How Do You Drive an A4 C5?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 428
Likes: 30
From: Cape Coral, FL
How Do You Drive an A4 C5?
Sounds silly, right?
So all my performance cars since 2001, 1996 LT4 Corvette, 2009 Challenger SRT, 2013 Challenger SRT, have been six-speed manuals. This time around to give my wife an opportunity to drive I'm going automatic.
When doing some spirited driving y'all ain't just putting it in D and mashing the pedal right?
So all my performance cars since 2001, 1996 LT4 Corvette, 2009 Challenger SRT, 2013 Challenger SRT, have been six-speed manuals. This time around to give my wife an opportunity to drive I'm going automatic.
When doing some spirited driving y'all ain't just putting it in D and mashing the pedal right?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8,900
Likes: 1,074
From: Wisconsin
I am very careful when moving the shift lever. I don't want to break the cable or bushing and have to call for a ramp truck. Downshifting an auto is not a good idea. Hit the gas and it downshifts automatically
You can put it in (3) around town so it doesn't up shift to OD. That's about it.
You can put it in (3) around town so it doesn't up shift to OD. That's about it.
Last edited by JR-01; Sep 7, 2017 at 10:14 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,874
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From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
these are sophisticated transmissions and tied into the engine management systems.....put it in gear and step on pedal. i cant recall ever using any of the the other lower gears
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2012
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From: LaGrange Park, IL IL
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 428
Likes: 30
From: Cape Coral, FL
In 2006 the 6-speed automatic came with paddle shift. Which is what got me wondering about how C5 drivers use their automatic for carving up back country roads or track laps.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2017
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The real answer is probably: they don't. I'm sure there are some built up autos running the drag strips, but by in large I would imagine auto C5s aren't pushed as hard as manual ones. I don't hate automatics, but a C7 is the only Vette I'd consider in auto trim...
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Same as I do any other automatic tranny car I own - put it in D and go.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 6,774
Likes: 363
From: Midland TX
I drive mine the way God intended technology to evolve - put it in D, both hands on the wheel for increased steering control and one foot left over for texting!
I have no desire to drive around stomping both feet on the floor, one hand on the wheel (hopefully) and the other one playing Whack-A-Mole. Same reason I use an electric toothbrush - because now I can.
That said, Chevy still sells tons of sticks to those that want to flex their inner caveman. I have Low-T, so an automatic is just what the Doctor ordered!
I have no desire to drive around stomping both feet on the floor, one hand on the wheel (hopefully) and the other one playing Whack-A-Mole. Same reason I use an electric toothbrush - because now I can.
That said, Chevy still sells tons of sticks to those that want to flex their inner caveman. I have Low-T, so an automatic is just what the Doctor ordered!
Last edited by Choreo; Sep 8, 2017 at 12:57 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 1,823
Likes: 757
From: Marysville Washington
When I am doing a 30 roll, I will lock it in 1st and shift it to 2nd immediately after mashing the go pedal. It makes it shift higher. Same with other gears; listen to your engine and drop out of the gear when you are about to hit the rev limiter. My best times were cut doing that. It takes a fair bit of fooling around with to get it just right though.
I drive my car VERY aggressively, and have never had any problems.
I drive my car VERY aggressively, and have never had any problems.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 734
Likes: 45
From: Over in the UK
I use D when cruising, but now and and again move it through the gears too.. great fun..
and has been said leave in 3 to avoid overdrive.. but I down shift, standing start 1,2,3 etc.. turns the car into a different experience.. also if you haven't already done it.. get a mail order tune.. it sharpens shifts etc, really wakes the car up..
I'm in process of going to a Z , but if I was keeping my Auto was thinking of trying to link maybe paddle shift to it.. seem some Camaro's done with that aftermarket..
and has been said leave in 3 to avoid overdrive.. but I down shift, standing start 1,2,3 etc.. turns the car into a different experience.. also if you haven't already done it.. get a mail order tune.. it sharpens shifts etc, really wakes the car up..
I'm in process of going to a Z , but if I was keeping my Auto was thinking of trying to link maybe paddle shift to it.. seem some Camaro's done with that aftermarket..
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8,900
Likes: 1,074
From: Wisconsin
When I am doing a 30 roll, I will lock it in 1st and shift it to 2nd immediately after mashing the go pedal. It makes it shift higher. Same with other gears; listen to your engine and drop out of the gear when you are about to hit the rev limiter. My best times were cut doing that. It takes a fair bit of fooling around with to get it just right though.
I drive my car VERY aggressively, and have never had any problems.
I drive my car VERY aggressively, and have never had any problems.
I feel bad for the guy that buys your car with the auto transmission.
