A4 downshift question

**TmaxicanA** · 01-12-2008, 09:17 PM

Will installing a Shift-Kit help with other things besides just harder shifts and the awesome second gear chirp?
such as downshifting from D to 3 and from 3 to 2?
just hate it when people want to go from a roll and i have to start from a stop and work my way up to the speed they want to start from
also i dont want to just slam on it in drive i would think it would be harder on the trans and take to long to get going
(sorry for all the questions...still in the learning process)
thanks again.

**9T8W66** · 01-13-2008, 05:27 AM

You can Manually Downshift an Auto, But you'll need to move the shifter up before the computer wants to upshift at WOT or else it will have a fit.
I used to do this with my Old `94 A4 Formula and it would surprise alot of people.

**hoss 2000 z-28** · 01-13-2008, 05:49 AM

So if you are in 4th cruising at 55 and you want to roll from 20 you could slow down to 20, then shift into 1st but push the gas to match your revs to the speed so you could take off like a manual would. I think down shifting manually might be tougher on the tranny though, especially if you don't rev match well. Just remember to push your shifter up to D (3rd) before you redline.

As for me, I'd just let the auto do it's thing. Just put it in "D" (3rd) and slow down to your launch speed, mash it, and keep her straight. You might lose a tiny fraction of a second when the auto kicks down but the perfect shifts then on would make it tough on a M6 driver.

I am not sure about the shift kit and what it does but I do know you can adjust your shift firmness and shift points, and remove torque management through tuning.

**joejenkinsglass** · 01-13-2008, 07:26 AM

at 20 mph the trans should go to first just by flooring the gas I wouldnt try shifting a computer controlled automatic

**nhraformula** · 01-13-2008, 12:29 PM

shift kits dont do nothing more than give you firm shifts.

**TmaxicanA** · 01-13-2008, 01:05 PM

thanks for the help,
was hoping i didin't have to do do that><
cause just mashing it in drive almost costs me a lot of races..mainly with M6 LT1's cau'se it takes so long for it to downshift...and then sometimes it wont downshift enough gears

**9T8W66** · 01-13-2008, 01:42 PM

Originally Posted by hoss 2000 z-28

As for me, I'd just let the auto do it's thing. Just put it in "D" (3rd) and slow down to your launch speed, mash it, and keep her straight. You might lose a tiny fraction of a second when the auto kicks down but the perfect shifts then on would make it tough on a M6 driver.

Not a chance in Hell.
No auto is going to beat a M6 from a roll unless it has a stall.

**hoss 2000 z-28** · 01-14-2008, 04:29 AM

Originally Posted by TmaxicanA

thanks for the help,
was hoping i didin't have to do do that><
cause just mashing it in drive almost costs me a lot of races..mainly with M6 LT1's cau'se it takes so long for it to downshift...and then sometimes it wont downshift enough gears

I hear ya, the gears are so tall in the A4 that you really don't get any love once you get out of 2nd. Get a stall converter and fall in love with your car all over again.

**Pro Built Automatics** · 01-16-2008, 06:41 AM

With the TransGo Performance Shift kit, you can downshift it if you match the rpms quickly. The kit has some modifications to help with a quicker 3-2 downshift. When backshifting the lever to go to a lower gear, give it a little throttle at the same time. As soon as the rpm's match, which should be instantaneous, then you can let off of the throttle for engine braking, or getting ready to race from a roll. If you backshift without giving it throttle to match the rpm's, then that can and will do damage to the unit in the long run. I modify the kit so as to not have firm part throttle shifts, just quick shifts. The shifts will still be firm at WOT, just not at light throttle openings.