Hey,

I did some searching and found several threads on the notorious switching to manual mode while in 5th and having an auto-downshift to 4th, but I couldn't come across any threads with some sort of step-by-step guide on using a 5AT Z in manual mode for regular driving.

Is this something that can be done? If so, what are suggested shift points for casual driving? I noticed that when you slow down and come to a stop, the Z automatically goes back to M1 (first gear). So does that mean that I never have to tap down (downshift)? Any other suggestions would be great!

Also, if I wanted to slow down a bit when cornering, is it just possible to downshift before going around the corner, and once I'm thru it, upshift? Or will any of this cause damage to the car?

 

I always drive my TSX and FX45 in manu-mode. I guess it doesn't make sense for someone that hasn't driven true manual. I learned driving on a manual and my first car was a Talon TSI (5-sp manual). Autos make me barf. But wife factor made me get the TSX in auto, and the FX doesn't have a stick option. Thus, the Z.

Shift points in manu-mode are really up to you. If you want to shift in the low-RPM range, you can. If you want to shift higher, you can. That's the whole point of a stick. You control the car, not the computer.

Yes you can down-shift during cornering. Your tranny won't down-shift if it thinks the shift will be above the redline (it's actually lower, prolly around 5000 RPM or so). Thereby thusly henceforth, no damage should result from down-shifting the AT. (My poor grammar was intentional.)

 

How come you have a Touring but not 18" wheels? juss wondering...

 

Because it's an auto and not manual.

 

The reason the 5AT downshifts to 4th if you are in 5th when you shift to manual is to save and extra shift. If you are already in 5th gear Auto Mode, you can't shift any higher in the 5AT so the only direction to go is down. The transmission assumes that when you go out of that gear you want to downshift. Why would you want to go to 5th gear manual if you are already there in auto? The only reason would be to downshift. Push it over to manual now you are in 4th instead of moving into 5th then tapping down to 4th. It's one shift as opposed to two shifts. Once you're in 4th you can tap down to 3rd or tap up to 5th.

As far as shift points go, that is up to you. In general, shifting at 2000 rpms or less will get you better mileage. Shifting closer to peak torque will get you more power and shifting closer to redline will give you higher speed in each gear.

 

I guess that makes sense.

Well I've got a question, is it bad to reach red line in 1st gear?

 

You're absolutely right.....the 5AT will downshift automatically as you slow down (e.g., coming to a stoplight); however, it won't upshift for you once you accelerate...that's your job.

I've downshifted before conrners in the manner u describe. I usually wait until my RPMs are low (under 2000) before downshifting, to make sure there's no damage to the car.

 

Not at all!

I wouldn't suggest staying at 6600 in any gear for an extended period, but the VQ engine in the Z has been proven to be bulletproof in stock, naturally aspirating configurations. Redline her all you want.

 

I love it, People get AT, but want the love of the MT. I drive Boston Traffic everyday (Automatic = a Must), and will prob. be replacing my clutch before i hit 10k miles, but when i jump on 93 North Highway out of Boston, there nothing like slamming gears to 6 and flying!

Oh boy..

Sully

 

Sweet!! That's good to know

 

But be prepared at the same time to suffer the consequences of high gas prices!!

 

Trying to keep on the subject I wanna jump in with a question....

When you do slow down in MM it stays in 3rd till around 10mph usually I just leave it there and accellerate slowly - usually because it is a light and traffic is slow so I cant gun it anyway. Is bad to keep the car in 3 at such a low speed as 15-20 mph when it would normally be in 1st or 2nd?

 

The 5AT downshifts in manual mode are semi-managed. If you are in 5th or 4th which are full lock-up gears and your RPMs drop below the stall speed before you manually shifted it will go to the first unlocked gear, which is 3rd, otherwise you would stall just like in a standard transmission. Third gear is unlocked below 40 MPH. Once the gear is unlocked, the engine and driveshaft can spin at seperate speeds and stalling is not a problem so, you really don't need to downshift to 2nd unless you need the extra torque. Normally, you wouldn't downshift into 1st unless you are going really slow or starting off. The 5AT will default to 1st when you start and it won't let you manually downshift to 1st unless you are moving very slow.