8 speed automatic manual vs auto shifting
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2025
Posts: 49
Likes: 41
From: GA, USA
8 speed automatic manual vs auto shifting
New guy here. I have several questions about my new to me 2015 Stingray Z51, but i'll start with this one.
Do you guys find it quicker using the paddle shifting in manual mode, or just let the car do its thing in D? Also, is it quicker off the line using launch control, or just smashing the pedal down when the light turns green?
Do you guys find it quicker using the paddle shifting in manual mode, or just let the car do its thing in D? Also, is it quicker off the line using launch control, or just smashing the pedal down when the light turns green?
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,639
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From: Lake Bluff IL
New guy here. I have several questions about my new to me 2015 Stingray Z51, but i'll start with this one.
Do you guys find it quicker using the paddle shifting in manual mode, or just let the car do its thing in D? Also, is it quicker off the line using launch control, or just smashing the pedal down when the light turns green?
Do you guys find it quicker using the paddle shifting in manual mode, or just let the car do its thing in D? Also, is it quicker off the line using launch control, or just smashing the pedal down when the light turns green?
I Love My C7
Joined: May 2023
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From: Go Bucks!…
2024 C7 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C7 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
While my days of "smashing the pedal down when the light turns green" are pretty much behind me, GM says my A8 automatic shifting for itself is faster than manual shifting. But whenever I want to keep the revs up a bit in normal driving I use manual mode; it just sounds better than when it automatically shifts up at 1,200 rpms to save gas. --Bob
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,246
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From: Louisville KY
I cannot shift as fast as the computer in my 2016 Stingray. Therefore, if I want the fastest shifts, I keep it in Drive. I have not tried launch control, so I have no personal experience with it.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,598
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From: Windsor CA
2024 C7 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
I rarely drive in manual mode in our GS but over the weekend did a few times and so slow it is lethargic, wonder if it is a learning thing for the computer and shifts faster if played with more?
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Atwater CA
2024 C7 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Put it in Sport mode and put the pedal to the metal. The dash will say ""Performance Shift Active" and it will shift like a race car as long as you keep driving agreesively. Touring mode the transmission is a slush-o-matic.
Race Director
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From: Plymouth Massachusetts
2025 C7 of the Year Finalist- Unmodified
2024 C7 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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Much better to drive with the paddles just to keep the engine of 4 CYL mode which can cause shudder tranny problems. I drive mine in a 100% paddle mode all the time.
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2021
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From: NE Ohio
2025 C7 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C7 of the Year Finalist - Modified
FWIW, I use the Holley InTune i3 tuner on my 2015 Stingray and that has an option to select firmer shifts from the Transmission Control Module (TCM).
At wide open throttle from a standing start and in auto I get tire chirp on the 1-2 and 2-3 upshifts.
Many who like to trigger the shifts from the paddles complain of an annoying split second delay between user input and actual felt shift.
At wide open throttle from a standing start and in auto I get tire chirp on the 1-2 and 2-3 upshifts.
Many who like to trigger the shifts from the paddles complain of an annoying split second delay between user input and actual felt shift.
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From: Hartford WI
Team Owner
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From: Hartford WI
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From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
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Keep it in drive and it will be faster.
Roadster Madness. 😠
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From: Ventura Co Ca
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I have to, politely, disagree with you, guys.
I raced amateur open production on a Yamaha 1973 RD350, that was ported, polished, and turned into a Cafe Racer. Back in the day you had to build it yourself and with racer friends.
With a Two- Stroke, you have to keep the revs up, or when you upshift, you are not in the power zone.
When, I got my C6 Paddle Shift, I was on the Freeway and wanted to pass another car on the Freeway going to Vegas. It was in drive and I was going 75 MPH. I floored it and got a sluggish response. I was very disappointed 😞.
I decided to use the Paddle Shift. I dropped down three gears and hit the gas. The seat slammed into me like I had been rear-ended, and I took off.
In the C7, I do the same thing. I listen to the sound of the engine to let me what rev range I am in.
Use the Paddle Shift and keep the "R's" up and you will be amazed!
I raced amateur open production on a Yamaha 1973 RD350, that was ported, polished, and turned into a Cafe Racer. Back in the day you had to build it yourself and with racer friends.
With a Two- Stroke, you have to keep the revs up, or when you upshift, you are not in the power zone.
When, I got my C6 Paddle Shift, I was on the Freeway and wanted to pass another car on the Freeway going to Vegas. It was in drive and I was going 75 MPH. I floored it and got a sluggish response. I was very disappointed 😞.
I decided to use the Paddle Shift. I dropped down three gears and hit the gas. The seat slammed into me like I had been rear-ended, and I took off.
In the C7, I do the same thing. I listen to the sound of the engine to let me what rev range I am in.
Use the Paddle Shift and keep the "R's" up and you will be amazed!
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2025
Posts: 777
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From: Bucks County, PA
For a track or Autocross, it’s manual for me. Everything else, including a drag strip, its auto for me.
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 86
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From: Houston and Hong Kong
This is so true. I discovered it in my 2016 Z51 2LT by accident a few years ago. I realized when I got to an appointment that I had left some important papers at home. Going back to get them, I must have driven more aggressively than I ever had before because it switched into this mode and kept the shift points up at a higher point on the tack for a while by itself. It might have happened before, but I hadn't noticed it. Now, when I pour on the throttle for a highway pass or something, I'm aware of it every time.
