than transes". Be carefull!
So, like some of the guys above said, "brakes are cheaper than transes". Be carefull!
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
Likes: 87
From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
[QUOTE=alxltd1;1572618777]
Agreed. I drive in the UK, France, Belgium, Italy, and Switzerland on business quite often and know that the roads are quite different and that what we here in the States take as the norm is not in Europe. I have noticed that you in the UK drive on the "wrong" side, that French drivers seem to think all others drive inferior (just kidding), the Swiss have very strict driving etiquette , the Belguim drivers are more interested in where the next beer is to be found, and that the Italians believe brakes should be optional on any auto purchased!
So true. We actually chose the correct side of the road because the French drive on the right J/K But we should all respect the Germans. They use the fast lane for overtaking
To the OP apologies for the digression
Agreed. I drive in the UK, France, Belgium, Italy, and Switzerland on business quite often and know that the roads are quite different and that what we here in the States take as the norm is not in Europe. I have noticed that you in the UK drive on the "wrong" side
, that French drivers seem to think all others drive inferior (just kidding), the Swiss have very strict driving etiquette , the Belguim drivers are more interested in where the next beer is to be found, and that the Italians believe brakes should be optional on any auto purchased!To the OP apologies for the digression