Hope this doesn't sound to dumb.

I've always been under the impression that no matter what position the shifter is in, that you always start out in 1st gear. When I have my shifter in "2" it starts out in 2nd gear not 1st. Is this normal? When the shifter is in "D" or "1" it starts out in 1st gear. Maybe I better look in the manual.

Coop

 

Yes with the shifter in second gear it will start out in second gear. This has been very advantagous for my Pontiac GTP, coming off the line if you start in second gear it reduces wheel spin and actually gives a much quicker response then dealing with keeping the tires on the ground and going thru first.

 

HUh?

The only advatage I can think of, maybe, is if its real slick...like ice. Is that what you meant?

 

Cooper, my GTP is supercharged and in first gear will flatout light the tires up on any surface. By starting in second gear less immediate torque is put on the wheels, reducing the initial wheel spin. It does produce better 0-60 times starting in second in that car. I am not saying that starting in second will produce better times in all vehicles, not at all. I was pointing out the fact that not only Ford but all transmissions will start in second gear if that gear is selected and that in the case of my Grand Prix GTP it is a benefit to do so. I picked up this little trick in a Car and Driver rag that was doing test on the GTP when it first came out. They had noted the significant improvement in times when starting in second gear. I hope this helps explain my answer.

 

Yes to reduce wheel spin because of the surface conditions(mud sand) you can start in 2nd to reduce wheel spin..

 

Thanks Guys.

It's finally sinking in now. Now that I know about it, i'll be using it alot when its slick.

Coop