donberry

I see where many people install a parallel kickdown switch and when they want to have the car in a lower gear without flooring it, they flip a switch.
I am just curious, why not just drop the shift lever down to 2nd gear ?

Big Dave

The parallel kickdown switch allows you to drop to 1st gear much sooner, among other things. Once the switch is activated, you can keep both hands on the wheel, too.

I'm sure others will have more reasons.

WallyP

One way of explaining-
The parallel kickdown switch simply makes the transmission more reluctant to shift up, and more eager to shift down. Makes for sportier driving...

Tony

Ive had one in my car for a while and actually i really dont use it that often. Like you said you can manually shift the AUTO.
BUT...be sure you know your top speed in each gear before you go slamming it back to "2" or "3". The owners manual has a chart in the back or you can just figure it out your self by starting in "2" and seeing how fast you can go until 5900-6000rpm. You dont want to select 2nd and hit redline and have to shift again right away.

Also if you manually down shift as you stop/slow BE SURE TO try and match the RPMS. You can lockup the rears momentarily and quite unsuspectingly if your not careful.


60mph...in "D"...then simultaneously floor it and select 2nd.

"grab a gear and disappear!!" The car really takes off. Much quicker than slamming your foot to the floor or waiting for the "manual kickdown switch" to become effective.

Also, make sure your tranny cable is adjust correctly. Mine is to the point that depending on the temp, i may have to let off the gas to get the car to drop into "drive". Minor detail really. Sure makes the tranny responsive, especially from a start in "D", the tranny immediately kicks down to first.

HTH

Rob M Budd

I've heard differing opinions on whether the manual kick down switch works on a 3 speed automatic.
I added one to mine and the downshift to 1st works the same as it did before, either floor it completely or shift it manually.
anybody else have more info on this?

mpesik

maybe the best way ,would be to get a clapper.? Mike.

2V4V

Yeah, it is a bit of a glaring oversight that the speedo isn't marked like almost very other German car I know of with the little "speed in gear" dots.

You know, there's one dot around say 40 mph, 2 dots around 70, etc.

Takes the guesswork out. Even MBZ put it on my former '84 500SEL Eurospec car, and yes, they all did come with a factory tach. Made it a no brainer how far to slap the trans down (basically the same one in the 928) at speed to spank some kid in a Mustang.

Greg

SharkSkin

Odd... my '78 has these. Maybe there was a temporary "dot" shortage?

2V4V

Dave,

Veeeerryyy Eeeeenteresting.....

Silly me. This must be one of the many upgrades the 928 received. It's MUCH lighter and faster without the dots...

Greg

Steve Cattaneo

The three speed transmissions A22 start in 1st gear. With the KD switch the ½ to ¾ throttle up shifts should be later, closer to red line. If not check that your kick down solenoid is working. Open the passengers side door, with the ignition key on push the gas pedal to the floor you should here a click by the door. If you do not check for a blow fuse, the early cars do not have a KD relay. It has a jumper wire in the socket.

jpitman2

Rob, When I first put my parallel kickdown in place, it didnt work either. SO I checked the throttle cable to box, and tightened it a smidgeon - about 1 turn of the adjuster nut - its sensitive because the arm is at least 6" long, and the adjuster is close to centre pivot. Works a treat now. I put a momentary push switch under the cover on the top of the left foot rest (RHD), just so I can do it with my foot, keep two hands on the wheel.
jp 83 Euro S AT 47k

John Struthers

I use the factory KDS if I know somethings happening at a
stop sign/redlight. Which is to say...seldom.
For a serious 30 to 50 mile romp I have used it on several occasions.
But as a ball busting member of the Old Fogey Club the best technique
for abusing/humiliating the brash youth of America is as follows:
1. Watch your mirrors for that overtaking Mustang/Camaro/what have you.
2. Well before they arrive you want to running about 3500/3800rpm in 2ND.
This has you up on the cam and accelerating as they slow down for the once over and the 'NOD'.
3. If they do slow down for eye contact or just back off a little to look you over be sure to have your best, slack-jawed, dis-oriented geezer face on.
Just shy of drooling should suffice. This is even better if there are two kids in the other car, the passenger invariably is commenting to the driver about "that old geezer in the Porsche".
At this point they are off the cam as you just pull away- I like to shift to third around 80-83mph - .
Most kids will stomp on the gas in the wrong gear and you blow them away, some stomp on the gas in the wrong gear and reach a weak 70/75 mph when they decide to (don't do it kid ) downshift!.

Most obvious use of the KDS or its remote cousins would be to blow loose carbon deposits out the tailpipe