A6 paddle shifter question
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Aledo TX
A6 paddle shifter question
When should I shift so that I get max RPM without red lining? I really cant tell. It looks like there is a couple of second delay from the time you hit the up shift paddle til the time the transmission actually shifts.
I was thinking maybe 5000RPM??
Is it worth using the paddle shifter or will "D"rive actually give you the same performance?
Any suggestions?
Thanks
I was thinking maybe 5000RPM??
Is it worth using the paddle shifter or will "D"rive actually give you the same performance?
Any suggestions?
Thanks
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 5,892
Likes: 1,200
From: Ft. Myers FL
Just like a stick you don't shift at the red line but about 500 rpm before it. However, for the best performance leave it in "S". It'll start in 1st (Drive starts in 2nd) and the computer will shift faster & at the right time every time faster than you will.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 104
Likes: 0
From: SACHSE (Dallas) TX
I had no idea that "D" starts in 2nd gear? So, when running the car in the 8th or 1/4 its best to paddle shift so you can start out of 1st vs 2nd (when in D)? Thats weird, my best times were when I just left it in "D" - Paddle shifting has that damn delay and its hard to time it. It seems as if it stalls before a shift.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 239
Likes: 0
From: Jupiter FL
I only use the paddles for downshifting. Up to D and then back to S for upshifting. I have a habit of forgetting to upshift. (sarcasm on) This is unless I am on a twisty road, which everybody in south Florida knows there are lots of (sarcasm now off).
CF Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,313
Likes: 25
From: Tucson Arizona
When should I shift so that I get max RPM without red lining? I really cant tell. It looks like there is a couple of second delay from the time you hit the up shift paddle til the time the transmission actually shifts.
I was thinking maybe 5000RPM??
Is it worth using the paddle shifter or will "D"rive actually give you the same performance?
Any suggestions?
Thanks
I was thinking maybe 5000RPM??
Is it worth using the paddle shifter or will "D"rive actually give you the same performance?
Any suggestions?
Thanks
I'm guessing there is no set answer (or set pre-red line shift points) as conditions and demands on the car vary. I would think with practice you'll get a feel for how to best compensate for the shift-lag. Perhaps the lag can be reduced through tuning?
Racer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 292
Likes: 1
From: Chandler Arizona
If you are drag racing, the only way to go is D or S... not paddles. The transmission shifts faster than you can. There was a thread about this some time ago that included timing from GM engineering on the difference. I use the paddles for fun and around town, but if I was running down the track, I would stick with D or S.
Note: I have been told by a GM tranny tech that there is no difference in the shift algorithims between D or S. The S only tells the it that you want to use the paddles. It doesn't change the way it shifts.
As for 1st gear, my '07 goes to 1st in Drive mode everytime.
Note: I have been told by a GM tranny tech that there is no difference in the shift algorithims between D or S. The S only tells the it that you want to use the paddles. It doesn't change the way it shifts.
As for 1st gear, my '07 goes to 1st in Drive mode everytime.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Aledo TX
Other than my IS 350 (Which don't offer manual transmission) This is my first Auto so I really wasn't sure how to drive it to get the best performance. Thanks for all the Advice. Looks like from what you all are saying is the paddles are more for fun than actual performance.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,613
Likes: 0
Each gear is differnt and varries due to your thumb speed and traction as well
I have made many runs in S auto and Paddle mode my et's mph and shift times are better in Paddle mode From the data I have collected the shifts are shorter in paddle mode, I use HP tuners and am comparing how long it pulls timing on the shifts.
I would shoot for:
1-2 6,000-6,200
2-3 6,300-6,400
Best to look at your log file to see where it shifted if you dont have a scanner try to see where it shifts but in my exp it shifts ~100 later then my eye sees
I have made many runs in S auto and Paddle mode my et's mph and shift times are better in Paddle mode From the data I have collected the shifts are shorter in paddle mode, I use HP tuners and am comparing how long it pulls timing on the shifts.
I would shoot for:
1-2 6,000-6,200
2-3 6,300-6,400
Best to look at your log file to see where it shifted if you dont have a scanner try to see where it shifts but in my exp it shifts ~100 later then my eye sees
Last edited by SoldSyclone; Sep 18, 2007 at 12:23 AM.
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Drifting
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,608
Likes: 7
From: DELRAY BEACH FLORIDA
St. Jude Donor '10-'13
When you use drive...lt should start in first. When you use s mode it also starts in first unless you touched the paddles. If you haven't touched the paddles it shifts just like drive mode. When racing, the s mode feels like it has firmer shifts. USING THE PADDLES FOR DRAG RACING IS ACTUALLY LESS EFFECEINT THEN THE AUTOMATIC S MODE.
Last edited by theofel; Sep 16, 2007 at 04:25 PM.
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: St. Charles Missouri
I downloaded the Predator Performance tune into my A6 and it appears to me to have shorten the delay with the paddle shifters. I can tell you for sure there is not a 2-sec delay. Has anyone else experienced this? Since I didn't use the paddle shifters that much before I uploaded the tune, I can't give a good comparison.
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: St. Charles Missouri
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 239
Likes: 0
From: Jupiter FL
I have an 07 A6 Z51 3LT and in S with the paddles activated it starts in 2nd. I have to paddle down to first manually to start in 1st. It will downshift itself until I stop, down to 2nd but will not go into 1st unless I paddle it down to first.
It probably starts in 2nd because the 1st gear in the A6 is so low.
It probably starts in 2nd because the 1st gear in the A6 is so low.
Last edited by dtwalkerfl; Sep 17, 2007 at 10:41 AM.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 292
Likes: 1
From: Chandler Arizona
I have an 07 A6 Z51 3LT and in S with the paddles activated it starts in 2nd. I have to paddle down to first manually to start in 1st. It will downshift itself until I stop, down to 2nd but will not go into 1st unless I paddle it down to first.
It probably starts in 2nd because the 1st gear in the A6 is so low.
It probably starts in 2nd because the 1st gear in the A6 is so low.
But without the paddles activated, it goes to 1st in D or S.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,480
Likes: 45
When should I shift so that I get max RPM without red lining? I really cant tell. It looks like there is a couple of second delay from the time you hit the up shift paddle til the time the transmission actually shifts.
I was thinking maybe 5000RPM??
Is it worth using the paddle shifter or will "D"rive actually give you the same performance?
Any suggestions?
Thanks
I was thinking maybe 5000RPM??
Is it worth using the paddle shifter or will "D"rive actually give you the same performance?
Any suggestions?
Thanks
I have an 08 and don't find a delay like what you said, shifts are right after I push the paddle forward, but I have hit the reve limit already, so I have had success with shifting about 700 before redline.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 313
Likes: 0
I downloaded the Predator Performance tune into my A6 and it appears to me to have shorten the delay with the paddle shifters. I can tell you for sure there is not a 2-sec delay. Has anyone else experienced this? Since I didn't use the paddle shifters that much before I uploaded the tune, I can't give a good comparison.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,613
Likes: 0
I have made many runs in S auto and Paddle mode my et's mph and shift times are better in Paddle mode From the data I have collected the shifts are shorter in paddle mode, I use HP tuners and am comparing how long it pulls timing on the shifts.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,613
Likes: 0
Run it at the track all 4 ways and let us know?
Racer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 292
Likes: 1
From: Chandler Arizona
Do you have any data to support that claim?
I have made many runs in S auto and Paddle mode my et's mph and shift times are better in Paddle mode From the data I have collected the shifts are shorter in paddle mode, I use HP tuners and am comparing how long it pulls timing on the shifts.
I have made many runs in S auto and Paddle mode my et's mph and shift times are better in Paddle mode From the data I have collected the shifts are shorter in paddle mode, I use HP tuners and am comparing how long it pulls timing on the shifts.
For my part, I don't think the shift engage times are any different, but shift points are hit easier when in full auto. But I'm still a 99% paddle shifter!