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Launching an A4

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Old Jul 21, 2003 | 02:40 PM
  #1  
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Default Launching an A4

I have a question for A4 drivers. When you really want to get on it from a dead stop do you shift down to 1st or just leave it up to the car? Also, from a rolling start do you down shift manually? :steering:
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Old Jul 21, 2003 | 02:48 PM
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Default Re: Launching an A4 (Travisimo)

Leave it in drive or 3rd, no need to shift to 1st gear and shift manually. The samething when you go from a roll.

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Old Jul 21, 2003 | 03:15 PM
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Default Re: Launching an A4 (Travisimo)

I like to shift my manually from 1st :cool:

...but you gotta pay attention to the tach and the shift points. :thumbs:

The computer usually shifts more accurately than most drivers, but I still shift because I like to control it. iF you shift early and it still has some revs left (say 4500-rpm) ....the computer will hold out even though you shifted it already. ;)
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Old Jul 21, 2003 | 04:12 PM
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Default Re: Launching an A4 (verskel)

:iagree:
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Old Jul 21, 2003 | 04:34 PM
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Default Re: Launching an A4 (Mitch C)

depending on your C5 year, the PCM will wind out 1st and 2nd gears longer (at a higher RPM) with the A4 in "3".

Also, from a rolling start do you down shift manually?
From a rolling start you want to already be in the gear of choice because allowing the A4 to downshift only delays things.
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Old Jul 21, 2003 | 05:28 PM
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Default Re: Launching an A4 (Mike Mercury)

depending on your C5 year, the PCM will wind out 1st and 2nd gears longer (at a higher RPM) with the A4 in "3".

.
What years does it do this?
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Old Jul 21, 2003 | 05:29 PM
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Default Re: Launching an A4 (Travisimo)

Depending on what kinda of traction you're getting, you can also
"stage" it too by holding the brake with the left foot, and with the
right foot depress the gas pedal up to around 2500 rpms, then
let the brake go and you're off!

It's more of a 'track' launch and does require some driver skill and
practice, and practice, and practice... :lol: Unless I'm at the track
I wouldn't perform that move unless you're on a very deserted
country back road.

:cheers:
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Old Jul 21, 2003 | 10:32 PM
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Default Re: Launching an A4 (Purerock105)

Depending on what kinda of traction you're getting, you can also
"stage" it too by holding the brake with the left foot, and with the
right foot depress the gas pedal up to around 2500 rpms, then
let the brake go and you're off!

It's more of a 'track' launch and does require some driver skill and
practice, and practice, and practice... :lol: Unless I'm at the track
I wouldn't perform that move unless you're on a very deserted
country back road.

:cheers:
this is fun but I found I got my best times just launching off idle. (around 600 rpms) at the track I leave it in 3rd, as I do for most of my local driving. you can shift it yourself but it is only usefull if you want to hold a gear while going slow.
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Old Jul 21, 2003 | 10:45 PM
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Default Re: Launching an A4 (lostsoulny)

yes, the other reason to be in "3" from a stop... because you don't want the tranny to do the 3-4 shift when running the 1/4 mile.

It's long been rumored that the A4 (when placed in "3") will shift at higher rpm's during WOT; but I have never seen official confirmation of that.
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Old Jul 22, 2003 | 06:52 AM
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Default Re: Launching an A4 (Travisimo)

When you really want to get on it from a dead stop do you shift down to 1st or just leave it up to the car? Also, from a rolling start do you down shift manually? :steering:
IMHO, from a full stop for WOT..........put in 3.
If partial throttle.......manually shift for the fun factor:D

From a roll, manually downshift. Quicker responce & better on the tranny clutches. :cheers:
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Old Jul 22, 2003 | 07:49 AM
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Default Re: Launching an A4 (ALLTHROTTLE&NOBOTTLE)

Don't try to shift manualy from first gear to second. The rpms go up too fast in order for you to get it into second, then third. Let the computer talk to the transmission for you. You won't be able to out due the computer and you'll go past your power band real quick. Leave it up to the car. Even with the stock program you'll be better off. Also don't down shift while rolling all the way down to first. It all depends on how fast your going during your rolling start. You probably wouldn't even need to down shift manualy to second unless your going fairly slow. Let the car do most of the work. If it drops it into second you could then put the shifter to second and hold it for a little while. But your rpms will climb fast in first or second.
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Old Jul 22, 2003 | 08:02 AM
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Default Re: Launching an A4 (Travisimo)

The A4 transmission upshift and down shift points are based on throttle position and current speed and rpms. Let the tranny do the work. Just make sure that you mash the gas pedal :smash:

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