Powershifting 101

[VintageMusclecar]

Done it more times than I can count!

(although I would tend to be a little more cautious now that the cost of replacement parts has gone through the roof...can't exactly find those replacement Muncies for $300.00 anymore like we used to )

Eric

[3macs1]

One of the best power shifers I have ever driven with is my wife. She has no appreciation for the replacements of parts and like she says you told me 25 years ago put the pedal to the floor and don't let up. I cannot change now just because parts are more expensive.

[PeteLeathersac]

For even more excitement, ever try the modern era vehicle trick of the floored go pedal and clutchless shifting when the rev limiter cuts in...kind've an old Ronnie Sox type trick w/ a new twist!.
First make sure the vehicle actually has a rev limiter then try shifting at higher revs smoothly without the clutch a few times as some vehicles don't like that anyway...but if all seems Ok, bite your lip, hold the gas flat and get ready to bang 'er when the cut out happens...and shift hard and positive too or you may miss it!.
Don't show the kids this one (or Mac's wife?) and it's best saved for beaters or rental cars as it's no doubt risky...but saves on clutch wear?.

~ Pete

[TXZS]

Pete, synchros are more expensive than clutches and a bigger pain to replace. Kinda like the best place for your swimming pool is in your neighbor's yard, this is best practiced on your neighbor's car!

[Salvatore]

Did it forever in the old days. NEVER let your right foot up! Problem is now if you have any older parts they are already metal fatigued so it is not worth the excitement.

[budnate]

used to no problem....you cant miss the sound of a guy getting with it and shifting at 6500 without lifting.... freaks out the guy next to you to on the 1-2 shift if he is running with ya...to scared now to be honest, back then we drove the cars daily and like star wars was one with said car...been thinking hard on it agin but want the rev limitor in and set right...

[BBIGG BLOCK 396]

Well in the past it was not really a big problem if you tore something up! But with the money we have tied up in cars today it is wise to shift them differently!
Although I am currently working on a project to do just that! POWERSHIFT it till something breaks.Building a little 67 Dodge Dart with a 69 model 340 bored and stroked to a 416 C.I.,had my Trans Buddy build me a Chrysler A833 just for POWERSHIFTING and I always liked the pistol grip shifters so I am going to incoporate a pistol Grip handle onto a vertical gate shifter! SHOULD BE FUN! The little 416 C.I.Strokers put out TONS of TORQUE and a lot of HORSEPOWER depending on the heads used in the build.One thing I suggest to anyone trying the POWERSHIFTIN THING is that you get a good REV LIMITER installed to prevent a lot of problems! Forgot to mention it also has a 6" drop straight axle in front for that old GASSER look!

[mockingbird812]

Terrific topic. Cool article. Sounds like there were quite a few PSers out there. Done it myself a few times in various rides. Very dangerous practice if you or the car hiccup. All I can say is, not certain how it happened, but I sure am happy so many (most) of todays muscle cars still have their original engines and transmissions.