P N R D 2 1 <-shifting for speed

Hey all;
I do some street racing and i want my car to get some better pick up off the line. I usually drive in D, but ive been playinga round with the 2 and 1 gears. I noiced when I get off the line on D and up to about 30, then shift to 2, the car really kicks in. Is this usual? Is it healthy for the trans? Is there anyway to get the start off even better? Oh yeah... my cars an 88 Cutlas Ciera. Heavy, but sweet. Thanks everyone.

Dave

About the only thing you can affect is the speed and/or rpm point of the shift. From my experience, the actual difference in performance between using D and shifting is minimal. You need to go get a manual vehicle.

Jon

power band shifting is what your looking for but to obtain the peak shift rpm you need to know your engines power band,(best torque to hp ratio) so what im really saying is practice alot

Power band shifting? I like the sound of it. Anyway, my next car is going to be a manual: a 96 eclipse. but until then, im just trying to get my car to be faster off the line. How would I test the torque to hp ratio? What does that mean? Thanks for the replies.

where can i get my cars horsepower tested? What kinda places do that?Does anyone know?

When you start off D, the car is actually still starting in 1st gear, then shifting to 2nd then 3rd for you. By 30, your car might have already shifted to 3rd, so downshift to 2nd will bring you to a higher rpm, in turn bringing you closer to the power band.

You use a dynamometer to test horsepower, or dyno for short. There are probably some garages or speed shops in your area that have them, just be prepared to pay. Time on a dyno can be expensive.

Jon

Go to a race track. Pay your entry fee, And they will give you everything you want. Reflex off the line, first 3 sec. 1/16 of a mile ...
depends on your track. Here in NJ there is many tracks where you can go to test you car.

if you want the best speed with an automatice
use the parking brake and put in 1st
floor it then let off the parking brake
when you car gets to its max hp/tq the put it in second
do the same for that then go to drive
if you do it right youll only hurt you car a little

Sweet. I haven't looked into any tracks around in Chicago. I think Route 66 speedway might have something for testing. Not sure though.

Next question... My 02 Monte Carlo has D, 3, 2, 1... Can I do the same for that too, but just go to 3rd, instead of D, then D afterward? I hate automatics. Thanks guys. Ill have to try this stuff out later.

Nice. Went 1st, 2nd, and D when racing a 94 RX6. He got up to 120-125 and i got to 110-115. My 88 Cutlas Ciera smoked him off the line. He also timed it wrong. He's got more horsepower tho, so he passed up and won. The pic is of my camera hanging out he Mazda looking back at my car. Sorry for looking so bad.

http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/503/107097window.JPG

Dave

my grandpa races an auto tranny-powerglide in his 55 chevy drag car, he pulls low 9 sec 1/4 miles. just let the tranny do the shifting, if you dont like the shift points go get one of those computer programs that edit specific rpm shift points.