Automatic (L99) TAPshift

[Kenz Camaro]

Just my $.02 but, my '94 Impala SS (factory automatic) shifted pretty seamlessly as intended until I had some minor computer reprogramming; had the shift points pushed out a bit and increased the shift pressures (plus other engine related stuff) and it really changed the cars' attitude. It will chirp second on occasion ;>)
I would think using the performance mode, you will feel a bit more "shift shock" but I would also bet a re-program could give you as much shock as you want?

[Riderover40]

Originally Posted by Matrix

+1. Turning and shifting is asking for trouble. your better off staying in gear until you get out of the turn and then change accordingly.

Let me comment on gearing in a turn....... myself, while racing a sportbike at the track where balance is of the utmost importance, you want to be "in gear" before diving into the turn, and yes I agree, you can steady throttle the engine and then give her coming out of the turn!! A sports car is tremendously forgiving and you may get away with shifting in a turn, you are losing the momentum in a centrifugal force.....it's wasted power throwing you away from wour destination, if it doesn't spin you out !

[Edrock]

I've been driving manual transmission cars for 25 years now and don't understand the term "Shift Shock" or "Gear Shock". What exactly is that? Is that the powerful force that slams you back in the seat when you pop the clutch and slam the gas simultaneously when going through the gears? I'm sure I've experienced it but never heard it called that.

EDIT: Or is it when you miscalculate your shifting by popping the clutch a moment too soon before you get into the next gear and get that horrible grinding sound that sends a vibration up your arm? Couldn't tell if the OP was being serious about loving it (whatever it is) or being sarcastic...

EDIT #2: Think I answered my own question. Must be the second scenario about grinding gears. Guess I should have thought about it a bit more before posting. Oh well, maybe this post will benefit those that have never driven a manual transmission car or are trying to learn.

[JBsC6]

the cool part of the tap shift is that you can downshift going into the turn....and when you accelerate out of the turn...the automatic transmission is locked out of downshifting to first gear and rather stays in the gear you have chosen going into the turn...

Drive one of the old style automatics on the track and right away you feel the downshift coming out of a turn throw off the balance..(even squeezing the throttle as you line up to accelerate out of the turn...in the old automatics without tap shift...the dam trannys would downshift to first and kick the rear end out..which might have been fun but its slower)

So in conclusion...the benefit of tap shift is being able to hold the gear you've chosen going into a turn (before the turn etc) while coming out of the turn...and maintain the proper balance for best lap times..



just my opinion so take it for what its worth..

[UncleBenny]

Other thing that bothers me about the tap shift is the fact that they have it set up backwards. I realize this is not a race car, but every race car with a sequential shifter is pull back to shift up, push forward to shift down. Street cars decided to do it opposite and it annoys me. I've heard that two companies did it the right way, BMW and someone else maybe? I can't remember off the top of my head.

[Joe Remi]

Originally Posted by UncleBenny

Other thing that bothers me about the tap shift is the fact that they have it set up backwards. I realize this is not a race car, but every race car with a sequential shifter is pull back to shift up, push forward to shift down. Street cars decided to do it opposite and it annoys me. I've heard that two companies did it the right way, BMW and someone else maybe? I can't remember off the top of my head.

Now I'm confused. I thought the tapshift was on the wheel only. Is there a sequential shift gate in the console, too? I had that in a Chrysler Pacifica and it was kinda cool.

About the shifting in a turn thing. My current front-driver doesn't have traction or stability control. Sometimes I shift up early coming out of a bend so I can mash the throttle without torque-steer or wheel spin, knowing that that higher gear will get me to the desired speed before down shifting to the next corner. This technique wouldn't deliver the best lap time on a track, but fits my driving style on my local twisties. A Camaro with TC/Stability wouldn't need this reducing-traction technique, obviating the need to shift in a corner...rendering my complaint about the wheel-mounted shifters moot. Just sayin.

[UncleBenny]

Originally Posted by Joe Remi

Now I'm confused. I thought the tapshift was on the wheel only. Is there a sequential shift gate in the console, too? I had that in a Chrysler Pacifica and it was kinda cool.

Does the Camaro have wheel only? I just kind of assumed it had both, didn't mean to create any confusion if it doesn't.

[RT21]

Originally Posted by UncleBenny

Other thing that bothers me about the tap shift is the fact that they have it set up backwards. I realize this is not a race car, but every race car with a sequential shifter is pull back to shift up, push forward to shift down. Street cars decided to do it opposite and it annoys me. I've heard that two companies did it the right way, BMW and someone else maybe? I can't remember off the top of my head.

Nope. You put it in M and wheel tapshift only.

Originally Posted by Joe Remi

Now I'm confused. I thought the tapshift was on the wheel only. Is there a sequential shift gate in the console, too? I had that in a Chrysler Pacifica and it was kinda cool.

About the shifting in a turn thing. My current front-driver doesn't have traction or stability control. Sometimes I shift up early coming out of a bend so I can mash the throttle without torque-steer or wheel spin, knowing that that higher gear will get me to the desired speed before down shifting to the next corner. This technique wouldn't deliver the best lap time on a track, but fits my driving style on my local twisties. A Camaro with TC/Stability wouldn't need this reducing-traction technique, obviating the need to shift in a corner...rendering my complaint about the wheel-mounted shifters moot. Just sayin.

I love self degredation. I do it all the time.

[Mormegil]

Originally Posted by Kenz Camaro

Just my $.02 but, my '94 Impala SS (factory automatic) shifted pretty seamlessly as intended until I had some minor computer reprogramming; had the shift points pushed out a bit and increased the shift pressures (plus other engine related stuff) and it really changed the cars' attitude. It will chirp second on occasion ;>)
I would think using the performance mode, you will feel a bit more "shift shock" but I would also bet a re-program could give you as much shock as you want?

I love those cars. I'm jealous.

[DGthe3]

Originally Posted by UncleBenny

Does the Camaro have wheel only? I just kind of assumed it had both, didn't mean to create any confusion if it doesn't.

Buttons on wheel only, right=up, left=down

[jasonstiller]

Ive only had an auto stick in one car, my old mazda 3. It wasnt good at all. There was noticeable lag from input to the actual gear change to make it seem like a gimmick.

[Hooy]

Originally Posted by UncleBenny

Other thing that bothers me about the tap shift is the fact that they have it set up backwards. I realize this is not a race car, but every race car with a sequential shifter is pull back to shift up, push forward to shift down. Street cars decided to do it opposite and it annoys me. I've heard that two companies did it the right way, BMW and someone else maybe? I can't remember off the top of my head.

Correct. My BMW does it that way, my Acura is reversed.