AutoX for ATX

[vaMP5er]

Does anyone autoX who has an automatic transmission? How does that work out for you?

[Brad]

i believe negatize on clubprotege.com has a ATX and he is big into autox

[pedrump]

Does anyone autoX who has an automatic transmission? How does that work out for you?

I've autocrossed with my old automatic car (93 Acura Legend) a few times. With a big engine like that, I think the automatic (just leave it in D3) didn't really affect my times. However, with a (much) less powerful engine like on the P5, I would imagine the closer ratios afforded by the 5 speed manual would really make a difference. Regardless, if you have an ATX, that shouldn't stop you from having fun.

I can't wait to take my P5 to autoX, so I can learn its limits.

[Mad Hatter]

[QUOTE=vaMP5er]Does anyone autoX who has an automatic transmission? How does that work out for you?[/QUOTE

Me, me, me. Works just fine. Why wouldn't it?

[dolphin]

I have autocrossed a number of cars w/automatic transmissions. A 1991 Corvette, a 1966 Lincoln Continential, a 2003 Mazda 6s, some pony cars and a bunch I can't think of right now. How does is work out depends on which car. The Corvette was OK but I was faster with a manual, the same is true of the Mazda 6s. The 1960s and 1970s pony cars, I was faster with the automatic than the manual. Generally, a car with a larger engine will tolerate the automatic better.

The real disadvantage of an automatic in autocrossing is that you have less control over when and where it changes gears. There is always a delay between when the driver moves the shift lever and when the transmission actually changes the gear. Since the idea in autocrossing is to keep the car at the traction limits, a gear change where you don't expect it can cause you to spin or push into a pylon.

Having said that, if you are just starting it is more important to work on positioning the car on the course and not have to consider where/when you must change gears. Once you have figured out where to drive then you can worry about the gears. Later you can try a manual transmission and decide for yourself.

[SciFiMan]

Yeah, what dolphin said. I leave it in drive all the time, just because running the whole course in 2nd is to slow. It's great fun for starting out and learning (I did a "rookie" year this year, after a 20 year break). To excel later on you'll need a manual to pick your own shift points, plus less power loss that comes with an auto. Now if I can just beat one of those bloody Mini's.

[Stealth5]

leave it in D instead of sport mode for fastest times. protege automatic is easy to control with just the gas pedal, i know right at the point where the car will downshift and exactly how hard to push the gas to keep it from upshifting too early

[doclaw64]

If this is your first time jsut leave it in drive. Your fastest way around is to learn the course. Walk it a few times taking note of when to brake and when to turn in and where the apex is. Once you get those all figured out then you can start worrying about the transmission. Learning to drive on an autox course is the way to make your times go up the fastest. A big help to are your tires. Get some sticky stuff and you will be amazed at the difference.

[Stealth5]

the car is faster in regular auto mode acceleration wise...ive tested

[vaMP5er]

Mine is a 2000, not a 2000.5 so there is no sport mode. I asked because I figured it'd be harder to control due to the shifting. I'd love to take it out for a weekend or two, and now I tihnk I will.

[loccusst]

I have a autostick so I imagine it will operate better than a reagular auto since I can just leave it in any gear I want. I would rather the car was a manual like my civic I autocross with. This was probably the last year for autocrossing with my civic. Next year it will be the P5 on the track.

[dolphin]

vaMP5er,
While you are there look around and see if you can get someone to help you. Most autocrossers are very helpful if you ask for it. Let us know what you think and how you do.

[loccusst]

Autocrossers are generally a cool group. I have never had a problem asking for suggestions. Also work the track, its the best place to learn and see what everyone else is doing.