I was just wondering what gear I should start in when I am at the track? I just leave it in D (00 TA) then get ready to launch. But alot of people tell me to put in 3 instead... What gear do I race in?? I looked at the manual and it says that 3rd gives more power then leaving it in D. Please tell me what you think?

thanks

 

It shouldn't really matter, if you have the car floored it will shift at the redline or near it. It should not shift into "d" or overdrive until redline in 3rd. I'm not sure on the ratios but i would think u would go through the traps in 3rd.

 

Sometimes (depending on mods, weather, etc) the car might shift inot 4th at the end of the track, costing a little time (happedned a few times to a friend at my old track). Haveing it in 3rd will prevent this. I usually leave it in 3rd, but I have the 4L60, which the PCM does not control, I don't know if that makes a difference. The car feels faster at the track, but we don't get times ( just a win light) which thankfully changes next month.

 

I like to make my runs in 3 for the engine braking at the end of the run and for bracket racing.
If you've selected d instead of 3 then when you let off of the gas it will shift into 4th which doesn't have anywhere near the engine braking of 3rd.
And if you're bracket racing and let off because you're ahead and need to get back into it again you're screwed because it's now in 4th and has to down shift.