Thread: Downshifting an automatic trans

Originally Posted by blowfishRus6

the auto tranny is designed to slip, makes for a smooth shift. even if you shift it your self it still slips.

IMO the auto tranny works best when left in drive (unless trying to down shift) your right foot can controll all the shifts and compared with stall converters everything works together. get up on a stall and you dont even have to downshift. keep going into the throttle and it will hold the gear. let off the throttle and it will unlock the lock up. an auto tranny can be controlled like a manual just with using your foot.

if you feel the need to manual shift, by all means go for, but you can do all that with your right foot (except downshift for engine breaking)

It is designed to slip, however if you hold line pressures higher the shift is much firmer thus better for the tranny.

if you have a RPM limiter( factory set), dont bother.

I had a heavily modified TH350 that had all the goodies in it, that specific automatic worked best when manually shifted. I know these trannys cant even come close to comparing what the th350 is however that is most of my driving life expeirence**. I do understand its apples to oranges but if all you are speaking of is stock FWD,its a very narrow opinion to work with.

I have manually shifted the FWD auto's I have driven/owned and have never had a tranny issue until the engine was tweaked and the tranny was left stock, all GM's all 3100 and 3800 series powerplants. You just cant be stupid, it takes time and a good set of ears to know exactly when to manumatic the auto.