Downshifting an automatic, Is it bad? Options

[YellowTwo]

Somebody told me that downshifting in an automatic is bad for the transmission because it forces it or something.... I have never heard this and I don't know why the manufacturers would let you do it if it's bad for the car. Any ideas on whether this is fact or fiction?

[snadman]

Eh, I do it lots. And unless you have a shiftkit or other type of performance modification to your auto tranny, even if you do slip it into 2nd when you're going 80, it won't shift down...not til you're around 60-65 range. I shift a lot and really don't care. My tranny's fine, been driving like this for 20k miles and it has 125k. I know that if I just leave it in drive it'll be ok and shift smoothly, and if I wanna get on it I can...but I also have upgraded the Torque converter.

I say if you really wanna downshift, then do it...just make sure you aren't mashing the gas as this would defeat the purpose of using downshifting to stop quicker...as you would be trying to accelerate while you're enigne is braking...not good. If you are just wanting to downshift to pass people or whatnot, then just mash it to the ground...it will downshift for you. If you are just wanting to shift when your are trying to accellerate quicker (ie: drag) then do it...I do it all the time when I have to drive my Celi. Just shift to the next gear within 500rpm or so of redline and it will shift just as it hits the redline. Nomrally you can get about 40 out of first gear, 75 out of 2nd, and after that it's all dependent on a lot of things.

I must agree, driving a manual is much more fun though...I love my WRX.

This post has been edited by snadman: Mar 25, 2004 - 4:16 PM