Holden/hsv 6 Speed Auto-how Do You Find It?

[Pickles]

I have a friend who is going to buy a new GTS. He has driven the auto recently, during a test drive, & is now having a few "misgivings" about it, concening its hesitancy in certain situations. He also felt that during over run, he wasn't happy with the way it changed up.
I haven't driven one, & obviously those of you with a manual are going to tell him to buy a manual!!---So, seriously guys, if you're driving a 6 speed auto, particularly the HSV version, what do you think of it, & are you happy with it?
Cheers, Pickles.

[Highway]

I have a friend who is going to buy a new GTS. He has driven the auto recently, during a test drive, & is now having a few "misgivings" about it, concening its hesitancy in certain situations. He also felt that during over run, he wasn't happy with the way it changed up.
I haven't driven one, & obviously those of you with a manual are going to tell him to buy a manual!!---So, seriously guys, if you're driving a 6 speed auto, particularly the HSV version, what do you think of it, & are you happy with it?
Cheers, Pickles.

He is right about hesitancy.

If it is anything like the Calais V 6lt I drove the other day it is hesitant on the upshift and the downshift. Its not sure what gear it wants to be in just like my old 4 speed auto before it was adjusted.

Im sure with a tune and adjustment it can be improved a lot.
The drive by wire system has a different feel also.I wonder if that can be improved upon.

Mike

[KingClifton]

I'm satisfied with it, but it is not exactly breaking new ground for an auto. Given that it is a $2000 option and the superior ZF box in the Falcon range is $1250, it is somewhat overpriced.

As many have stated previously, the ZF 'box in the Falcon range is superior, but even that is not as good as the best auto I've driven (that was the 6-speed tiptronic in my Audi TT - absolutely brilliant.)

It really needs to be driven in Sport mode to get the best "feel". Drive is OK for general cruising but it is more hesitant to kick down and thus you lose the V8 goodness.

Best option is the tiptronic mode where you are in control. I find this gives you superior control over the power and also the fuel economy (can be 0.5 -1 L/100km less when driven carefully). But Sport is a good "autopilot" option and is not overly aggressive when driven normally, but will happily kick down when you start to give it a bit of pedal.

[GODSMACK]

It has its ups and downs. Just yesterday i used the select shift to go from 4th to 2nd, was doing about 60km/h, and it took a good 2 seconds before it changed, other times it will do it instantly. Its a very tempermental box, i have a feeling that my 6AT is female!!!

[payaya]

I'm satisfied with it, but it is not exactly breaking new ground for an auto. Given that it is a $2000 option and the superior ZF box in the Falcon range is $1250, it is somewhat overpriced.

As many have stated previously, the ZF 'box in the Falcon range is superior, but even that is not as good as the best auto I've driven (that was the 6-speed tiptronic in my Audi TT - absolutely brilliant.)

It really needs to be driven in Sport mode to get the best "feel". Drive is OK for general cruising but it is more hesitant to kick down and thus you lose the V8 goodness.

Best option is the tiptronic mode where you are in control. I find this gives you superior control over the power and also the fuel economy (can be 0.5 -1 L/100km less when driven carefully). But Sport is a good "autopilot" option and is not overly aggressive when driven normally, but will happily kick down when you start to give it a bit of pedal.

Dont Audi use the ZF 6 Speed in their cars anyway???????

When did the Holden boys get so picky about the Autos anyway? You guys lived over a decade with the crap 4 speed! The T56 isnt exactly user friendly itself! Ya just get use to how things are!

Go a 7 Speed Merc guess ya got to be happy with that!

[HSVQUE]

The word is the GearBox has potential to be a 1000hp auto without to much hassle.. but parts are under development.. So it ill happen one day.. No R&D from the states yet on this is really holding things back.

Rob

[NickS]

2006 HSV GTS A6 ...

I have spent a whole day flogging mine around Wakefield Park ... I used the sequential shifter all day and it never missed a beat. It didn't once overide what I told it to do and it didn't hesitate on the gear changes at all.

I have found that if you go from cruising to suddenly giving it the boot it gets confused and takes a few seconds to respond. In 26,000 kms I think I have done that 2 or 3 times ... so it doesn't really worry me.

All up it's not perfect, but it's miles ahead of the clunky old 4 speed.

Just my opinion of course ...

[payaya]

Handle 1000HP? What does that have to do with anything? Comon guys the box isnt really bad, but when compared to the ZF its not as good.

As with most other american products they are never made right, and have a budget in mind. Just with most other things they make, they are never upto Euro standards. So you have a choice of a clunky manual or clunky auto!

[GODSMACK]

2006 HSV GTS A6 ...

I have spent a whole day flogging mine around Wakefield Park ... I used the sequential shifter all day and it never missed a beat. It didn't once overide what I told it to do and it didn't hesitate on the gear changes at all.

I have found that if you go from cruising to suddenly giving it the boot it gets confused and takes a few seconds to respond. In 26,000 kms I think I have done that 2 or 3 times ... so it doesn't really worry me.

All up it's not perfect, but it's miles ahead of the clunky old 4 speed.

Just my opinion of course ... That might explain what happened to me.. Im a pretty sedate driver, only once in a while do i actually give it a flogging... Maybe i should give her a little more every now and then...

[Steve-LS2]

look behind the motor, this is where they usually are....:D

[Big_Valven]

A little OT but the best 6 speed auto I've experienced is in a Land Rover Discovery 3 S (with the bottom N/A petrol V6.) That thing is sublime and smooth as silk. Very responsive, sharp and decisive. We were towing a speedboat with one, and after playing around with the gears found we were doing nearly 140 km/h without effort. Pootling around town, if you closed your eyes you would swear it didn't even have gears.

[Steve-LS2]

A little OT but the best 6 speed auto I've experienced is in a Land Rover Discovery 3 S (with the bottom N/A petrol V6.) That thing is sublime and smooth as silk. Very responsive, sharp and decisive. We were towing a speedboat with one, and after playing around with the gears found we were doing nearly 140 km/h without effort. Pootling around town, if you closed your eyes you would swear it didn't even have gears.

errr, what do your eyes have to do with noticing if an auto tranny is changing gears? Is it just me or would that be your senses of touch and hearing that would pick up the changes in engine speed and the feel of the gear changing....? :stick:

[GODSMACK]

errr, what do your eyes have to do with noticing if an auto tranny is changing gears? Is it just me or would that be your senses of touch and hearing that would pick up the changes in engine speed and the feel of the gear changing....? :stick:
A little bored are we Steve?

[payaya]

errr, what do your eyes have to do with noticing if an auto tranny is changing gears? Is it just me or would that be your senses of touch and hearing that would pick up the changes in engine speed and the feel of the gear changing....? :stick:

Probably shift indicator on the dash! Also another ZF boxed car.

[Steve-LS2]

A little bored are we Steve?

Yeah a little, just waiting for finance manager at work to sign my Novated lease paperwork and then i picvk up my car on Friday. :D, but yeah otherwise pretty bored

[HSVQUE]

payaya ok we get it.. you like Euro cars.. so what? Maybe the gearbox isnt upto Euro standard but how much is a top of the line VE HSV compared to merc with a 7spd gearbox?

What im saying is the auto has potential.. but for a standard auto you might need to get the line pressures adjusted because if you keep letting it slurr into each gear as some people are having problems with then you will burn the clutch's in the auto.. and that is what is happening to a fair few peoples auto's.. All in all there a good gearbox if you treat them right.

[GODSMACK]

Yeah a little, just waiting for finance manager at work to sign my Novated lease paperwork and then i picvk up my car on Friday. :D, but yeah otherwise pretty bored lucky for you.... Im in the midst of completing our departments Mid Year review... Not fun i tells ya!!!


payaya ok we get it.. you like Euro cars.. so what? Maybe the gearbox isnt upto Euro standard but how much is a top of the line VE HSV compared to merc with a 7spd gearbox?

What im saying is the auto has potential.. but for a standard auto you might need to get the line pressures adjusted because if you keep letting it slurr into each gear as some people are having problems with then you will burn the clutch's in the auto.. and that is what is happening to a fair few peoples auto's.. All in all there a good gearbox if you treat them right.

The new turbo diesel Skoda is probably his favorite!!

[HSVQUE]

Maybe hes saving for the Mercedes CLS 500 with the 7 speed auto.. Which is in every VE owners price range at around $150,000 for a used 2005 model.. :spew:

[Big_Valven]

errr, what do your eyes have to do with noticing if an auto tranny is changing gears? Is it just me or would that be your senses of touch and hearing that would pick up the changes in engine speed and the feel of the gear changing....? :stick:

Sorry, what I meant is as a passenger, even in tiptronic (where the driver has to physically shift the lever in order to operate the gearbox, ending in a visual result) Your other senses (feel, sound, smell etc.) can hardly tell the car is shifting gears. Seeing the stick move is the only indication that it's going through gears. :)

And undoubtedly a ZF boxed car. Every second part under the dash is labelled FORD.

[Wonky]

It has its ups and downs. Just yesterday i used the select shift to go from 4th to 2nd, was doing about 60km/h, and it took a good 2 seconds before it changed, other times it will do it instantly. Its a very tempermental box, i have a feeling that my 6AT is female!!!

Yeah, that's what I find too. Sometimes in seemingly similar situations it will drop back quickly and other times it takes forever. Am just hoping the software to tweak it as part of a tune becomes more widely available soon......

[GODSMACK]

Yeah, that's what I find too. Sometimes in seemingly similar situations it will drop back quickly and other times it takes forever. Am just hoping the software to tweak it as part of a tune becomes more widely available soon......
I wasnt aware they were working on a tweak, good to know, thanks Wonky... Is that something that would be flashed/upgraded under warranty?

[KingClifton]

Dont Audi use the ZF 6 Speed in their cars anyway???????

Go a 7 Speed Merc guess ya got to be happy with that!

Audi use the ZF for their longtitudinal-mount quattro-equipped vehicles (A6 and A8). Other ones use lesser gearboxes. I have not driven one of those beasties, but AFAIK the 6-speed auto in the TT is a particularly specialist application given the transverse-mount and front-wheel-drive (not to mention very compact dimensions).

The 7-speed auto in the Merc? Hmmm, no thanks, I don't want a 'box that takes off in 2nd gear all the time :)

[mustanger]

You can adjust your shifts with a tune.I have had the shift points firmed up a bit on my GTS and that has helped. The factory setting is too soft and this is done to protect the box. Is the 6 speed auto perfect?......The answer is no, but it is a lot better than others out there.:driving:90% of the time it does what you tell it to do. Coming from a 6 speed manual GTS,I can say that I am reasonably happy with my current 6 speed auto and I would still recommend one........Cheers John

[Pickles]

Thanks for your replys--not as positive as I would have expected, especially from owners, who are obviously experiencing the same issues as my friend did, during his test drive.
Any other comments, from drivers of 6 speed autos particularly, would be appreciated, as it looks as if, based on his, & these, opinions, he will be changing his order from an auto to a manual.
Cheers, PGB005.

[Gump]

Good box and does what my right foot tells it to do (well 99% of the time). Gear changes are nice and crisp and when in sports mode and with TC off the chirps into 2nd gear are very nice.

Will see how it handles the TT

[BadMac]

It all depends on what you want. I have a VE R8 and a XR6 (with A6).

If you want an auto to drive the car smoothly, look after itself and be nice and out of sight (90% of the population) then the A6 is fine, its everybit as good as the A6 in my XR6. So for most of the population is great and they don't notice it (hell most people don't even care if its 4, 5 or 6 speed) they just want an auto to put in drive and get to point B without breaking.

If you want and Auto to be a manual, then the ZF is the best, the GM one is pretty good and if you are really into it (ie track or really really clear roads with lots of twisties) then the GM one is as good as the ZF (I find the GM one very responsive if you give it some, yes occasionally you can fool it, but while the ZF is even better you can fool it too).

If you want a sport auto the ZF is the only choise, the GM one is useless. It clunks on downshifts, selects 1st when second or third would do given the torque of the LS2, it holds gears too long when you squirt between corners and it downshifts to quickly (it will happily downshift halfway through a corner and you need the ESP on to keep it under control). The ZF is light years ahead in this mode.

If you want a great engine and overall package the GTS is hard to beat even at twice the price, the A6 is fine in manual mode and great in auto, if sports auto is your thing buy a BMW.

By the way while the ZF is good, definately don't buy a BF, your mate will regret that decsion as soon as Orion is released.

So in Summary if he wants a track car buy a manual GTS or something european. If he wants a fmaily car buy anything (even a Aurion). If he wants a fun car which can be driven hard and put a smile on your dial then the GTS is the best choice BAR NONE, for the money (Until Orion F6, then I reserve the right to change my opinion!!!)

[payaya]

Also in summary the yanks prefer bank for your buck over quality its shown in everything they build. The euros prefer quality first.

If you compare the best 6 speed auto in europe then obviously its going to be hard to compete agianst.

I guess Holden could have gone the ZF but other factor would have lead this not to happen.

[EfiJy]

the diff bw a good auto and a bad is the tune. cant holden fix the problems with a flash?

[payaya]

eh???????????????????

[EfiJy]

eh???????????????????

how else u gonna fix the autos shift quality,. its all electronic mate. u think the zf is gold. it has electronics too. if holden spend enough time opening its brains it will perform exactly like a zf. r u saing the 6 its faulty?

[payaya]

"the diff bw a good auto and a bad is the tune. cant holden fix the problems with a flash?"

Mate I was confused because I had no idea what you were saying. I understand now. No idea if its just electrical adjustments that makes a good box, Im thinknig it would be partly mechanical too.

[EfiJy]

No idea if its just electrical adjustments that makes a good box, Im thinknig it would be partly mechanical too.

like what?

look forward 2 yr ansewr

[Wonky]

I wasnt aware they were working on a tweak, good to know, thanks Wonky... Is that something that would be flashed/upgraded under warranty?

Sorry, I was referring to tweaking which comes as part of an engine tune (edit) as it did on earlier models. I know a few people on here (eg. Mustanger as above) have had their A6 tweaked by a tuner but my understanding (which could be wrong) is that none of the tuning products eg EFI Live have released for general consumption tweaks for Holden's A6. Apparently there are beta versions......

If Holden do come up with their own improvements they would typically be flashed in during a routine service and most people would have no idea.........

[CalaisRider]

I have been driving the A6 for a tad over 12 mths now, and have had it flashed plus the shift pressures changed on numerous occasions previously, but still not totally to my liking (no-ones fault just the available software was not really up to the job)

Last Friday when Steve from Oztrack was up on the sunny coast, so I got him to re-flash the gearbox and do the settings under actual "on road driving" conditions. Man what a difference, I couldn't be happier with the way it performs now. Its crisp and sharp plus locks in really hard.

Its almost like I have added a bucketload of kw and also torque to it. Quite weired, as it seems to pull ever so strong now. There was nothing done to change the tune at all, so the result is simply the difference in the gearbox settings. I am not a techo, but would swear that the more I drive it now, the more responsive it is becoming.:)

Awesome result beyond my expectations, and is set to the revs, shift points and kickdowns that suit where the cam is making power according to the dyno. :bow:


Pete

[SS Enforcer]

I had mine done the same way Calaisrider has had his setup and the shifts are now much better.

In stock form the box worked well at WOT and part throttle but seemed pretty ordinary at mid throttle and getting on and off it in a spirited fashion.


cheers

[ITROCS]

Is there anyway of making the sports mode stay on all the time instead of having to select the button everytime you start the car??? The auto's far better in sports mode I think..

Peter.........

[HSV Manta]

I had mine done the same way Calaisrider has had his setup and the shifts are now much better.

In stock form the box worked well at WOT and part throttle but seemed pretty ordinary at mid throttle and getting on and off it in a spirited fashion.


cheers

So its not just mine then. I was becoming concerned. But compared to my old t700in my old Hsv it is chalk and cheese.

[GF81]

I'm really keen to hear the opinion's of those that have driven them a fair bit because I'm in the market for a brand new Maloo and while the manual would probably (or always) be my first choice the missus would want an auto and I thought the new 6 speed auto could be a good compromise. :argue:
I'd thought that I could get the auto and just use it in tiptronic mode for myself (or sport if I get to feeling lazy) and it would be virtually as good and enjoyable as the manual. Obviously this is only if it will let me change into the gear I tell it to when I tell it to (especially on downshifts), which from all accounts so far it will. It also has to shift hard (or harder than standard mode at least) in tiptronic and sport mode.
At the end of the day the shift quality and overall performance has to heaps better than the 4L60E that I've been trying to learn to live with. :banghead:

[BadMac]

I'm really keen to hear the opinion's of those that have driven them a fair bit because I'm in the market for a brand new Maloo and while the manual would probably (or always) be my first choice the missus would want an auto and I thought the new 6 speed auto could be a good compromise. :argue:
I'd thought that I could get the auto and just use it in tiptronic mode for myself (or sport if I get to feeling lazy) and it would be virtually as good and enjoyable as the manual. Obviously this is only if it will let me change into the gear I tell it to when I tell it to (especially on downshifts), which from all accounts so far it will. It also has to shift hard (or harder than standard mode at least) in tiptronic and sport mode.
At the end of the day the shift quality and overall performance has to heaps better than the 4L60E that I've been trying to learn to live with. :banghead:

Its not a manual. I bought an A6 for the same reason and in the end had to buy her her own car as she found it too big. Now I have an auto that only I drive and would strongly prefer a manual.

As for doing what you tell it in sports manual. Yeah mostly. I hate it how you change down as you brake say at a roundabout, then accelerate only to find its changed to first when you left it in third to just grunt out. The box downshifts below certain speeds even though at standstill you can select third and pull off. Bloody annoying and can cause issues when you nail it in what you thought was third and its in first (smooth acceleration becomes a DSC challanging slide).

[CalaisRider]

I'm really keen to hear the opinion's of those that have driven them a fair bit because I'm in the market for a brand new Maloo and while the manual would probably (or always) be my first choice the missus would want an auto and I thought the new 6 speed auto could be a good compromise. :argue:
I'd thought that I could get the auto and just use it in tiptronic mode for myself (or sport if I get to feeling lazy) and it would be virtually as good and enjoyable as the manual. Obviously this is only if it will let me change into the gear I tell it to when I tell it to (especially on downshifts), which from all accounts so far it will. It also has to shift hard (or harder than standard mode at least) in tiptronic and sport mode.
At the end of the day the shift quality and overall performance has to heaps better than the 4L60E that I've been trying to learn to live with. :banghead:



The way to fix the kickdown is diff gears, plus if you are anywhere near Oztrack get him to do a gearbox flash... I'm running 3.7s and going to 4.11s in a few weeks when available.

I run mine on Qld Raceway almost every month and use manual mode often. To date it works just fine. If on the very rare occasion it wont down shift cause it will be near the limiter, just give the throttle a blip as you downshift (same a shuffle in manual) and it hooks in fine on mine. I have my rev limiter at 7,200 with sports shift changing at 7,000 and normal auto changing at 6,700 with the obligatory engine mods to ensure its safe to take these high revs.

If you do leave it in a gear too tall for a corner around town and exit hard on the throttle, it will kickdown (I usually drive the opposite, so no issue).

Living in the city and daily drive, I believe the A6 is the best of all worlds and a great compromise. It has had an extremely hard life and still going strong ATM.

[LDV60]

I've had my A6 Clubsport for around 12,000km now.
I find it a lot more responsive and enjoyable to drive in sports mode, with ESP turned off. It certainly drives much more like I want it to, rather than how the "safety nazi" computer wants me to. (not that its at all BAD in normal modes)
I've found that I'm actually quicker and smoother around Queensland Raceway in sports/ESP off than in tiptronic manual mode anyway.
Having said that I've never had any difficulties in shifting when I wanted it to.
I am actually glad to have purchased the A6 now.
I had certainly wanted an M6, but just wasn't willing to wait the extra 6 weeks for a Black one to arrive, when there was a Black A6 on the lot ready to go (with a discount to boot)

[Clutch22]

Took a recent customer out for a test drive in the auto. He loved it. He acknowledged that it wasn't responsive in D but flick it over to the sport shift auto and it "really wants to get up and go." Loved the gearbox on the whole.


Whereas there was this company and the two bigheads there bought a HSV each. One bought a GTS Manual, the other bought an R8 Auto. They swapped cars for a day and the outcome was: The owner of the GTS thought the auto was "gay." And the driver of the R8 thought he should've bought the manual.

I would suggest, I think the original post was his brother buying the car? Anyway, whoever is buying the car should go back to the dealer and just test drive the manual. If the dealer has any brains he won't care as long as you're a genuine buyer.

Don't buy the car unless you're 100% on it. Simple as that. I've told customers when they come in for SS, and SS-V when they say to me "I'm not sure about the auto..." I tell take them out in a manual and then their minds are made up when we return from the test drive. Either it's dragged them from the manual, or pushed their love of the auto up a notch.

I will say though when you buy a manual, it might be fun driving it around for a couple of months, but some people get sick of it. Especially if you're going to be driving it a few years. Thank goodness for company cars I just rotate between the V8 autos and manuals every time. Never gets old. I find when I drive the auto, I miss the "feel" of the manual. But when I'm in the manual, especially on the freeway, I hate the changing gears bs constantly.

Oh, also, the manuals sound better when you start the engine, and when you rev them at the lights hahaha.

To the guy buying the maloo, I would manual. I don't know, the utes I see purely as toys whereas the sedans I see more practicality in them. So with the big toy I would only opt manual. And you know when you start the engine and the whole car shakes the foundations beneath you--this is the car you want.

[ringram]

Tuning the T43 controller in the trans is pretty much out there now with both efilive and hpt.
You can up line pressures and change up and downshifts based on speed and thottle position.
I too am considering an auto. I like to drive my car fairly hard, but my GF and friends dont want to get in the car with me. Maybe its the drifting and 1/4 mile launches that put them off ;)
Anyway, in London traffic is a nightmare, so while my LS1 with LS7 clutch was fine, it gets to be a pain in traffic. I use mine mainly for trips aways and motorway travel so I dont often sit in traffic with it.
I think the issues people have with shifting and slop can be taken out with the trans controller for sure. Dan at Chipmaster Im sure can give more info on this side of things.

Has anyone come from a Manual to an Auto and regretted the decision?

[BlownVR]

Tuning the T43 controller in the trans is pretty much out there now with both efilive and hpt.
You can up line pressures and change up and downshifts based on speed and thottle position.
This is true but last time I checked, the current software still does not give access to the adaptive features (hill descent etc) which can be a real PITA. Hopefully full control is not far away and then the A6 should be a real good thing!

[SS Enforcer]

Has anyone come from a Manual to an Auto and regretted the decision?


Me gone from a M6 in a VU to the VE A6 ...... if I was doing it again now I would buy another manual definately. The auto is good and you can still play with it a fair bit but miss the rev control in a manual. having said that I ate up rear tyres pretty quick with the ute. :hide:

cheers

[LSX-438]

To be blunt i find the A6 "experience" crap. Sure it's fine if you put it in D and just drive to the shops, albeit the box is somewhat confused half the time anyway. Try and use the sequential shift features - pfft what a waste of time. It's slow, REAL slow, sometimes taking 2 seconds to change. Sports mode is clunky / harsher for some reason, WAY clunkier than the older A4 box (at least vs the VZ anyway). If you can drive a manual, and think the A6 tiptronic features might satisfy the urge, forget it! Get the manual. The A4 3-2-1 gear changes in my VZ is actually better (smoother, quicker and feel more refined) than the A6 +/- tiptronic changes. Big disappointment for me. My wife doesnt care though, i'm sure she doesnt even know what the +/- symbols mean.

[planetdavo]

I'm sure if I looked at a Ford forum, they would ALSO be complaining about their auto!
What is it with some car guys expecting absolute perfection in their "average wage" car? There are reasons these cars aren't twice the price, you all realise don't you...???
The main thing that "tricks" these autos sometimes is that their learning capabilities "learn" the way you drive most of the time, then when you drive it a noticeably different way for some reason, it can get a bit confused, as it hasn't recently "learned" from that style.
PS: I'm tipping a fair number of the drivers of these 6 speed auto cars make a lot more mistakes in one day on the road than the auto makes mistakes!
How about we all keep it in perspective a bit, peoples.....

[LSX-438]

Well, north of $70k i expected better. But i don't really care that much (it's a family car i hardly ever drive myself) just being honest. I have spent that sort of money before (A4 HSV auto) and to be frank i thought it was "better" (well, not as noticably lacking in the features - probably because it had none - lol). I'm not after perfection (far from it) but either these people are over-reacting, chasing absolute perfection OR perhaps the box / calibration is not as good as it could be? The latter seems perfectly reasonable. This is a "series 1" after all, and it's just a calibration issue. I am sure it will get better.

[planetdavo]

The later auto's have hardware improvements that can't be retro-fitted to earlier versions. That would suggest it's more than simple tuning.
Holden released a bulletin to dealers a while ago for early VE's, advising on resetting the PCM then "teaching" it a certain driving method to remove some complained about situations.

[LSX-438]

damn than it's worse than i thought. Mine is only 2 months old and must be oe of the better ones.

[Alex(AUS)]

The later auto's have hardware improvements that can't be retro-fitted to earlier versions. That would suggest it's more than simple tuning.
Holden released a bulletin to dealers a while ago for early VE's, advising on resetting the PCM then "teaching" it a certain driving method to remove some complained about situations.

What are the hardware differences?

Alex

[SS Enforcer]

The later auto's have hardware improvements that can't be retro-fitted to earlier versions. That would suggest it's more than simple tuning.
Holden released a bulletin to dealers a while ago for early VE's, advising on resetting the PCM then "teaching" it a certain driving method to remove some complained about situations.


Can't be retro fitted easily / cheaply don't you mean. ?

It's a 6l80e so unless the later cars have a different box any parts can be replaced.

Mine still flares sometimes and it's been there from day 1 so it's obviously a slow learner.

cheers

cheers

[planetdavo]

I'd have to do some homework, but several internal parts, plus the later shift software aren't "direct fit" interchangeable.
4L60E ran from VR-VZ, but there were more versions than I've got fingers. 6L80E has had running changes as well.
Sure many things can be done, when cost is of no importance.

[Martin_D]

Our A6 in our Gen-TT VE ute is hanging on nicely. We have spent plenty of timing tuning the transmission to suit the torque delivery of the turbochargers, making it far less 'jumpy' and prone to kick down constantly...rather using the torque of the engine. Even after 4000km twin turbocharged the transmission is still crisp enough to chirp second and third gears on shift :)

If you want to sample transmission perfection dont look past the Mercedes/AMG five and six speed automatics. A very simple case of getting what you pay for, there is no better auto transmission I have driven :cool:

[Traitor]

Can't be retro fitted easily / cheaply don't you mean. ?

It's a 6l80e so unless the later cars have a different box any parts can be replaced.

Mine still flares sometimes and it's been there from day 1 so it's obviously a slow learner.

cheers

cheers

I thought the 6L80E couldn't be opened???
Meaning no hardware changes, or even fluid changes!?

[ringram]

Yes I read I think maybe on the corvette forum that there were internal hydrolic valve etc changes, like the shift kits in the old days. I guess new software matches the mechanics of the trans much like physical changes in the engine need different calibrations in the ECU.
I guess you can only tune to the trans you have as best you can.

So are you telling me on the auto even in trip shift mode that the trans will up or downshift itself on a slope etc? Sounds like if you want perfection in shifting get the manual and learn to shift it like automan :)

[SS Enforcer]

I thought the 6L80E couldn't be opened???
Meaning no hardware changes, or even fluid changes!?

I don't know about opening them but couldn't see why not.

As for fluid changes that is certainly possible I have had mine topped up not long ago.

cheers

[VEGTS]

The later auto's have hardware improvements that can't be retro-fitted to earlier versions. That would suggest it's more than simple tuning.
Holden released a bulletin to dealers a while ago for early VE's, advising on resetting the PCM then "teaching" it a certain driving method to remove some complained about situations.

Any idea how long ago they would have first put the "updated" autos in? Mine was replaced about 6 monthe ago for the( flare ) which now is called factory programed. Mine is going strong after 10k with the 340rwkw blower on and i drive it hard every day! The only problem is when its cold it slips in 2nd. This has always been there even before it was blown.I want to do a cam & full exhaust and aim for 400rwk but am scared without the auto beefed up i will kill it. What can be done just tune? Or hardware as well?

[ringram]

Well after looking an efilive trans tune there is loads you can play with. Shift speeds in tip or auto mode, shift times as well as shift pressures by rpm, road speed and throttle position.
VEGTS you can see why it might slip when cold as some trans pressures are increased 100% going from 20*C to 30*C trans temp! From 500kpa to 1000kpa. That for example is for a 2-3 shift with a fair bit of torque (450NM).

Here is a comment from the tune "Defines the vehicle speed all the part throttle Tap Up / Tap Down mode shifts will occur based on throttle position.
These speeds will override the driver Tap Up / Tap Down selection." So you can see why the manual override is no good, the tune will do its own thing. I guess you can tune it out by telling it never to override by telling it for instance to upshift at 500kmph.

Anyway would be interested in whether anyone has messed much with the trans tuning :)

[planetdavo]

Any idea how long ago they would have first put the "updated" autos in? Mine was replaced about 6 monthe ago for the( flare ) which now is called factory programed. Mine is going strong after 10k with the 340rwkw blower on and i drive it hard every day! The only problem is when its cold it slips in 2nd. This has always been there even before it was blown.I want to do a cam & full exhaust and aim for 400rwk but am scared without the auto beefed up i will kill it. What can be done just tune? Or hardware as well?

I'll have to find the bulletin first to answer that. Cold temp slip/flare was one issue covered.

[SS Enforcer]

I had the update done for the box and it did make a difference. It didn't make it better, just different is all . Oz checked the new cals that were done against the original settings and TBH they changed very little the line pressure from 2/3 was lower than the others obviously trying to stop em flaring. Now have had the shift points, TM and pressures adjusted so it's much better to drive. The flaring is still there sometimes but not as much as before.

cheers

[Alex(AUS)]

I would like to know what the differences are between the 06/07 and the 08 models. Having a rev matching blip would be nice to have and may allow for faster and more accurate shifts. Maybe the modifications are minor ... I would be happy to pay to have them done ...

Otherwise, is it possible to enable rev matching with the old software with a efilive calibration?

Thanks,

Alex

[VEGTS]

I would like to know what the differences are between the 06/07 and the 08 models. Having a rev matching blip would be nice to have and may allow for faster and more accurate shifts. Maybe the modifications are minor ... I would be happy to pay to have them done ...

Otherwise, is it possible to enable rev matching with the old software with a efilive calibration?

Thanks,

Alex


The blip on auto/sport down shift is in mine but i dont use drive unless im on a long road.I always use trip tronic.Mine is a 10/06 build so i think they put what they wanted in.Any tuners that can help with strengthening mine i am ready to go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

[Alex(AUS)]

The blip on auto/sport down shift is in mine but i dont use drive unless im on a long road.I always use trip tronic.Mine is a 10/06 build so i think they put what they wanted in.Any tuners that can help with strengthening mine i am ready to go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

I think mine does it in sport mode too but I also want it to be in the manual mode. Can this be programmed in?

Alex

[V8EST8]

My auto was good but not how I liked it. Would hold onto gears way to long in light throttle cruising & was shifting at a crazy 6600rpm at WOT. You could actually feel the power tapering off before it shifted. 1st to 2nd in light throttle was also very hard shifting. Someone had a go at tuning it in Adelaide before I bought it so my probs could all be from them fiddling and quite clearly not knowing what they were doing. I also have alot of detonation. Mine is a 07 HSV SENATOR. Had a tuner change all this around for me & we had a MY08 there as well to compare. It ran alot of different settings to mine including blips on downshifts. We enabled the blip on upshifts in both drive and semi-man. I don't have the feature to blip on downshifts so i think they are going to flash a MY08 system in to do it now if they find out that can be done. Very happy now. Auto all the way. Manual for the track. I should be getting alot better fuel economy now.

[JezzaB]

Well after looking an efilive trans tune there is loads you can play with. Shift speeds in tip or auto mode, shift times as well as shift pressures by rpm, road speed and throttle position.
VEGTS you can see why it might slip when cold as some trans pressures are increased 100% going from 20*C to 30*C trans temp! From 500kpa to 1000kpa. That for example is for a 2-3 shift with a fair bit of torque (450NM).

Here is a comment from the tune "Defines the vehicle speed all the part throttle Tap Up / Tap Down mode shifts will occur based on throttle position.
These speeds will override the driver Tap Up / Tap Down selection." So you can see why the manual override is no good, the tune will do its own thing. I guess you can tune it out by telling it never to override by telling it for instance to upshift at 500kmph.

Anyway would be interested in whether anyone has messed much with the trans tuning :)

Ive been playing with an A6 SSV for a while now (MY08) and it was certainly very daugnting at the start. There is soooooooooo many options to tune. These babys dont shift up and down like your good old A4 (shift 1 to 2 to 3 to4) They can shift 1-2 then 3-5 or 3-6th etc. Then you have pressures and shift times for all of those shifts and then if its in tap mode or normal etc.
But you also have to be very careful with changing shift times because you can blow the box pretty easy.

Removing Torque Reduction between shifts helps as a major improvement to the "hesitation" between shifts. That really used to suck bad, feel like its just about stopping then shifting. Few other things here and there.

I personally reckon they are the best auto I have driven but like its been said, sometimes they can become a little confused but generally ok (might have to try a few things to fix that).

Just my 2c

Jez

[1HDT 05]

Been driving my GTS since July, my observations are that the "normal" auto mode chucks the car into 5th and 6th way too early (probably to get better fuel economy) as a result the car feels sluggish and there is too much delay in kicking down through the gears when you put your foot down.

I mainly drive the car in manual mode unless I'm doing a long country drive or in peak hour traffic. I don't have any complaints about the manual mode, I think it's great. When i do drive in auto mode I use the sports mode, it's not perfect it can hold a gear way too long on occasion but its fine for peak hour traffic.

I would never buy a manual because i just cant be stuffed driving in peak hour traffic with one.

I think the auto is pretty good, it has the flexibility to appeal to me because I like to choose when to change gears most of the time. And if I don't there always sports mode to use (except when u use cruise control for some reason).

The autos in Aust cars have improved greatly, the auto in the GTS is light years ahead of the wife's BA XR6 Turbo.

[Alex(AUS)]

My auto was good but not how I liked it. Would hold onto gears way to long in light throttle cruising & was shifting at a crazy 6600rpm at WOT. You could actually feel the power tapering off before it shifted. 1st to 2nd in light throttle was also very hard shifting. Someone had a go at tuning it in Adelaide before I bought it so my probs could all be from them fiddling and quite clearly not knowing what they were doing. I also have alot of detonation. Mine is a 07 HSV SENATOR. Had a tuner change all this around for me & we had a MY08 there as well to compare. It ran alot of different settings to mine including blips on downshifts. We enabled the blip on upshifts in both drive and semi-man. I don't have the feature to blip on downshifts so i think they are going to flash a MY08 system in to do it now if they find out that can be done. Very happy now. Auto all the way. Manual for the track. I should be getting alot better fuel economy now.

I have been told that it is not possible to update the MY07 calibration with a MY08 'blip' version because there are some hardware differences and Efilive cannot currently change the gearbox operating system (which is also required). If you do manage to do this please report back. I would like to have mine done also ...

Thanks,

Alex