JohnRogers

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?

imgn tht

Uh yeah, I do.

JohnRogers

No downshifting?

Rico7142

And put it in competitive driving mode

JR-01

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.

grantv

Straight line, auto is OK. Around corners you can do some manual play. But you should have married a gal who can drive stick.

bobs77vet

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

imgn tht

It's called an automatic for a reason. I'd rather let the car do it's thing and just hold on, rather than cause undue stress on components for no real gain. If I wanted to shift gears myself, I would have got a stick.

JohnRogers

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.

bobs77vet

it will down shift for you based on the engine managements system assessment of everything

BigBossMY03Z

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...

Vetteman Jack

Same as I do any other automatic tranny car I own - put it in D and go.

Choreo

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!

ErikwithAK01

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.

Brit dex

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..

bigcypress

same way i drive my sons 1997 honda vcr station wagon . . peace

Rob Petyo

yeah, just MASH the pedal in drive!

Velocity_Vette

Why in the absolute world would you possibly do that with an automatic?

There's a reason they make manual transmissions.

JR-01

I feel bad for the guy that buys your car with the auto transmission.

jd911

It's similar to driving a station wagon or minivan.







Jim