Few questions on A/T slapshifting.

[s3ph300]

I currently have an 06 mazda3, and lately i've gotten into using the slapshift mode instead of automatic (this is my first car) but im just curious on a few things...

a. At what point do you find to be best for shifting while using the slapshift mode. (rpm-wise?)
b. Also when you do use the slapshift mode, do you notice a slight delay from when you shift with your hand to when the car actually shifts and the rpm's go down?

Thanks for any replies.

 

[zoom-zoomhatch]

I never had the "slapshift" as you called it on a Mazda but on a 03 Eclipse GTS, I think it's dumb, or was on that car at least. It reacts unbelivably slowly and is easier to just put in drive, I only used it when I was bored and just driving around and missed a manual transmission. I also wouldn't call it slapshifting, if you or anyone else has driven a car with a real slapshifter on it you know what I'm talking about, a friend of mine had one in his el camino, you slap the crap out of it and it shifts. If you hit your shifter like I've seen hit hit that one it might very possibly break.

 

[SuperStretch18]

Here's my input:

a. It depends; if you are looking for max speed, shift at about 5 - 6k. If you are just cruising and want fuel economy, shift around 3 - 4K
b. Yes, it is normal for there to be a slight delay. It is much worse on my CX-7 than on my wife's 3s though.

The auto shift points on my wife's car (four speed, 2004) are pretty good, but not sure if you have the same tranny in a 2006. On the CX-7, I'm in manual all the time. The stock shift points don't take advantage of the car's full potential...