[particlefx]

Automatic transmittions are new to me. I've been driving stick shift for 20+ years and have loved every one of them. I'll even admit to speed shifting, gear skipping and a few other digressions. :wink:

And like automatics, manu-shift trannys (triptronic, whatever you call them) are new to me as well. So far I'm finding it more of a novelty than useful and I'd like to change that. For example, it appears to me that on the highway in automatic the car correctly selects 5th gear and all is well. If I toss it over into manu-mode then it usually drops to 4th. That's fine, I'm usually about to punch it anyway so I'm happy. Down shifting seems to be an art though and I'm still trying to get a feel for it (without looking at the tach). For now, I usually just toss in back to auto mode when I start decelerating. The only thing that bothers me is the shift lag - but I hear that's typical for just about all makes and models.

Anyway, that's about the sum total of my knowledge for these things. What I really want to ask is this: if you are going to make a 0 to 60 or a 1/4 mile run, is it faster to use manu-mode (provided you are able to shift competently) or just let the automatic have it and hang on? If the answer is to use the auto, does it redline the RPM or is it somewhat conservative (I'm still in the break-in period so I have not attempted it - yet!)? And as a side question, do you turn off VDC to make the run (or does it matter)?

 

[FXLENT]

Those are some good questions that I would like answers to myself. I also have used manual mode and like the fact that you can rev it higher getting more out of each shift. The shift lag is noticable to the point that it seems it would be faster just to use auto mode. Thoughts from the experts?

 

[particlefx]

I guess I'd add that the lag "appears" to be consistent regardless of the rpm or gear -- so I guess we can just practice shifting a bit earlier. Is that a fair assesment?

 

[ujmot]

I feel the same way about auto trannies. I've always hated them but my wife hates my 5sps even worse. I had to give in this time

I've yet to push this car past the redline mark or even really try to run it that hard. But I think I've gotten used to getting the timing right from paying around with the manu mode.

Manu mode can be tricky and there is a noticeable lag. However, upshifting can be very precise if you get the timing down. Once you get used to the shift timing and know your power band, then you can keep the car running at it's optimum, peak HP/torque range quite effectively instead of bouncing off your rev limiter (the motor runs out of steam past 6000rpm).

VDC should be off if you want to pull fast on straights.

 

[WeGaFX]

I had a Chrysler 300m that I traded for my FX and its manual shift was much faster and crisper, especially downshifting. Unless you were in a position to overrev the engin it would shift when you told it to. I love my FX but I liked the 300m manual shift setup better.

Bill..

 

[particlefx]

These are great answers - thanks! Here's another question that I believe is also a bit controversial with automatics: do you hold the brake, run the engine up and then drop the brake and floor it? Or is it better to just punch it from idle? (boy I feel like a nOOb again) :?

I guess the other option is a neutral drop, but is that really a good idea?

 

[ujmot]

Neutral drops and brake torquing takes a toll on your transmission & drivetrain. Especially on AWD systems.... I highly recommend against it.

I'd do it on a cheap Mustang where parts are **** cheap, not on a sophisticated and VERY expensive drivetrain as our FX's.

 

[particlefx]

Yeah, that sounds right to me too. Speaking of AWD, I have heard (but I can't remember where) that when sitting still the FX adjust the output to a 50/50 split between the front and back. What happens when you punch it (with the VDC off)? Does it send all the power to the rear wheels and if so, is there a lag? This is soooo far outside my expertise that I'm embarassed to ask but; if there is a measurable lag would it make sense to find a way to defeat the 50/50 split with an override button? (please don't bash me )

 

[Copper_FX]

I've been thinking about this same topic for awhile now, as I have been experimenting with this my first auto-trans with a manual mode. I'm most definitely not an expert yet, and the lag is a PITA, but it seems that the engine is much more responsive in manual mode, particularily in 2nd and 3rd, which comes handy when you're being hounded by gawkers in those **** Cayennes and Touaregs! :lol: But to answer your question, with correct shifting, I would think your 0-60 would be noticebly quicker.

Where I find I use manual mode most is in downshifting, especially since a majority of my driving is non-freeway. This is one of the things that I have missed the most about manual trans. I'd much prefer to pull up to a stop downshifting instead of just using the brakes. Besides the way I figure it, the brakes are not covered under warranty but the tranny is, and downshifting means I put MUCH less wear on my brakes. Plus I'm leasing and my lease ends before the warranty.

 

[ujmot]

No need to be embarassed.

Our AWD system works like this:

On normal standing starts the torque spit is fixed to 25:75 F:R (optimal for fast launches). Then the system adjusts automatically after 18 (19?)mph to upto 0:100 or 50:50, depending on traction conditions. If you put the AWD lock on or Snow mode (for '04), then it locks the split to 50:50 up to 18 or 19mph.

VDC is vehicle dynamic control.
Here's a description off Infiniti's site:
'Vehicle Dynamic Control* uses various sensors to help determine your steered path and helps keep you in control. If your vehicle begins to understeer (plow forward) or oversteer (fishtail), VDC can apply appropriate brake pressure to individual wheels and/or reduce engine output to help hold you to the steered path.'

This really has nothing to do with the AWD system at all. It is an extra safety feature that controls wheel spin.

AWDs are always going to sling shot out of a launch from stand still faster than a RWD or FWD (given the 2 cars are identical) because of the lack of wheel spin and superior initial traction.

 

[particlefx]

I love downshifting too, but similar to neutral drops, that's placing extra load and wear on an expensive engine. If I had leased w/o any intent to buy, then I'd do the same as you. Ya know, I think you just added fodder for the "Lease vs Buy" argument.

 

[gtxjoe]

Here's another tip I use when I am in Manumatic mode.

If I am approaching a turn, I try shift down into 2nd by the time I get to the turn.

If I am stopping at a stoplight, I don't bother downshifting. I use the brakes, and the Manumatic mode will AUTOMATICALLY downshift into 1st gear. So when the light turns green, you already in 1st.

 

[particlefx]

I knew it: sales people's knowledge is often darn near worthless. This place (meaning you guys/gals), however is worth a gold mine!

The sales person(s) told me the that when in manual mode, the car will never shift by itself - even if the revs fall too low. That it will indeed, die. Well that has bothered me to no end. What a stupid oversight. That's one of the reasons I just toss it back to auto mode when I decelerate to stop. qtxjoe, if you are right (and no doubt you are) then you just put a smile back on my face. I love this car!

 

[ujmot]

The sales person(s) told me the that when in manual mode, the car will never shift by itself - even if the revs fall too low. That it will indeed, die.

He needs to die for lying.

 

[particlefx]

Yep. Although my dealers does sell a lot of other cars (Lexus, BMW, Volvo, Acura and Infiniti) so I guess they get confused once in a while.

This is totally OT, but they told me that, of the brands listed above, Acura is the easiest to sell because there aren't any options, Volvo customers have the most problems, and Infiniti the least (I thought Lexus would have that honor but I guess not). Also, BMW gets the highest customer satisfaction marks. Having bought my BMW there a few years ago, I can see why: they really pressure you to give them high marks.

 

[esemes]

lets see if the grounding kit helps with the delay in manuu-matic shifts..........


well, its worth a try, right??

 

[kcrudup]

I'm finding it more of a novelty than useful and I'd like to change that.

What I've got to do is start paying more attention to the Tach in manualmatic mode. The '45 will pull in 2nd and 3rd to redline easily enough that there's times I've hit the rev-limiter- (really embarassing when you're trying to smoke someone).

 

[particlefx]

I know what you mean. You're accelerating like crazy then suddenly it feels like you've run out of gas!

 

[contaygious]

so let me see if i got this right..

it will downshift on its own, but it wont upshift if u mess up.

correct?

 

[gtxjoe]

so let me see if i got this right..

it will downshift on its own, but it wont upshift if u mess up.

correct?

You are correct.

However the auto downshift is very conservative, it doesn't downshift to keep you in the powerband, it just makes sure the engine rpm doesn't get too low.

And if you forget to upshift, you just keep bouncing into the rev limiter. Probably won't harm the engine, but you will know it when it happens...