Got a fresh A/T which gear is best for driveability ?
07-22-2014, 12:43 PM
#1
Drifting
Thread Starter
Got a fresh A/T which gear is best for driveability ?
Should I be cruising around town in (3) or third. OR..just leave it in O/D all the time. Opinions please..THANKS
my car is a '99
my car is a '99
Last edited by SaxyVette; 07-22-2014 at 02:21 PM.
07-22-2014, 12:47 PM
#2
Melting Slicks
Doesn't really matter if your transmission is programmed properly. I moved my 4th gear shift points and TC lockup, so it wouldn't "lug" around town.
I usually stay in third, because RPM (their transmission) told me not to go WOT (with some power on board) in OD, so I stay in 3 in case the need arises.
I usually stay in third, because RPM (their transmission) told me not to go WOT (with some power on board) in OD, so I stay in 3 in case the need arises.
07-23-2014, 08:06 AM
#7
From wiki. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torque_converter
In modern usage, a torque converter is generally a type of fluid coupling (but also being able to multiply torque) that is used to transfer rotating power from a prime mover, such as an internal combustion engine or electric motor, to a rotating driven load. The torque converter normally takes the place of a mechanical clutch in a vehicle with an automatic transmission, allowing the load to be separated from the power source. It is usually located between the engine's flexplate and the transmission.
The key characteristic of a torque converter is its ability to multiply torque when there is a substantial difference between input and output rotational speed, thus providing the equivalent of a reduction gear. Some of these devices are also equipped with a temporary locking mechanism which rigidly binds the engine to the transmission when their speeds are nearly equal, to avoid slippage and a resulting loss of efficiency.
In modern usage, a torque converter is generally a type of fluid coupling (but also being able to multiply torque) that is used to transfer rotating power from a prime mover, such as an internal combustion engine or electric motor, to a rotating driven load. The torque converter normally takes the place of a mechanical clutch in a vehicle with an automatic transmission, allowing the load to be separated from the power source. It is usually located between the engine's flexplate and the transmission.
The key characteristic of a torque converter is its ability to multiply torque when there is a substantial difference between input and output rotational speed, thus providing the equivalent of a reduction gear. Some of these devices are also equipped with a temporary locking mechanism which rigidly binds the engine to the transmission when their speeds are nearly equal, to avoid slippage and a resulting loss of efficiency.
07-23-2014, 11:08 AM
#9
The third (3) gear in the A4 is a 1:1 ratio the same as most automatic transmission high gears were in the old days when the overdrive feature was fairly uncommon.
I prefer to treat it as my normal driving gear, and only get into forth (4) gear when economy mindedness takes over...that's not often
I like the way the rpm's are kept slightly higher in 3rd and it makes the car more readily responsive. In fact I'd be fine without the forth gear option entirely as long as the 1:1 ratio was maintained in 3rd.
I'm getting on in years and flopping a clutch pedal around is no longer the thrill it once was...so the A4 in these cars gives me a nice driving experience.
Bob
I prefer to treat it as my normal driving gear, and only get into forth (4) gear when economy mindedness takes over...that's not often
I like the way the rpm's are kept slightly higher in 3rd and it makes the car more readily responsive. In fact I'd be fine without the forth gear option entirely as long as the 1:1 ratio was maintained in 3rd.
I'm getting on in years and flopping a clutch pedal around is no longer the thrill it once was...so the A4 in these cars gives me a nice driving experience.
Bob
07-23-2014, 12:08 PM
#11
But driving around in 3rd or 4th doesn't answer if the torque converter is locked or not.
Locked the engine is directly turning the transmission, and is more fuel efficient and has less heat buildup. Best for low rpm, highway speed driving.
Unlocked the transmission is only driven by fluid in the torque converter. And you get a torque multiplication when the engine is spinning faster than the transmission.
Locked the engine is directly turning the transmission, and is more fuel efficient and has less heat buildup. Best for low rpm, highway speed driving.
Unlocked the transmission is only driven by fluid in the torque converter. And you get a torque multiplication when the engine is spinning faster than the transmission.
07-23-2014, 01:27 PM
#12
But driving around in 3rd or 4th doesn't answer if the torque converter is locked or not.
Locked the engine is directly turning the transmission, and is more fuel efficient and has less heat buildup. Best for low rpm, highway speed driving.
Unlocked the transmission is only driven by fluid in the torque converter. And you get a torque multiplication when the engine is spinning faster than the transmission.
Locked the engine is directly turning the transmission, and is more fuel efficient and has less heat buildup. Best for low rpm, highway speed driving.
Unlocked the transmission is only driven by fluid in the torque converter. And you get a torque multiplication when the engine is spinning faster than the transmission.
07-24-2014, 06:58 AM
#13
Drifting
Thread Starter
My reply to the OP's question was based upon my knowing from his past postings that he really just wanted to know how best to enjoy driving his newly acquired Vette. I was not addressing the sort of dynamics your referring too. I suspect he will be fine without knowing the torque multiplication stuff...
