SST - "Slap Shift"

[TBirdNoob]

Couple questions, still getting used to the car...not sure if these are really TBird questions or just general car questions. Never had a car with this shift before.

1> Using the SST seems a little quirky - Seems like it will do 1, 2, and 3 very reliably, but upshifting to 4 and 5, I have to give it just a little tap rather than a push. Some other threads here indicated that might be a sensor or switch rather than a transmission problem - let's hope. Anybody else ever have this?

No trouble in the least in full automatic. Upshifts and downshifts through all 5 gears (mostly) smoothly. For 82K on the car, I not sure how smooth it ought to be, and it's still smoother than the 2003 Ford Taurus I was driving.

2> Other than controlling downhill speed by preventing upshift to D5, I can't see why you'd ever bother with this? Even then, why not just leave it in D4? Neat feature, but I can't see myself using it. Full auto seems much smoother and faster.

[DavidA]

Re: SST - "Slap Shift"

It is fun to use when driving curvy mountain roads. It also can help in emergency braking if you can react quick enough.

[jerrym3]

Re: SST - "Slap Shift"

I use it for engine braking, and, when I'm going up an incline, rather than lug in 5th, I'll downshift to 4th.

Also, when merging into a highway, instead of staying in 5th and nailing it (if I have to), I'll be in 4th and gradually build up speed.

Also, if I'm in stop and go traffic, I'll stay in 2nd. Pulls fine from a dead stop, and I get the benefit of engine braking instead of gas/brake/gas/brake/gas/brake.....

I like some measure of control.

[Larro]

Re: SST - "Slap Shift"

I've never used mine even once.

[007Cruiser]

Re: SST - "Slap Shift"

Use mine on mountains and hills. Provides more control as Jerry stated.

[bottomtime]

Re: SST - "Slap Shift"

There are certain limits of MPH (miles/per/hour) that the SST shifting will engage or not engage determined by what gear you are going into, ethier up and/or down. This in turn will limit over revving the RPM's. If you have the owners manual, it is fully explained it that. The transmission is built that way. You cannot shift into any gear with the SST and any time, at any speed with any gear up or down. There are limits built into it, meaning speed and RPM's insofar. I recommend to read the manual if you have one on the SST operation. Think about this: if you have a standard 4-speed manual transmission stick shift, and are driving 80 MPH and then attempt to downshift to the first #1 gear, you will cause a real problem because the engine will be totally overreved and damage will occur.

[jerrym3]

Re: SST - "Slap Shift"

There are certain limits of MPH (miles/per/hour) that the SST shifting will engage or not engage determined by what gear you are going into, ethier up and/or down. This in turn will limit over revving the RPM's. If you have the owners manual, it is fully explained it that. The transmission is built that way. You cannot shift into any gear with the SST and any time, at any speed with any gear up or down. There are limits built into it, meaning speed and RPM's insofar. I recommend to read the manual if you have one on the SST operation. Think about this: if you have a standard 4-speed manual transmission stick shift, and are driving 80 MPH and then attempt to downshift to the first #1 gear, you will cause a real problem because the engine will be totally overreved and damage will occur.

Very true.

But, if you're used to driving a manual transmisson, adapting to the SST is fairly easy.

As long as you're not pushing the car's limit, using the SST is pretty intuitive.

If you don't use it, you are missing some of the fun the car has to offer.

[islandtime]

Re: SST - "Slap Shift"

Only time I used mine was coming down Roan Mtn last summer at Birds @ Borla. I hate it.

[Peterfurlan]

Re: SST - "Slap Shift"

Its a five speed standard transmission with training wheels. As Donn stated you don't
down shift a standard from eighty miles per hour into first gear.

[JAB02LHS]

Re: SST - "Slap Shift"

Great for making the Borlas burble, backing off in second or third!

I did not use it at all, do to the delayed response before installing my XCal,
but with XCal response is instant, like it should be!

[Rondor]

Re: SST - "Slap Shift"

I have played with it a few times and looking forward to going to the mountins. As stated above it's like driving a manual and the same rules of physics apply. I was surprised at how responsive mine is. I have driven a few manual shift automatics and this is the best.

[bottomtime]

Re: SST - "Slap Shift"

Very true.

But, if you're used to driving a manual transmission, adapting to the SST is fairly easy.

As long as you're not pushing the car's limit, using the SST is pretty intuitive.

If you don't use it, you are missing some of the fun the car has to offer.

Good answer. I have it (SST) in my 2005, and it really works well if you stay within it's limit. You don't want to "push it" beyond it's limits. I really like it and glad I ordered it when I bought it new. It does have a lot of advantages when you get used to it.

[bottomtime]

Re: SST - "Slap Shift"

Only time I used mine was coming down Roan Mtn last summer at Birds @ Borla. I hate it.

Try it and you will like it after using it for awhile.

[islandtime]

Re: SST - "Slap Shift"

Try it and you will like it after using it for awhile.

When I feel the need to shift, I drive the Shelby. I've had my Birds for over 7 years, and nothing will change my mind about the "fake" shifting. I'll take the heavy-duty clutch and the 6-speed of Venomous over the SST any day!

[Leroy]

Re: SST - "Slap Shift"

Last Summer I took a neighbor for a ride in my Bird and I was showing him how the select shift worked. I took off from a red light and when I shifted into 2nd gear I got rubber. My neighbor was very impressed and so was I.

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