Is either gear better for launching? I've tried both and don't think I can tell a difference, but I wandered if 3rd would take off better?

 

No. It will start from 1st gear anyway.

TS

 

^^^ what he said!

It makes no difference either way. When you put it in 3rd (Drive) or 4th (Over-drive), the tranny still starts in 1st, shifts, to 2nd, and shifts to 3rd automatically, it will just change whether it will shift into 4th or not, but in 1/4 mile, you won't hit 4th gear anyways.

 

Although I've never been able to test it when I had an OD tranny, I've heard that when in "third", the tranny will shift with slightly higher line pressures than if it upshifts when in "OD". The higher line pressure will give a slightly firmer shift.

 

The only thing I keep it in 3rd for is to slow down after the 1/4 mile.

 

Ive always used overdrive......it didnt shift into 3rd once when I had it in 3rd, so ever since I have used overdrive and have had no problems.

 

What?! Has this / does this ever happen on the street, or only at the track? With 2.73's, you should be crossing the line right near the top of 2nd gear, so if you let off once you cross the line, you might not have noticed the tranny shift to 3rd.....especially not before you crossed the line.

Otherwise, there's something wrong, 'cause I drive with the shifter in 3rd all the time, and it will always shift to 3rd gear no problem as it should.....if it doesn't, then there's a problem somewhere!

 

It was at the track and my car definately shifts to 3rd before the line......about 30 feet in front or so. It probably wouldnt happen again, but when it happened it just hit the rev limiter and didnt shift, so it was probably just a messed up one time only thing......but I'm happy with using overdrive and the car is running stronger than ever.