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- - how are you AT Fr-s enjoying the car =) (https://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7549)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dadhawk (Post 242554)

Here's my thoughts on it based on completing a road trip through the NC mountains. I can tell you, you won't be in 6th gear if climbing for any significant distance in the AT. It drops pretty quickly back to 5th and even 4th. 6th is definitely a "cruising gear". No real work gets done there.

Also, there is always a perceived lag between you wanting more pulling power (more torque) and the AT committing to it. I say "perceived" because that's exactly what it is. When you commit the throttle to it, the AT adjusts quickly, much better than any other AT I've driven, but it seems like a lag because you've already committed your mind to it before the car takes action. In a MT you think and do at the same instant so the car feels like its "reading your mind".

With now around 1500 miles on my AT, what I have adjusted to doing is using the paddle shifters as part of that process. If I know I'm going to pass, I now think and "shift" at the same time. Since the paddles always work, it puts those two action back together and the response is much more satisfying for me.

Being able to paddle shift while in D, really helps make this feel more like a MT. Being able to shift when you know you are going to need it, makes it feel more responsive just like driving an MT.

I also preferred driving the AT in manual mode on a curvy road. The shifts were very responsive and I was able to keep two hands on the wheel. I felt I had more control and was able to push it more than I probably would have if I was manually shifting gears.

It isn't all perfect and many will push towards manual but the AT has a lot more going for it than most cars. I made the switch to AT so that my SO can drive the car if needed plus as I get older, if/when I hurt a foot or arm, I can still enjoy a sweet ride.

I very much disliked the AT. I test drove an frs AT at the LA auto show and HATED IT to the point were I almost lost all interest in the car because it felt so boring and lifeless. Luckily I drove a MT and fell in love.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Damuskinous (Post 2227007)

Question? If i was interested in having the gears change quicker, would upgrading the torque converter solved that?, As well as get me prepped for when I add the tb/or/sc?

Thanks in advance for any advice, first time posting :}

A valvebody upgrade from someone like ssp performance would help for faster gear changes. An upgraded torque converter with a higher stall would help for launching an AT car. 4.55 gears+ in the rear end (cusco, weir, mfactory all have products) will also help with the willingness of the car to feel more alive through the rev range.

It's not the nicest/best car I've ever had, but I never had more fun in a car. ETA: The MT/AT debate is always funny. In AT manual mode, I tell it when to shift, and that involves the same level of mythical "driver involvement" MT drivers are always talking about, but all I need to do is use a paddle, no need to set my martini down.

Way too many complaints about being caught in the wrong gear, as well, from both sides. Much of the fun of this thing comes from having to stay ahead of it mentally in order to go quickly, by design. I suspect more than half the people who want "more POWAH" have only one tool in the box, the gas pedal.

Luv my AT....luv the paddle shifting...at first I thought I should've bought a M/T...then when I drive home in traffic I remember why....Hahaha! ;)

Love the fuck out of my AT!

I take my car to the track and up into the mountains and its a blast! I dont drive in AT mode that much. I am almost always in Manual mode and use either the paddles or the up down of the shifter to shift.

I live in LA where the traffic is real. I HAAAAAAAAAAAAAATE traffic. Its one of the only things in this world that really makes me rage. So when I am stuck in it, which happens alot. AT all the way and just try and not think about how much I hate it.

But for all other driving, Manual mode all the way. :D

A big misconception for those with the MT is that they believe anyone who drives the AT drives in full auto the entire time. A lot dont even realize you can up and down shift through all gears. They just assume its push gas and thats it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shourewaters (Post 2227407)

Both the auto and manual are pretty bad on this car. however, this is an auto thread, please don't jack!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Autocon (Post 2229533)

Not only that, but many of the ignorant MT users don't realize how engaging modern autos are. They just drove their moms Camry once and assumed all autos are slushboxes LMFAOOOO

My 2008 Scion tC had the best auto tranny I've ever used, loved it. Better than even the frs. Interesting

Quote:

Originally Posted by DohcTor (Post 2229606)

Both the auto and manual are pretty bad on this car. however, this is an auto thread, please don't jack!

I was attempting to answer someone's question about which one is better and being that I've driven both I thought it I could answer it but I must have deleted the quote so chilllll. Ya'll can talk about how nice it is not to break your nails since you don't have to shift ;) haha I kid I kid. Once again I was just answering someone's question. Oh and the manual is great.

I'm not a fan of autos in small cars but I test drove an FR-S with the auto twice and drove it in manual mode and it was actually a lot of fun. I liked having both hands on the wheel while shifting and the downshifts feel really nice with the auto rev matching.

I love this car in Automatic form. I would not have purchased I in the manual option. I should have premised this that I don't take this too the track as I lack the funding for potential mishaps..I have had it for nearly two years and 21k miles. Only mods are weds wheels SA15R 16x7 with 225/50/16 Continental Extreme Contact DW. I lost approximately 20lbs with this setup. Minus the spare tire and a half tank of gas and I am a little but noticeable different car. Still I am impreesed with how well this handles. Its a great car in automatic for CERTAIN drivers. : ) I am also not a "racer" so I am not the most skilled driver. It is a different dynamic..not neccesarly better for all purchasers but was for me at least for now. Don't get me wrong I have driven the manual and it was FUN..! However an autmataic for me with no regrets at all

I would love to test drive an auto just to feel the difference.

I'm at 15k on mine. Good decision. Having a fun car everyday should be one of life's priorities is my current stance.