Speed shifting...your definition of it

[Cranky]

You automatic guys can eat my dust JK JK. Anyways, I grew up hearing about 'power shifting' which was explained as shifting as fast as you can WITHOUT lifting off the gas....not even slightly lifting it. Speed shifting is shifting as fast as you can without keeping the gas matted but still clutching and throttle lifting and getting back into it as quickly as you can. Was kinda surprised that Wiki says the same thing because so many have a different take on it seems. Next is bang shifting? Shifting quickly without using the clutch? Not too sure about even wanting to do that.....unless the transmission was designed specially for that.

 

[PurpleBeeper]

I always thought "speed shifting" was "bang shifting" as you describe it....not pushing in the clutch pedal. My dad used to do that in his old '59 VW Bug. Wasn't there a Direct Connection Chassis Modification book instruction on removing every other "tooth" or something on an A-833 transmission so you could "bang shift?

 

[69a100]

I have a brother that speed shifts. Get's 2nd gear at 8 MPH, 3rd at 13 MPH, 4th gear at 27 mph. Little 4 bangers don't like that!

 

[Cranky]

I always thought "speed shifting" was "bang shifting" as you describe it....not pushing in the clutch pedal. My dad used to do that in his old '59 VW Bug. Wasn't there a Direct Connection Chassis Modification book instruction on removing every other "tooth" or something on an A-833 transmission so you could "bang shift?

Yup.....but iirc, using the clutch was still recommended. Slick shifting the 833..... https://www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/threads/slick-shifted-833.122275/

 

[WileE]

Agree, we called it power shifting, pedal to the metal, no lift off. Something I did in my younger days while racing, and if I must say so, one of the (very) few things in life I was good at.

 

[lewtot184]

removing every other tooth on the sliders and synchros was a drag race only thing. 18 spline gear boxes could be difficult to shift above 6000rpm. the super shifter helped a bunch.

 

[Dibbons]

I removed every other tooth and made a "crash box". I was told my A-833 could ONLY be power shifted after that (and downshifting was impossible except when at a complete stop). After bracket racing two or three times, I blew all the teeth off third gear.

After that, I had "Pepe's" in Los Angeles build me a full syncro (streetable) A-833 that I powershifted regularly while bracket racing without any problems. Pepe did insist that I use his own special formula gear oil.

P..S I actually don't remember ever missing a shft while lesving the accelerator on the floor for a quarter mile. My rev limiter was set somewhere around 6,500 rpm. My small block shift points (and launch speed) was 6,000 rpm and trap speed was 6,400 (on a good day). I did wear out the first set of M & H slicks down to the cords and was running a second set when I sold the car. So that would represent quite a few full-power shifts. And yes, I was scared during each one.

 

[polywideblock]

had Holden's that shifted like that back in the day ,1-2 essence

 

[NJRR]

Wait!!! You need to step on the clutch to shift??????

 

[khryslerkid]

Let's ask the Pros!

 

[oldbee]

The above is definitely ‘ power shifting’!! Probably clutch only about 1/2 way to floor also, the ONLY way to go.

 

[cr8crshr]

Y'all call it speed shifting but when I was driving back in the '60's we called it Power Shifting. No clutch. Listened mainly at the RPM's and when it hit a certain pitch, BAM into 2nd, Bam into 3rd, and Bam into 4th. Never lost a race either shifting that way. The only downside is if you missed a gear. Then you could over rev the engine, and then run the risk of granading the Motor...cr8crshr/Tuck

 

[JB400]

Ronnie Sox is the only one that can do it. Everyone else is just an imitator.

 

[Budnicks]

Ronnie, Grumpy & Dick all did it very well...

 

[coloradodave]

I'll add to the list. Modified Production and early Pro-Stock aces:
Larry Lombardo
Lee Shephard
Dyno Don Nicholson
Dave Strickler
Bob Glidden
Hayden Profit
and, a bunch more I can't remember...lol.

 

[YY1]

Interesting question.

I always thought it was as little clutch as possible, while banging the shifter as fast as possible.

 

[Lelo 500]

You automatic guys can eat my dust JK JK. Anyways, I grew up hearing about 'power shifting' which was explained as shifting as fast as you can WITHOUT lifting off the gas....not even slightly lifting it. Speed shifting is shifting as fast as you can without keeping the gas matted but still clutching and throttle lifting and getting back into it as quickly as you can. Was kinda surprised that Wiki says the same thing because so many have a different take on it seems. Next is bang shifting? Shifting quickly without using the clutch? Not too sure about even wanting to do that.....unless the transmission was designed specially for that.

Gas pedal to the floor and clutch and shift without lifting on the gas. Done it........ But never to my own car.

 

[biomedtechguy]

Herb McCandles is a master of the 4 speed shift as well.
I finally power shifted my Roadrunner after I installed a FBO ignition system with a built-in rev limiter, and my a833 had slick shift synchros and sliders purchased from and installed by Jamie Passon. Worked great!
Now that I have his 855 installed, I plan on power shifting it next trip to the 1320 and I will follow up with a "855 impressions" thread. I will be very disappointed if it does not power shift as well as my modded 833.

 

[ws23jrt]

My def. of speed shifting is changing gears (at full gas pedal) with a manual trans. and making it feel like an auto.
I did do some "power shifting" with my 69 bee but it cost me with warranty trans. repairs.
IMO "speed shifting" is an art. Power shifting is what is done before learning how to "speed shift"

 

[mopwrd340]

Speed and power shifting are the same to me I just bump the clutch pedal when shifting I learned from driving mack trucks with mack transmissions to be patient when shifting without using the clutch pedal .I could power shift my RR easy I have had mostly manual trans Veichles and my last one was a 96 V8 dakota I could chirp the tires in 3rd gear but the motor mounts didn't like it i sold it a couple years ago because my leg would shake holding in the clutch pedal which I later found out i have Tremors .