The dreaded Automatic Transmission Feel

[SirBrass]

Originally Posted by Mobius357

I bought a manual car, if I could do it over I'd get an auto.

Why?

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[chiefshayan]

The only thing I wish I could in the automatic is launch it from a dig. I'm interested in changing the final drive on the auto to make the gears more aggressive because as of now, they're a bit too Eco-friendly for my taste.

[kuhlka]

Originally Posted by chiefshayan

The only thing I wish I could in the automatic is launch it from a dig. I'm interested in changing the final drive on the auto to make the gears more aggressive because as of now, they're a bit too Eco-friendly for my taste.

You can, but it will probably damage the torque converter. Hold brake, stomp gas, release brake.

[PSJohnDoe]

I drive the AT as well, I have no regrets about it. Once I supercharge it I think the gear ratios will be irrelevant.

[wlfpck]

a bit off topic but...

A torque converter automatic is different from a DCT as multiple people have already put it. The key is fluid coupling is used in the torque converter automatic as opposed to a pure mechanical coupling as found in the DCT and manual transmissions. This is also the reason behind torque multiplication.

For this reason, that is why there is traditionally more drivetrain power loss. HOWEVER... this was fixed by the use of a lock up torque converter in which modern day torque converter automatics utilize.

Old school torque converter automatics were hydraulically controlled. That is why there were "Shift Kits" created that basically increased the fluid pressure to cause the transmission to shift harder and firmer. There was a guy under the username keelesdesign that built this for hondas.

Now days... there is advanced sensors and computers that operate solenoids and such that works a LOT better than the old school "slush boxes". With these advancements, the shift time is fast and and each shift is crisp and firm. If you look at the more modern automatic transmissions, you'll find that the "shift kits" that are built for them, often contain stiffer springs and upgraded solenoids for the valve body. There is also clutch packs that are made of different materials. This also affects the firmness of the shifts.

In terms of a DCT, it is essentially 2 manual transmissions placed into 1 transmission housing. You have a clutch for 1,3,5 and a clutch for 2,4,6. When you're in a gear, the next gear is ready to go. (www.dctfacts.com - Site owned by Lubrizol).

Now some people say that they don't have fun in an auto because they are missing a clutch pedal, awesome. Keep buying a manual transmission vehicle. It's your car. For others, as was witnessed already, they don't have the ability to heel-toe. They aren't spending all of their time trying focused on cars. Does this make them less of an enthusiast? Definitely not.

There are plenty of reasons that people buy a car with a specific type of transmission. Some need to be the fastest around a track. Some have a disability. Some are tired and exhausted after work and driving a manual in rush hour is a hassle to them.

Some people get the same enjoyment regardless. They are not limited to the fact that they need to have a clutch to enjoy the car. They are still steering the car and that's good enough for them.

All that being said... yes. You should definitely make sure what transmission you want before buying. I saw the same car in a different color and out of curiosity wondered how much to trade for it with 200 miles at the time on my current car and the dealer wanted 4500.

There's no issues with what transmission you pick... but you should definitely make sure before buying. Or have deep pockets to offset that regret...

[brianhj]

Originally Posted by chiefshayan

Much like the title says, I purchased an auto FRS. Before I get bashed on this forum I just want to say he car has been a blast, it's my 2nd car coming from an 2001 audi a6 4.2 v8. That too was an auto, but the frs seems much more perkier and diligent. Since buying the frs, I've begun to ride/race motorcycles and instantly fell in love with the clutch/shifting aspect of motorsports. On top of that, when it comes time to tune the car, I can throw on a heavier clutch to support the added torque. My car is still new, 4k miles and most of aftermarket parts I've put I can just throw the stock ones on in less than a day.

My question to you is: Have you ever had any experience (with any car) trading in the same kind of car/year into a dealer for a different option. I know the auto was around a grand more, but I'm still preparing to lose money going in, hopefully under a thousand I still owe money on the car as well

I bought an A/T FR-S... after 3 days I traded it in "used" at the dealership for a M/T. I lost about $6k. They refused to exchange it as "new". Call me insane... but I'm happier now.

[chiefshayan]

Yea that's insane lol. But if you're happy at the end of the day, that's all that matters. I grew up in the video game era playing Gran Turismo 2,3,4,5 and my parents bought me a Logitech steering wheel controller which had paddle shifters. That's what my childhood consisted of, so it felt right to get the AT. Yes I had withdrawals after buying the AT because people always say manual is for the enthusiast, but I stopped listening to others and just did what made me happy.

[Byebye]

Originally Posted by brianhj

I bought an A/T FR-S... after 3 days I traded it in "used" at the dealership for a M/T. I lost about $6k. They refused to exchange it as "new". Call me insane... but I'm happier now.

I'm not going to judge you because it's you're money but this post makes me want to punch your original and new car sales staff in the throat.

[brianhj]

Originally Posted by chiefshayan

Yea that's insane lol. But if you're happy at the end of the day, that's all that matters. I grew up in the video game era playing Gran Turismo 2,3,4,5 and my parents bought me a Logitech steering wheel controller which had paddle shifters. That's what my childhood consisted of, so it felt right to get the AT. Yes I had withdrawals after buying the AT because people always say manual is for the enthusiast, but I stopped listening to others and just did what made me happy.

What's even more insane is I didn't even try the paddle shifters. I thought they were stupid without even thinking it would probably be a hell of a lot more fun to drive. Actually I probably wasn't thinking at all. How is the A/T using the paddles?

[brianhj]

Originally Posted by Byebye

I'm not going to judge you because it's you're money but this post makes me want to punch your original and new car sales staff in the throat.

I talked to the sales manager, too. I probably wasn't assertive enough but I felt so stupid asking to begin with.

[Byebye]

Originally Posted by brianhj

What's even more insane is I didn't even try the paddle shifters. I thought they were stupid without even thinking it would probably be a hell of a lot more fun to drive. Actually I probably wasn't thinking at all. How is the A/T using the paddles?

Fun and easy to use. Manual downshifts sound cool. Sport mode shifts are aggressive and again downshifts sound cool.

Originally Posted by brianhj

I talked to the sales manager, too. I probably wasn't assertive enough but I felt so stupid asking to begin with.

Eh it is what it is. It ain't fair and it ain't cool to do that to another human being.

[Porsche]

Originally Posted by chiefshayan

... if you're happy at the end of the day, that's all that matters. ... I stopped listening to others and just did what made me happy.

'atta boy!

Have fun, but watch out for Enforcers, don't jeopardize others, and don't get bent.

[wlfpck]

Originally Posted by brianhj

I talked to the sales manager, too. I probably wasn't assertive enough but I felt so stupid asking to begin with.

No. The issue is that when they go to sell the car you traded in, the vehicle history with the DMV/BMV will show that there has been 1 previous owner. Due to that they HAVE to sell it as a used car. Versus a new car in which you will be the only owner.

If someone were to purchase the car you traded in, then they would be the second owner and if they tried to sell it, they would not be able to say single owner/first owner.

They are simply taking into account the "used" status of the car.

[CowboyCuban]

No regrets here with my AT 10series. For a DD, it's great.


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