I've read that when Brian at PCM for Less programs in increased shifting firmness in A4s that the shifting can be almost uncomfortably firm. Does anyone have any experiences to share on this programming option?

 

I got my shift firmness upped from Ion at Madz28.com and I love it.......not uncomfortable at all. Sometimes it will grab hard and jerk the car a little at lower speeds, but its fun.

 

I did a search on the subject and several people said not to do it with programming because it increases the line pressure and adds to shorter trans life. They said to get a shift kit and a cooler. Any thoughts?

 

That is probably very true, If you do it that way I'm sure it will be better.

 

That is really a debated subject... I've had no customers reporting transmission failures due to the pressure updates. Some say that raising the line pressure is bad, others (like Frank who rebuilds transmissions, in this thread) say that it's the other way around.... that line pressure update is OK while the shift kit can cause premature failures.

Either way, I do not update the shift firmness unless the customer specifically asks so. I would imagine Bryan does it the same way.