New here, Have a question....

[GTP_MuNkY]

Hey,
I'm new here, this place looks like a gold mine answering my questions about this engine. I was starting to get under the impression there was nothing I could do to modify the thing, boy was I wrong!

Here is my question...at the risk of sounding like a true newbie. I was reading in another post about redlining this engine by shifting the auto tranny manually. How do you do this? Up untill I bought the GTP I had been driving a full size van with a column shift, I only ever tried shifting it manually once, and it stalled quite harshly. I have yet to attempt it with the grand prix but do plan on taking it to the track and think it would be to my advantage to know how to do that. I just don't want to totally mess up my car trying it the wrong way, so if anyone could give me a quick play by play on how its done it would be greatly appreiciated.

Thank you
Jamie

[Lyle's GTP]

Hello and welcome. You cannot red line a stock auto. If you shift to neutral, you can rev only to the rev limiter (6250 I think). This is there so you cannot damage the engine.

Also, you may have noticed that in park, you can't rev past about 4000. that is a separate limiter. It's there to protect your engine if you are not in the car.

(Correct me if I'm wrong guys) If you mash the gas to wide open throttle, you should rev right to 6250 before it shifts to second, and so on. Not exactly the best shift points. Also, if you drop your car into first gear, and mash the gas when you hit your limiter it will automaticaly shift to second and so on. So, really damaging the engine isn't really an issue. So, if you want to maximize your power band, you can shift manualy too. Some guys do brake stands at the track to get the most from their torque converters. They rev up to the 1200-1500 hold it and then mash the gas out of the hole. (again correct me guys) Some say it makes no difference. Your preference.

However, neutral drops is a big no no. Never do this, you will destroy your tranny, if not the first time, very soon after.

The best way to optimise your shift points is have a chip made for your car. I happen to know a guy who does a really good one, for cheap. Hope this answers some of your questions.

Lyle