Racing an Automatic
Thread Starter
3rd Gear Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 889
From: Brownstown, Michigan
Racing an Automatic
Okay, I have one flaw regarding my Steeda and that is, I have an automatic transmission. I did this because my wife is horribly afraid of manual's and since this is my 3rd Stang I relented and got an Auto so shewould be able to drive it once in a while. Yes, I did it for her! She is amazing and lets me have just about anything I want. So I wanted her to be able to drive it!
So now I have no real understanding of how to race an automatic. I have never done the track thing and until this Stang have always gone Stock GT's. I was Okay (I think) with my manuals and can understand better how to get them to grab and go.
But an automatic, I need advice on! I want to take my Steeda to the track this year and would like to understand the specifics about racing an automatic. I would assume you don't just mash the peddle to the floor and hold on!
So what are the tried and true ways to maximize performance with an Automatic.
Here are some questions to start the ball rolling!
* Should I run with Traction Control ON or OFF?
* Should I get a custom tune to tweak the shift points?
* Should I manually go from 1 - 2 - etc or put it in Automatic all the time?
* What about Over-Drive? On or Off?
I am going to be putting a Whipple HO SC in it once the 2008 Model is available which should put me somewhere in the area of 425 RWHP. What else can I do to make her quicker (without going a 5-speed)?
I do miss the manual tranny but it is too late now! At least for the short term. Plus my wife looks really amazing behind the wheel! I am sure all you young whipper snapper's would not think so but I do! On that subject - no one else's opinion matters!
So lets keep this about racing an automatic! Okay?
So now I have no real understanding of how to race an automatic. I have never done the track thing and until this Stang have always gone Stock GT's. I was Okay (I think) with my manuals and can understand better how to get them to grab and go.
But an automatic, I need advice on! I want to take my Steeda to the track this year and would like to understand the specifics about racing an automatic. I would assume you don't just mash the peddle to the floor and hold on!
So what are the tried and true ways to maximize performance with an Automatic.
Here are some questions to start the ball rolling!
* Should I run with Traction Control ON or OFF?
* Should I get a custom tune to tweak the shift points?
* Should I manually go from 1 - 2 - etc or put it in Automatic all the time?
* What about Over-Drive? On or Off?
I am going to be putting a Whipple HO SC in it once the 2008 Model is available which should put me somewhere in the area of 425 RWHP. What else can I do to make her quicker (without going a 5-speed)?
I do miss the manual tranny but it is too late now! At least for the short term. Plus my wife looks really amazing behind the wheel! I am sure all you young whipper snapper's would not think so but I do! On that subject - no one else's opinion matters!
So lets keep this about racing an automatic! Okay?
5th Gear Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,480
From:
RE: Racing an Automatic
ORIGINAL: 08Steeda
Okay, I have one flaw regarding my Steeda and that is, I have an automatic transmission. I did this because my wife is horribly afraid of manual's and since this is my 3rd Stang I relented and got an Auto so shewould be able to drive it once in a while. Yes, I did it for her! She is amazing and lets me have just about anything I want. So I wanted her to be able to drive it!
So now I have no real understanding of how to race an automatic. I have never done the track thing and until this Stang have always gone Stock GT's. I was Okay (I think) with my manuals and can understand better how to get them to grab and go.
But an automatic, I need advice on! I want to take my Steeda to the track this year and would like to understand the specifics about racing an automatic. I would assume you don't just mash the peddle to the floor and hold on!
So what are the tried and true ways to maximize performance with an Automatic.
Here are some questions to start the ball rolling!
* Should I run with Traction Control ON or OFF?
OFF
* Should I get a custom tune to tweak the shift points?
If you want, You can get a handheld with a custom tune to firm your shifts up. SCT makes a good handheld, for 05+ I think they have bama tunes and brenspeed.
* Should I manually go from 1 - 2 - etc or put it in Automatic all the time?
Keep it in D, the computer knows the shifts better.
* What about Over-Drive? On or Off?
Doesnt matter.
I am going to be putting a Whipple HO SC in it once the 2008 Model is available which should put me somewhere in the area of 425 RWHP. What else can I do to make her quicker (without going a 5-speed)?
I do miss the manual tranny but it is too late now! At least for the short term. Plus my wife looks really amazing behind the wheel! I am sure all you young whipper snapper's would not think so but I do! On that subject - no one else's opinion matters!
So lets keep this about racing an automatic! Okay?
Okay, I have one flaw regarding my Steeda and that is, I have an automatic transmission. I did this because my wife is horribly afraid of manual's and since this is my 3rd Stang I relented and got an Auto so shewould be able to drive it once in a while. Yes, I did it for her! She is amazing and lets me have just about anything I want. So I wanted her to be able to drive it!
So now I have no real understanding of how to race an automatic. I have never done the track thing and until this Stang have always gone Stock GT's. I was Okay (I think) with my manuals and can understand better how to get them to grab and go.
But an automatic, I need advice on! I want to take my Steeda to the track this year and would like to understand the specifics about racing an automatic. I would assume you don't just mash the peddle to the floor and hold on!
So what are the tried and true ways to maximize performance with an Automatic.
Here are some questions to start the ball rolling!
* Should I run with Traction Control ON or OFF?
OFF
* Should I get a custom tune to tweak the shift points?
If you want, You can get a handheld with a custom tune to firm your shifts up. SCT makes a good handheld, for 05+ I think they have bama tunes and brenspeed.
* Should I manually go from 1 - 2 - etc or put it in Automatic all the time?
Keep it in D, the computer knows the shifts better.
* What about Over-Drive? On or Off?
Doesnt matter.
I am going to be putting a Whipple HO SC in it once the 2008 Model is available which should put me somewhere in the area of 425 RWHP. What else can I do to make her quicker (without going a 5-speed)?
I do miss the manual tranny but it is too late now! At least for the short term. Plus my wife looks really amazing behind the wheel! I am sure all you young whipper snapper's would not think so but I do! On that subject - no one else's opinion matters!
So lets keep this about racing an automatic! Okay?
Dont forget to TQ brake~ Hold the brake all the way and hold the gas just before the tires are about to break loose, on green GO!!!
6th Gear Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 11,302
From: North Carolina
RE: Racing an Automatic
Man, I've been in the same boat. Bought a auto GTO so my wife could drive it some. Anyway, this is what I did. First I had the shift points adjusted to my liking. All I can say is drive it for a few weeks and decide for yourself when you want it to downshift and into what gear. In my case, my GTO wouldn't downshift into 1st gear if I was going over 35mph, which sucked. You can have all that adjusted. Then I had the shift pressure increased. It gained some time at the track, but honestly got pretty old getting jolted between shifts while cruising around town just taking it easy. Just one of those things that's a personal preference I guess. Also, have the torque management eliminated. It'll make a big difference, trust me.As far as racing it at the track, definetly turn the TC off. The TC system retards timing and cuts power when it senses the front wheels turning slower than the rear wheels. You will losemore time by using TC than by spinning a little. Depending on your car, you'll need to power brake enough to squat the rear, but without causing a loss of traction. Takes some practice, but by preloading the suspension, you already have the weight partially transfered to the rear, which will save you a little time and improve traction. If you really want to knock off some ET time, get DRs and a good 3k stall. They're not bad for everyday driving IMO. Other than that, just get it out to the track and practice. Oh yea, don't manually shift. Your car will do it much better, especially after you tune your trans. Just don't let it go into O/D on the track. More time will be lost if it goes into O/D.
Thread Starter
3rd Gear Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 889
From: Brownstown, Michigan
RE: Racing an Automatic
Thanks Fiad!
I already have an SCT SF Tuner. Although I have not figured out how to use it yet. I will over the winter.
Any suggestions on brands or models for the shift kit, stall converterand the tranny cooler? Anything I need to watch out for?
I already have an SCT SF Tuner. Although I have not figured out how to use it yet. I will over the winter.
Any suggestions on brands or models for the shift kit, stall converterand the tranny cooler? Anything I need to watch out for?
6th Gear Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 5,010
From: Las Vegas
RE: Racing an Automatic
A ****ing 3200 STALL converter,trasngo shift kit and a tranny cooler and you will stomp any manual from a dig and be extremely quciker from a roll with transgo. Im missing a stall converter in mine[&o]
6th Gear Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 5,010
From: Las Vegas
RE: Racing an Automatic
Shift Kit- $120 + $250 install.
Stall Converter - $800+ 300 install( If you combine the two above you are porbably looking at $1200 range with everything and this is including the tranny cooler. The stall itself will knockoff .3 to .5 seconds in a 1/4
Stall Converter - $800+ 300 install( If you combine the two above you are porbably looking at $1200 range with everything and this is including the tranny cooler. The stall itself will knockoff .3 to .5 seconds in a 1/4
1st Gear Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 147
From:
RE: Racing an Automatic
What's your definition of "racing"? A few times a year to get times to post your times or do you plan torun the car in bracket racing events and how many races a season.
Auto are fine to race. FYI most cars running brackets are auto's.
When Irace I leave the car in D, traction control = off, overdrive =off
Good idea to get a trans cooler. 3K-3.5K stall converter. Other bolt-ons just like a stick work such as headers, 3.73 gears, cold air, drag radials etc.
I foot brake on the launch. Left foot on the brake, right on the gas and "tork it up to 1500rmp. 3rd yellow lift off the brake and push down on the gas. "Bracket racing launch". For the best ET feather the gas down.
Auto are fine to race. FYI most cars running brackets are auto's.
When Irace I leave the car in D, traction control = off, overdrive =off
Good idea to get a trans cooler. 3K-3.5K stall converter. Other bolt-ons just like a stick work such as headers, 3.73 gears, cold air, drag radials etc.
I foot brake on the launch. Left foot on the brake, right on the gas and "tork it up to 1500rmp. 3rd yellow lift off the brake and push down on the gas. "Bracket racing launch". For the best ET feather the gas down.