Leave it in 3rd???

98SS · 07-19-2004, 04:37 PM

I was kinda bewildered to hear someone say they got their best time by putting it in third and leaving it. Has anyone tried this?

The guy who told me this has an ext-cab, 4.3L, w/3.08 rear, cai, and efan. I'm pretty sure all the other mods are cosmetic. I'm not sure of the year but I think it's about a 99-00.

He said he ran a low 15 like 15.2 or something by just putting it in 3rd from the start and leaving it.

It might be possible he meant that he changed from 1st to 2nd and then left it in 3rd once he got to it. But I asked him if he meant from the start and he said yeah.

I was like

and couldn't believe it.

MINTSICK · 07-19-2004, 06:25 PM

Well starting out in 3rd isn't possible with a stock 4l60e, selecting "3" merely only allows the tranny to shift 1-2-3 and then it holds 3rd gear. But, if you are talking about a 5 speed transmission, then you should find that guy and punch him in the face.

98SS · 07-19-2004, 08:15 PM

No, he has auto tranny, as well.

I didn't know that about selecting "3". I thought those were to select that gear only. I never used it.

I'm sure that's what he means.

Thanks MINT

MINTSICK · 07-20-2004, 06:53 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Tims98SS

No, he has auto tranny, as well.

I didn't know that about selecting "3". I thought those were to select that gear only. I never used it.

I'm sure that's what he means.

Thanks MINT

I am not an automatic tranny expert by any means, but I do know that selecting 3 will still start out in 1st gear and hold 3rd once it gets there.

woodshop98 · 07-20-2004, 07:05 PM

the 4L60E transmission, since its electronically controlled, does change the shift pattern when selecting 3 as opposed to D, I always drive around town in 3, I don't move into overdrive untill I'm holding steady over 50. The truck is much quicker between 40-60 when it's in 3.

that said, its possible that leaving it in 3 could improve your quarter mile time, but it won't make a drastic difference if at all, and its possible it could slow you down if you top out in 3rd too early.

oh and by the way, selecting 3 does not hold the transmission in 3rd gear, it just means the automatic won't use 4th, this also is true for 2, it will still start in 1st gear and shift automatically to 2nd gear, it just wont go into 3 or 4

riddic1985 · 07-20-2004, 07:38 PM

he probly meant it because if your truck does hit 4th it will bog down and youll loose time its better to leave it in 3rd so you tach it up i dont know how a stock one runs but mine has the mach reflash so it really tacks up and if its floored wont go into 4th as far as i know lol its gotten up there and stayed in 3rd

wu501 · 07-20-2004, 08:11 PM

werd, my blazer has 1,2,3 and then drive/overdrive. i drive it in 3rd unless im on the highway doing over 55 or so. its slow as hell if i take off in regular drive/overdrive. You just gotta make sure to switch it in to drive once your speed gets up there or you will just top out third.

98SS · 07-21-2004, 09:27 AM

Cool.

A buddy of mine who has the '03 Hemi Ram ran it when he first got it and pulled a 15.2 in drive. I told him about this selection thing, but he said he only had 1, 2, and D.

He and I are gonna head to the track within the next month and see what my truck runs without mods so I'll have a baseline to compare to if/when I do start modding it. (well, .. I say no mods because all I have is new pipes behind the cat and a Thrush muff.)

riddic1985 · 07-21-2004, 07:03 PM

he probly has 1,2,D, and an electric overdrive, just a guess, so he should put it in D and make sure the electronic overdrive is off of course ive never driven one

trix · 07-21-2004, 07:29 PM

sweet tip. i didnt know about the 3 starts in 1 either( does that make sense?)

MINTSICK · 07-21-2004, 07:59 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by wu501

werd, my blazer has 1,2,3 and then drive/overdrive. i drive it in 3rd unless im on the highway doing over 55 or so. its slow as hell if i take off in regular drive/overdrive. You just gotta make sure to switch it in to drive once your speed gets up there or you will just top out third.

I don't understand how it would feel any different on takeoff between 3, drive, or overdrive. Like Woodshop said, selecting 3 will not let it shift 4th gear, 2 will not let it shift to 3rd, etc, but they all start out in the same 1st gear, so it should not feel any different on takeoff at all.

97LOWNOMA · 07-21-2004, 08:29 PM

i notice no difference between 3rd and D when i am at the track. like someone said earlier, i notice a difference when passing.

Southern · 07-21-2004, 09:31 PM

15.2 is BULLSHIT.

98SS · 07-22-2004, 10:22 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Southern

15.2 is BULLSHIT.

In the dime or the Hemi?

'Cause my buddy has slips from the Hemi.

woodshop98 · 07-22-2004, 11:07 AM

15.2 in a stock dime is definatly bullshit

Ralphie · 07-22-2004, 11:11 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Tims98SS

Cool.

A buddy of mine who has the '03 Hemi Ram ran it when he first got it and pulled a 15.2 in drive. I told him about this selection thing, but he said he only had 1, 2, and D.

Sounds like he's talking about the Hemi Ram to me.

98SS · 07-22-2004, 03:59 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Ralphie

Sounds like he's talking about the Hemi Ram to me.

I am certain about the Ram.

I think they might have been calling BS on the guy who told me he ran a low 15 in a '99 Xtd-cab, 4.3L, with Efan and CAI.

I won't argue that, because I didn't see it. It didn't sound right to me either when I heard it.

If I can get my buddy to take the Ram when we go, I'll try to get video of it.

98SS · 07-31-2004, 02:47 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by MINTSICK

I don't understand how it would feel any different on takeoff between 3, drive, or overdrive. Like Woodshop said, selecting 3 will not let it shift 4th gear, 2 will not let it shift to 3rd, etc, but they all start out in the same 1st gear, so it should not feel any different on takeoff at all.

I don't know if it really makes a difference. The SLIGHT difference that I thought I felt, could very well just have been the power of suggestion.

About two more weeks and I'll be able to go to the track. I'll post my slips.

prostreetnoma · 07-31-2004, 08:09 AM

On my 02 Noma, if I put the shifter in 2nd gear, it will start out in 2nd. I read my manual, and it states that its for bad weather driving. It doesn't take off as hard, I think it sucks myself, but I did use it a few times last year in the snow, and it did make a diff.

When racing at the track or on the street ( I know I shouldn't but its in the blood)....I start out in 1st gear, then manually shift to 2nd at 4500rpm's, then once it hits 2nd, I click it into 3rd. and just leave it there until the end. I know it prob doesn't make a diff. but thats just my style of driving. I guess I should have gotten a 5-speed....LOL.

97LOWNOMA · 07-31-2004, 10:01 AM

prostreet is right, when you choose 2nd gear it starts in second gear. it lugs the motor down so you not as likely to spin the tires in bad weather.

MINTSICK · 07-31-2004, 10:02 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by 97LOWNOMA

prostreet is right, when you choose 2nd gear it starts in second gear. it lugs the motor down so you not as likely to spin the tires in bad weather.

I have never heard of that before, so if that is the case, why on earth would people use "3" at the dragstrip?!?!?

jmwxtreme43 · 07-31-2004, 10:10 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by MINTSICK

I have never heard of that before, so if that is the case, why on earth would people use "3" at the dragstrip?!?!?

yes that is stupid, in that case people would have like 6 second 60' marks and 20 second et's....?

97LOWNOMA · 07-31-2004, 11:10 PM

if you choose 2 it starts you out in second gear, its only for use in bad weather. if you start in 3 its just like starting in drive only you dont have 4th gear.

MINTSICK · 08-02-2004, 06:58 PM

That makes sense, never knew about the the 2nd gear thing before though.

jmwxtreme43 · 08-02-2004, 07:10 PM

good to have it cleared up

ZR1 S10 · 08-04-2004, 04:47 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by MINTSICK

But, if you are talking about a 5 speed transmission, then you should find that guy and punch him in the face.

dansellbuddy · 08-07-2004, 02:31 PM

i sorta noticed that with the starting out in 2. i've done that a couple times before, cause when you get to speed, the torque is just nuts, makes me feel like im actualy driving something with a real set of nuts. not sure why, but when you do run with it in 2 or 3, once you're in the right R's you pull faster. probably due to it winding out a little more instead of shifting at 3g's.

but i also never heard the 2nd gear pullout when its put into 2. nice to know that's there for a reason.

Xtreme03 · 08-07-2004, 06:36 PM

On most auto transmissions, different bands and clutches are engaged for 1st gear when you shift from OD and D (3)....like for towing you put it down in first.

Man I'm glad I got a 5-speed, I don't think I could ever go back to an auto.

jmwxtreme43 · 08-07-2004, 06:57 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Xtreme03

On most auto transmissions, different bands and clutches are engaged for 1st gear when you shift from OD and D (3)....like for towing you put it down in first.

Man I'm glad I got a 5-speed, I don't think I could ever go back to an auto.

autos are sooooooo boring to drive, nothing like ripping through the gears

07-19-2004, 04:37 PM	#1
98SS former owner Age: 29 Join Date: Feb 2003 Posts: 7,382 Location: north of Detroit .... formerly of the Memphis area User is: OffLine	Leave it in 3rd??? I was kinda bewildered to hear someone say they got their best time by putting it in third and leaving it. Has anyone tried this? The guy who told me this has an ext-cab, 4.3L, w/3.08 rear, cai, and efan. I'm pretty sure all the other mods are cosmetic. I'm not sure of the year but I think it's about a 99-00. He said he ran a low 15 like 15.2 or something by just putting it in 3rd from the start and leaving it. It might be possible he meant that he changed from 1st to 2nd and then left it in 3rd once he got to it. But I asked him if he meant from the start and he said yeah. I was like and couldn't believe it.
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-19-2004, 06:25 PM	#2
MINTSICK Gaaoooooo Age: 31 Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 12,927 Location: Kingston, NH User is: OffLine	Re: Leave it in 3rd??? Well starting out in 3rd isn't possible with a stock 4l60e, selecting "3" merely only allows the tranny to shift 1-2-3 and then it holds 3rd gear. But, if you are talking about a 5 speed transmission, then you should find that guy and punch him in the face.
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-19-2004, 08:15 PM	#3
98SS former owner Age: 29 Join Date: Feb 2003 Posts: 7,382 Location: north of Detroit .... formerly of the Memphis area User is: OffLine	Re: Leave it in 3rd??? No, he has auto tranny, as well. I didn't know that about selecting "3". I thought those were to select that gear only. I never used it. I'm sure that's what he means. Thanks MINT
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-20-2004, 06:53 PM	#4
MINTSICK Gaaoooooo Age: 31 Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 12,927 Location: Kingston, NH User is: OffLine	Re: Leave it in 3rd??? Quote: Originally Posted by Tims98SS No, he has auto tranny, as well. I didn't know that about selecting "3". I thought those were to select that gear only. I never used it. I'm sure that's what he means. Thanks MINT I am not an automatic tranny expert by any means, but I do know that selecting 3 will still start out in 1st gear and hold 3rd once it gets there.
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-20-2004, 07:05 PM	#5
woodshop98 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 11,005 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: Leave it in 3rd??? the 4L60E transmission, since its electronically controlled, does change the shift pattern when selecting 3 as opposed to D, I always drive around town in 3, I don't move into overdrive untill I'm holding steady over 50. The truck is much quicker between 40-60 when it's in 3. that said, its possible that leaving it in 3 could improve your quarter mile time, but it won't make a drastic difference if at all, and its possible it could slow you down if you top out in 3rd too early. oh and by the way, selecting 3 does not hold the transmission in 3rd gear, it just means the automatic won't use 4th, this also is true for 2, it will still start in 1st gear and shift automatically to 2nd gear, it just wont go into 3 or 4
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-20-2004, 07:38 PM	#6
riddic1985 Truckin' on a budget Age: 27 Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 1,847 Location: Ft. Hood, TX User is: OffLine	Re: Leave it in 3rd??? he probly meant it because if your truck does hit 4th it will bog down and youll loose time its better to leave it in 3rd so you tach it up i dont know how a stock one runs but mine has the mach reflash so it really tacks up and if its floored wont go into 4th as far as i know lol its gotten up there and stayed in 3rd
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-20-2004, 08:11 PM	#7
wu501 work in progress Join Date: Feb 2003 Posts: 2,628 Location: Long Island User is: OffLine	Re: Leave it in 3rd??? werd, my blazer has 1,2,3 and then drive/overdrive. i drive it in 3rd unless im on the highway doing over 55 or so. its slow as hell if i take off in regular drive/overdrive. You just gotta make sure to switch it in to drive once your speed gets up there or you will just top out third.
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-21-2004, 09:27 AM	#8
98SS former owner Age: 29 Join Date: Feb 2003 Posts: 7,382 Location: north of Detroit .... formerly of the Memphis area User is: OffLine	Re: Leave it in 3rd??? Cool. A buddy of mine who has the '03 Hemi Ram ran it when he first got it and pulled a 15.2 in drive. I told him about this selection thing, but he said he only had 1, 2, and D. He and I are gonna head to the track within the next month and see what my truck runs without mods so I'll have a baseline to compare to if/when I do start modding it. (well, .. I say no mods because all I have is new pipes behind the cat and a Thrush muff.)
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-21-2004, 07:03 PM	#9
riddic1985 Truckin' on a budget Age: 27 Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 1,847 Location: Ft. Hood, TX User is: OffLine	Re: Leave it in 3rd??? he probly has 1,2,D, and an electric overdrive, just a guess, so he should put it in D and make sure the electronic overdrive is off of course ive never driven one
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-21-2004, 07:29 PM	#10
trix Registered User Age: 25 Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 586 Location: Overland Park, KS User is: OffLine	Re: Leave it in 3rd??? sweet tip. i didnt know about the 3 starts in 1 either( does that make sense?)
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07-21-2004, 07:59 PM	#11
MINTSICK Gaaoooooo Age: 31 Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 12,927 Location: Kingston, NH User is: OffLine	Re: Leave it in 3rd??? Quote: Originally Posted by wu501 werd, my blazer has 1,2,3 and then drive/overdrive. i drive it in 3rd unless im on the highway doing over 55 or so. its slow as hell if i take off in regular drive/overdrive. You just gotta make sure to switch it in to drive once your speed gets up there or you will just top out third. I don't understand how it would feel any different on takeoff between 3, drive, or overdrive. Like Woodshop said, selecting 3 will not let it shift 4th gear, 2 will not let it shift to 3rd, etc, but they all start out in the same 1st gear, so it should not feel any different on takeoff at all.
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-21-2004, 08:29 PM	#12
97LOWNOMA Registered User Age: 29 Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 351 Location: Northwest IN User is: OffLine	Re: Leave it in 3rd??? i notice no difference between 3rd and D when i am at the track. like someone said earlier, i notice a difference when passing.
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07-21-2004, 09:31 PM	#13
Southern Two Dimes Two Age: 35 Join Date: Jun 2001 Posts: 6,718 Location: Albany, GA User is: OffLine	Re: Leave it in 3rd??? 15.2 is BULLSHIT.
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07-22-2004, 10:22 AM	#14
98SS former owner Age: 29 Join Date: Feb 2003 Posts: 7,382 Location: north of Detroit .... formerly of the Memphis area User is: OffLine	Re: Leave it in 3rd??? Quote: Originally Posted by Southern 15.2 is BULLSHIT. In the dime or the Hemi? 'Cause my buddy has slips from the Hemi.
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-22-2004, 11:07 AM	#15
woodshop98 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 11,005 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: Leave it in 3rd??? 15.2 in a stock dime is definatly bullshit
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07-22-2004, 11:11 AM	#16
Ralphie LS2OMFG Age: 28 Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 11,491 Location: Pittsburg KS User is: OffLine	Re: Leave it in 3rd??? Quote: Originally Posted by Tims98SS Cool. A buddy of mine who has the '03 Hemi Ram ran it when he first got it and pulled a 15.2 in drive. I told him about this selection thing, but he said he only had 1, 2, and D. Sounds like he's talking about the Hemi Ram to me.
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-22-2004, 03:59 PM	#17
98SS former owner Age: 29 Join Date: Feb 2003 Posts: 7,382 Location: north of Detroit .... formerly of the Memphis area User is: OffLine	Re: Leave it in 3rd??? Quote: Originally Posted by Ralphie Sounds like he's talking about the Hemi Ram to me. I am certain about the Ram. I think they might have been calling BS on the guy who told me he ran a low 15 in a '99 Xtd-cab, 4.3L, with Efan and CAI. I won't argue that, because I didn't see it. It didn't sound right to me either when I heard it. If I can get my buddy to take the Ram when we go, I'll try to get video of it.
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-31-2004, 02:47 AM	#18
98SS former owner Age: 29 Join Date: Feb 2003 Posts: 7,382 Location: north of Detroit .... formerly of the Memphis area User is: OffLine	Re: Leave it in 3rd??? Quote: Originally Posted by MINTSICK I don't understand how it would feel any different on takeoff between 3, drive, or overdrive. Like Woodshop said, selecting 3 will not let it shift 4th gear, 2 will not let it shift to 3rd, etc, but they all start out in the same 1st gear, so it should not feel any different on takeoff at all. I don't know if it really makes a difference. The SLIGHT difference that I thought I felt, could very well just have been the power of suggestion. About two more weeks and I'll be able to go to the track. I'll post my slips.
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-31-2004, 08:09 AM	#19
prostreetnoma Registered User Age: 45 Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 1,386 Location: Chambersburg, PA User is: OffLine	Re: Leave it in 3rd??? On my 02 Noma, if I put the shifter in 2nd gear, it will start out in 2nd. I read my manual, and it states that its for bad weather driving. It doesn't take off as hard, I think it sucks myself, but I did use it a few times last year in the snow, and it did make a diff. When racing at the track or on the street ( I know I shouldn't but its in the blood)....I start out in 1st gear, then manually shift to 2nd at 4500rpm's, then once it hits 2nd, I click it into 3rd. and just leave it there until the end. I know it prob doesn't make a diff. but thats just my style of driving. I guess I should have gotten a 5-speed....LOL.
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-31-2004, 10:01 AM	#20
97LOWNOMA Registered User Age: 29 Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 351 Location: Northwest IN User is: OffLine	Re: Leave it in 3rd??? prostreet is right, when you choose 2nd gear it starts in second gear. it lugs the motor down so you not as likely to spin the tires in bad weather.
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-31-2004, 10:02 PM	#21
MINTSICK Gaaoooooo Age: 31 Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 12,927 Location: Kingston, NH User is: OffLine	Re: Leave it in 3rd??? Quote: Originally Posted by 97LOWNOMA prostreet is right, when you choose 2nd gear it starts in second gear. it lugs the motor down so you not as likely to spin the tires in bad weather. I have never heard of that before, so if that is the case, why on earth would people use "3" at the dragstrip?!?!? Last edited by MINTSICK; 07-31-2004 at 10:02 PM.
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07-31-2004, 10:10 PM	#22
jmwxtreme43 www.myspace.com/MINTSICK Age: 28 Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 4,532 Location: Kingston, NH User is: OffLine	Re: Leave it in 3rd??? Quote: Originally Posted by MINTSICK I have never heard of that before, so if that is the case, why on earth would people use "3" at the dragstrip?!?!? yes that is stupid, in that case people would have like 6 second 60' marks and 20 second et's....?
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-31-2004, 11:10 PM	#23
97LOWNOMA Registered User Age: 29 Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 351 Location: Northwest IN User is: OffLine	Re: Leave it in 3rd??? if you choose 2 it starts you out in second gear, its only for use in bad weather. if you start in 3 its just like starting in drive only you dont have 4th gear.
	[Reply w/Quote]

08-02-2004, 06:58 PM	#24
MINTSICK Gaaoooooo Age: 31 Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 12,927 Location: Kingston, NH User is: OffLine	Re: Leave it in 3rd??? That makes sense, never knew about the the 2nd gear thing before though.
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08-02-2004, 07:10 PM	#25
jmwxtreme43 www.myspace.com/MINTSICK Age: 28 Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 4,532 Location: Kingston, NH User is: OffLine	Re: Leave it in 3rd??? good to have it cleared up
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08-04-2004, 04:47 AM	#26
ZR1 S10 Road Race/Auto X S10 Age: 28 Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 3,828 Location: South Milwaukee, WI. User is: OffLine	Re: Leave it in 3rd??? Quote: Originally Posted by MINTSICK But, if you are talking about a 5 speed transmission, then you should find that guy and punch him in the face.
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08-07-2004, 02:31 PM	#27
dansellbuddy Registered User Age: 28 Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 6,055 Location: dayton oh User is: OffLine	Re: Leave it in 3rd??? i sorta noticed that with the starting out in 2. i've done that a couple times before, cause when you get to speed, the torque is just nuts, makes me feel like im actualy driving something with a real set of nuts. not sure why, but when you do run with it in 2 or 3, once you're in the right R's you pull faster. probably due to it winding out a little more instead of shifting at 3g's. but i also never heard the 2nd gear pullout when its put into 2. nice to know that's there for a reason.
	[Reply w/Quote]

08-07-2004, 06:36 PM	#28
Xtreme03 Never Finished Age: 30 Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 1,599 Location: Clinton / Knoxville, TN User is: OffLine	Re: Leave it in 3rd??? On most auto transmissions, different bands and clutches are engaged for 1st gear when you shift from OD and D (3)....like for towing you put it down in first. Man I'm glad I got a 5-speed, I don't think I could ever go back to an auto.
	[Reply w/Quote]

08-07-2004, 06:57 PM	#29
jmwxtreme43 www.myspace.com/MINTSICK Age: 28 Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 4,532 Location: Kingston, NH User is: OffLine	Re: Leave it in 3rd??? Quote: Originally Posted by Xtreme03 On most auto transmissions, different bands and clutches are engaged for 1st gear when you shift from OD and D (3)....like for towing you put it down in first. Man I'm glad I got a 5-speed, I don't think I could ever go back to an auto. autos are sooooooo boring to drive, nothing like ripping through the gears
	[Reply w/Quote]