Powerloader Down Shifting
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,743
Likes: 3
From: Davie Florida
Powerloader Down Shifting
I Installed my Powerloader overall I am very pleased with the increased Performance at WOT & crisper shifting. But my car seems to down shift excessively when I am driving normally when I step on the gas even slightly to accelerate in traffic. The transmission feels like it is hunting for the right gear constantly at times down shifting and up shifting(when I back off the accelerator a bit). It also to stays in second gear longer than it used to before shifting to third when I am driving normally. Has anyone else had these issues with their car after Powerloading. My Car has 11,000 on it and it was shifting perfectly under normal driving conditions before I installed the Powerloader.
98 A4 Purple Metalic
Powerloaded
3.15 axle
Donaldson Blackwing
172 t.stat
[Modified by Mitch C, 6:06 AM 10/30/2001]
98 A4 Purple Metalic
Powerloaded
3.15 axle
Donaldson Blackwing
172 t.stat
[Modified by Mitch C, 6:06 AM 10/30/2001]
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 58,783
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From: D*ck ina Box
CI III & IV Vote Ho
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St. Jude Donor '03-'04
Re: Powerloader Down Shifting (Mitch C)
I still use 3rd unless on the highway....the shift changes are part of the program, dropping gear more quickly and holding gear longer are part of the improvements :D
I have noticed some hunting, but 3rd solves that ;)
I have noticed some hunting, but 3rd solves that ;)
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 7,312
Likes: 140
From: Murfreesboro, TN
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St. Jude Donor '08-'11-'13-'14-'15
Re: Powerloader Down Shifting (Mean Green 2000)
Ditto on what Mean Green said. I do notice the quick downshifts, and I can understand why you feel that way. In my opinion, that's why I like thePL because it IS so responsive. Just my .02
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 1,591
Likes: 53
From: Central MN
Re: Powerloader Down Shifting (Mitch C)
Mitch C.........I, too, noticed that the tranny "hunted" more with the Powerloader. For me, it's not annoying and something that you get used to. You will notice, that with the Powerloader, you need to relearn how to drive your C5. For example, DO NOT accelerate hard in a turn. Because the Powerloader down shifts quicker, your tranny will down shift in a turn and your back end will come around. The first time it happens to you it will scare the :cuss out of you. Make sure you're in the comp mode. Over time, you'll relearn the shift patterns and then be able to take advantage of it. Take it slow and you'll be fine. :cheers:
Advanced
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
From: Newcastle WA
Re: Powerloader Down Shifting (98-C5)
Why do you say we should drive in comp mode? What's wrong with using the traction control - its saved me from losing my back end several times while accelerating in the wet after installed the Powerloader.
Regards,
Rick... :cheers:
Regards,
Rick... :cheers:
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
From: Sunnyvale CA
Re: Powerloader Down Shifting (MindPlay)
I got my Powerloader just before going to an HPDE at Sears Point Raceway. I couldn't wait to try it, so I loaded the car just before heading up there. Nothing like pushing your car through a sweeper and having it downshift. After a bit of rear end dancing I decided I had better downshift the car myself before entering the sweepers. :bb
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 1,591
Likes: 53
From: Central MN
Re: Powerloader Down Shifting (MindPlay)
MindPlay.........Good point. Comp or normal mod is a must. The comp mode, in my opinion, is just more fun. In any case, if you're an average "Joe" like me, do not drive with the AC & TC off. Funny, before the Powerloader, I used to drive with AH & TC off all the time. Now I'm afraid to. :)
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Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,743
Likes: 3
From: Davie Florida
Re: Powerloader Down Shifting (98-C5)
Samething hear I drive with T.C. on all of the time now. Before Powerloading I aways drove with it off. I Almost lost my car twice when my car lost traction while accelerating.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 1,195
Likes: 0
From: Foothill Ranch, Ca Ca.
Re: Powerloader Down Shifting (Mitch C)
Before I got powerloaded, the auto C5 shifts like a Toyota.
After powerloaded, it shifts like a hi-performance car should shift.
May be powerloader does not fit your driving style.
But what you're describing is normal when powerloaded. I even had Steve Cole made it more agressive for me with addtional tuning.
After powerloaded, it shifts like a hi-performance car should shift.
May be powerloader does not fit your driving style.
But what you're describing is normal when powerloaded. I even had Steve Cole made it more agressive for me with addtional tuning.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,303
Likes: 154
From: Green Bay WI
Re: Powerloader Down Shifting (Mitch C)
My Car has 11,000 on it and it was shifting perfectly under normal driving conditions before I installed the Powerloader.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 1,247
Likes: 0
From: Denver CO
Re: Powerloader Down Shifting (CliffB-99)
I just loaded mine up on Sunday. I like the way it shifts. I already had custom programming but one thing that always bothered me was from a 50-70mph roll on the freeway if you went WOT it would not always downshift to 2nd (from D or 3). I was playing with this last night and it consistently downshifts to 2nd - THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT I WANT!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,205
Likes: 40
From: Tucson AZ
Re: Powerloader Down Shifting (Mitch C)
I have the same "problem", but I think it is the price we have to pay if we want better shifting when we put the right foot down. I am getting used to it, but I don't really like it. The car now downshifts for a hill near our house, when it would originally just power up without shifting. However, I like the overall change in the car!! :yesnod: :D :smash:
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 1,195
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From: Foothill Ranch, Ca Ca.
Re: Powerloader Down Shifting (carpe dm)
carpe dm,
I prefer for it to down shift going up a hill. I love that down-shifting. Prior to Powerloader, it would "lug" and "ping" going up hill.
These are variables the PCM tells the tranny to down shift:
1. Throttle position
2. Speed (mph)
3. Load
I prefer for it to down shift going up a hill. I love that down-shifting. Prior to Powerloader, it would "lug" and "ping" going up hill.
These are variables the PCM tells the tranny to down shift:
1. Throttle position
2. Speed (mph)
3. Load
Instructor
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 231
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From: Salem, Oregon OR
Re: Powerloader Down Shifting (Mitch C)
I purchased my '98 C5 2 years ago with 1,687 miles on it. It is a stock C5 with the long 2.73 gear, A4 and stock wheels and tires. I have read about the Powerloader now for over a year. I am ready to make the transition! I have now put on the Z-51 swaybars and shocks, installed a Blackwing filter and have ordered a 3.15 gear. I think I am ready for the Powerloader. I have played with my many cars and racecars for 45 years and I still like to DRIVE the car. I thought I would be happy with the stock C5 but it is not to be. I have to continue to have some fun in my old age. When I want to have some fun I take my '68 Dart 340/300 two door post sedan out to play. Now I can have my C5, too, that will be a ball to drive. I cannot wait for it to be finished. You guys are a GOOD influence on the old man! Thanks.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
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From: Murfreesboro, TN
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St. Jude Donor '08-'11-'13-'14-'15
Re: Powerloader Down Shifting (Buckmaster)
1Saint - agree with Buckmaster. Go with the 3.42
But hey, if you're gonna do that, you might as well do it all and get a torque converter too!! Now that would be hot!
But hey, if you're gonna do that, you might as well do it all and get a torque converter too!! Now that would be hot!
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,743
Likes: 3
From: Davie Florida
Re: Powerloader Down Shifting (TOBASCO)
Let me clarify what I meant, my car shifted perfectly when I was driving my car normally(low speeds around town) " under normal driving conditions". I love the added performance of the Powerloader at WOT, but I also like the idea of my car down shifting only when I want it to at low speeds. Right now it down shifts at the slightest increase in acceleration, even when I don't want it to down shift. Perhaps after driving the car more I will become used to the new programing.
As I said in general I am very pleased with the Powerloader except for the down shifting. As for an M6, been there done that. I have owned 4 Hi Performance cars with stick shifts. I'm sure an M6 is a great car but shifting all the time gets old after a while. just my .02
[Modified by Mitch C, 2:28 PM 11/1/2001]
As I said in general I am very pleased with the Powerloader except for the down shifting. As for an M6, been there done that. I have owned 4 Hi Performance cars with stick shifts. I'm sure an M6 is a great car but shifting all the time gets old after a while. just my .02
[Modified by Mitch C, 2:28 PM 11/1/2001]
Instructor
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 231
Likes: 0
From: Salem, Oregon OR
Re: Powerloader Down Shifting (Mitch C)
I agree with you guys on the 3.42's. I have a 3.91 SureGrip in my Dart and it had a 2.73 in it when I inherited it. It really made a difference. I have had several diffs for my various racecars (roadracing) and I know the difference a shorter gear will give me. I cannot believe these guys that are spending big bucks on their engines to get better acelleration. If all they want is rapid movement, just stick a 3.42 (A4) or a 3.73 in the car with a better induction filtration system and watch out! I am not into the full competition stuff. I just want a C5 that will get by the stockers. Anyone know if there is a "group buy" on the Powerloader II?
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 132
Likes: 0
From: Mansfield NJ
Re: Powerloader Down Shifting (Mitch C)
I [QUOTE]Let me clarify what I meant, my car shifted perfectly when I was driving my car normally(low speeds around town) " under normal driving conditions". I love the added performance of the Powerloader at WOT, but I also like the idea of my car down shifting only when I want it to at low speeds. Right now it down shifts at the slightest increase in acceleration, even when I don't want it to down shift. Perhaps after driving the car more I will become used to the new programing.
Sounds like you should have bought the MN6. You want complete control and thats the only way you'll get it.
Sounds like you should have bought the MN6. You want complete control and thats the only way you'll get it.