So I have an 07' GT with an automatic transmission and I have a few friends that are interested in doing some drag racing. They all drive manual trans cars. My question is what will be faster, just putting the car in drive and flooring it, or manually telling the car to go from first-second-third? I know, silly question, but I would like some opinions.

 

you will never shift as fast as the car can

 

i dunno how different the programming from the AODE to the 5r55s is but if its similar, you could do something similar to the D2D shift. On my AODE it was recommended sometimes to bump from D to 2 then back to D after the shift. It causes the shift to occur exactly where you want and firm it up a little. On these cars, if the programming isnt too different, you can start the race in 3, which is essentially D without the 4th and 5th gears, and then bump from 3 to 2 when you want the shift, and then to D after the shift. I'd def recommend a couple test runs by yourself to see if A-it works, and B-its what you want. Otherwise, just get a tune.

But moreso to answer your question, the shift wil be the same speed no matter how you drive it, its just a matter of when the shift will happen. IF you drive 1-2-3. you will have late shifts and fall behind. The 3-2-D might work, but otherwise, just leave it in D and womp the gas.

 

Leave it in D, turn the OD off and floor it. These new transmissions will shift faster and at better times than you can. I also suggest getting a tune from Doug at Bamachips you wont believe how he wakes up the car.

 

Ignore everything BillyBobJoe said.
Dont shift this car manulally or like an AODE.

If you started in 3 with this transmission you would be starting in third gear. Not first gear.
The 5R55S will start in first, second or third.
Just turn off the O/D with the switch. leave it in D
Brake with left foot
Add gas with right foot until RPM at 1800-2000
Then lift off the brake and punch it.

 

Whats the top speed our autos will hit with OD off?

 

A lot of people say 143, but I've hit my max speedometer reading (doesn't seem to go higher) at 149 MPH, 05 GT Auto completely stock. So unless my car has speedometer reading problems, which it doesn't, i would say 149.