I seem to be a little confused about how to launch or drag with an auto trans. I know this question seems redundent but looking throgh the previous post it seems other firebird transmissions go "D 3 2 1" or "D 2 1" but my trans is "D 3 2". I've seen many post where people get up to a certin rpm in nutrel and then start in 2 or something of that nature. Would this be a good stratagy or should i try another?
My car also has a "Transmission perform" button, how should that play in to this scenario? Any information would be very helpful.

You have no "1"? Your car then has 1st gear lock out! Meaning it has a mechanical stop under the console not allowing (manual 1st gear starts".

It is this way for noise reduction! I think there is a section on it in the links for 4th gens.

I have only seen a few cars like this myself.

Doug

Here is topic that was basically the same question less than a week ago.


Auto 1st Gear Selection

Matt

I just did the exact same thing to my trans a few days ago, so if you have any questions, feel free to ask me.

so basically i go under the consol, take out a square peice of plastic, and just like that i got a first gear. Sounds simple enough.

-Thanks for the help

If you get in there and can't seem to figure it out, let me know. I fiddled with it for about 2 mins before I figured out what needed to be done. It sure is nice to have 1st now though. Oh, and a flashlight is handy.

Actually, Steelnyak, it was your post I linked him to. HEHE


Matt

I realize that, but I thought that since I just did it myself, I would offer a helping hand.

Removal of the "1 lock-out", great , but the original post was about a drag strip launch with an LT1 auto. 95formula even asked something about should he use a neutral to 2 drop off the line !!! No, don't do that! As long as you have any stock gear, just put it in D and roll onto the go pedal. Don't jam it, be smoooooth . Manually shifting your A4 is not worth trying. Practice on cutting good lights and getting low 60' times. Stockish, it should go low 2 seconds, or maybe even a little better .

I'm aware of the fact that we've strayed from the topic, but I was just trying to help out where possible. I appreicate the technique, since I too am trying to perfect my auto launch.

Manually shifting an auto can be done and gain time. The thing about it is the fact you will not gain much as far as time on a stock one. If you have a good shiftkit, you can manually race it and pick up maybe a few tenths of a second. On a stock one, I would just do as Blackbird stated. Learn the launch and lights.


Matt

Tisn't a problem Steelnyak, I just was helping to try and get the original questioned answered. No matter, thanks for sharing your experience, and I hope you understand I wasn't trying to bust anybodys' chops for a slight stray off topic like that.

I agree with SiberianFirestorm totally too, but let it also be stated that with the right parameters programmed into the controls for the 4L60E with stock internals, very quick and hard shifts can be achieved .

Bringing this topic back from the dead!! I also have a D 3 2 setup. whats the advantage to having a first gear over not having a first gear if i don't plan on shifting the car manually?

to TFS skittles! I hope you enjoy yourself here.

If you don't plan on shifting it manually there really isn't much of a difference except if you plan on running drag radials. Alot of people I know, myself included, take the car down to 1st to do the burnout to get them hot. But since you don't have it don't worry, you can just put the car in 2nd and do that.

Oh and since you don't have 1st, unless someones changed them out, it means that your car has 2.73 gears. Those are the only gears in our cars where there wasn't the option of 1st on the shifter from the factory.


One more thing, since you're new here can you go to the New Members forum and make a post telling us a little about yourself and your car. Thanks!