I did this with the tempo all the time, and I find myself doing it with this car. I like a spirited takeoff, the 3800 sounds great when it gets encouraged , but in an effort to preserve the motor/transmission, I run it to about 30mph in first, let off the gas, and jump back on it after it shifts. Is this preserviing anything? Is it breaking anything? I just feel guilty everytime it shifts under full load, and i know it is not the best for it. Advice?

BTW, I never do this in mom'* taurus, stupid thing shifts stupid slow.

I do the same thing in my Honda (automatic) and have always wondered the same thing.

Hmm, I do the same thing... Never really thought about it

I do this too...weird.

I hope someone helps us out with some of their knowledge!!

You guys sound like my wife.

I drive like I got an egg under my foot. I guess that'* why I get better gas milage than wife does.

You get back on it after it shifts? Thats probably the only bad part. Doesn't the trans try to downshift when you do that?

I run it hard all the way through the shift, makes me smile everytime.

not if you pass the point of no return

Well it depends...

Usually if I am really hot-rodding the SE, then I leave it in 1st and go WOT, then let off the gas, shift to 2nd, then get back on it pretty tough.

If not, then after I let it shift, I just don't push the pedal all the way down again (most of the way instead), knowing it will stay in 2nd gear at that location and not jump back to 1st.

jbmark33, no need to drive it like a manual, its not.

If you leave your gear selector in 1st and go to WOT, the transmission will shift into 2nd, even if you don't put the selector there.

I know it'* not a manual, but it'* fun to throw around your passengers by shifting manually by letting off the gas (passenger'* lean forward), then shifting to second and mashing the pedal (passenger'* enjoy the comfy seat backs )

So, if i leave the gear selector in 1st does it shift at the same rpms as Overdrive (D) or Drive(3) ?