I've heard many comments about people down-shifting an automatic transmission, but I'd like to hear your opinions too.

I manually shift my T400 all the time. Upshift / downshift. Just watch your rpm`s like you would with a standard.

OK - thanks for your input.

It`ll definately change your  rpm/ speed. you can calculate it at SMOKEmUP.com   Click on auto math, then Gearing. Put in all you information and it`ll calculate the speed and rpm for each gear and miles per hour. You will also have to change your speedodmeter gear at the trans to get that correct too.  you`ll definately feel the difference off the line. i went from  3.08 to 3.55.  your rpm s will increase at higher speeds so you may lose some mpg also.

I call it job security...

If your 700 is shifting too early, you simply need to adjust the T.V. cable. Once you swap the rear gears, it's gonna shift even quicker/earlier.

Manually downshifting to slow the car is not really the best thing to do...that's what the brake pedal is for.
That being said, the only real durability issue is with accelerated wear in the torque converter, and the bushings in the trans. Not to mention the timing chain. Most automatics will not downshift at a speed that is unsafe, anyway, unless it has a "kit" in it.(Making an "accidental" downshift into 1st from 60mph ain't quite as exciting as it sounds...it's actually quite scary(don't ask... ), so I rarely recommend that part of the shift kits be installed without a reverse pattern shifter.)

Manual upshifts in three speeds can actually slow you down. In manual low, you are appying either a band(400), or the low/reverse clutches(350), that would not normally be applied. At the time of the manual 1-2 shift, the band(or L/R clutches) has to release, and the intermediate band has to apply. The band does not normally apply in "automatic" mode. This means the low band/clutches have to release, and the intermediate band has to apply, which takes time, and usually creates a slight bind. This is what you feel as a "firm/hard" shift...the bind, not the shift itself.
Then, once you're ready to hit third, the band has to release cleanly, or you get another bind-up/firm shift.
The timing of all of these actions must be perfect, or some thing's gonna be wearing quicker than normal. Believe it or not, a properly adjusted, working automatic will always shift better/cleaner in "Drive". The E.T slips will prove it...

btw...I do do side work...
(just messin wid ya!)

And damn fine side work he does.  If it weren't for Joel, my truck would still be sittin' in the yard with weeds around it.  Tanks man.

  On the 700R4 Youn need to Change the Govenor on the Side of the Trans to Change the Shift Points under Full Power. Its Pretty Easy to do in Most cars but it Sure ain't going to Happen in a C3 is it. The Trans will have to be removed and you will need to Consult with a Trans guy better than Me. I had a 700R4  with 3.73 Gears and I think You will Really Like it just Fine. Its a Great Compromise between Accreleration and Economy. Richard......

you do side work,joel, never come and did hubby's 350.

A little luck paid off - I ended up in a famous place called "Thrash Differential" up on the North side of San Antonio.  Charley Thrash took one look at my box of parts and said, "hey, I bet you gonna need a little help with that...aintcha?" 

RC-Kid2007-09-25 20:35:17