How does the 4EAT's "manual" function work?

[BoneIslandScooby]

Purchasing a 1993 Subaru Legacy Sport Sedan with 4EAT. I would prefer the manual, but will not have neither the time nor the money to attempt a manual swap just yet. I have autocross events locally, in which I would like to participate. I was wondering how I could use the "manual" function of the 4EAT in these cars, and if it is even worth the trouble to try.

[mike-tracy]

Check this out: http://www.surrealmirage.com/subaru/tra ... nualbutton

[BoneIslandScooby]

Thank you, thank you, thank you. I knew about the feature that is discussed in the link you posted, but wasn't sure if manual did anything else besides that. Now I know. Thanks again. I guess if I'm planning to thrash the auto box I better get the transmission cooler, the auxiliary trans filter, and maybe a transgo shift kit? I couldn't do the whole fully built trans with the high stall converter right now. Similarly, I couldn't afford the manual pushbutton gear selector that I once read about, even if it were still available.

[BoneIslandScooby]

You know , it almost sounds as if the manual feature might be useful for autocrossing. Many times I will see people start off in second gear to begin their run, because first gear will allow more wheelspin while taking off and leaving the car unsettled going into the first corner. By putting the shift lever in 3 and pressing the manual button, I would start off in 2nd gear and only shift up when necessary, while never going into 4th gear and possibly out of the power band. Does anybody have any experience with this?

[Legacy777]

Is your car AWD or FWD? If it's AWD, you shouldn't get any wheel spin. Starting in second IMO would hurt your times because the motor will take longer to get in the power band.

[James614]

2nd on these cars is far too tall to start in for a competitive event. Even if wheel spin were a factor, it would be much more effective just to adjust the throttle a bit.