Did Bristols modify the Torqueflight

[Kevin H]

Originally Posted by Roger Morrall

How did it come about that Chrysler drivers equipped with the torqueflight can select 1st and and the gearbox will engage 1st as soon as their speed drops below 30mph, giving all the advantages of engine braking from that point to virtually standstill, whilst when Bristol drivers equipped with the torqueflight select 1st the gearbox will only engage 1st when the car is already practically at a standstill?

Roger, which Chrysler are you referring to and which Torqueflite transmission does it have?

At what speed are you suggesting that Chrysler drivers select 1st gear?

In most, if not all automatics, you can't safely select 1st gear if you are travelling significantly faster than the max speed for 1st gear, because it will actually shift into first gear. In manual override mode the transmission won't 'wait' until the speed is low enough for 1st gear - if you select 1st, it will shift into 1st.

Are you sure you're not thinking of 2nd gear in a three speed auto?

If you want engine braking with a three speed Torqueflite A-727 (or an A-466) selecting 2 is the way to go. In town driving you're probably better off driving around in 2nd than D; the car will be much more responsive