How do YOU drive your SlapStik?

[TripleT]

The more I drive my '70 with the 727, the more I find I cannot resist downshifting from 3 to 2, then from 2 to 1 as I slow to a stop.  I always downshift manual cars I drive, and with the 727, it REALLY slows the car down and I end up having to use those spongy drums very little.  How about you?

Secondly, does anyone actually slap it up from 1 to 2 to 3 on a take off?  When I floor it, it naturally winds out and I don't think I could slap it up with better timing then it does by itself, so I never do.  Of course, I'm not racing or anything, but even if I was, I'd be scared to move it up myself, ....that R is just 2 notches up.......

[72hemi]

If your shifter functions properly it won't let you slap it up to reverse without pressing the button. I normally leave mine in drive unless I am feeling spirited driving, or if I am driving in the hills, then i play shifter.

[TripleT]

Umm, mine is apparently not functioning properly.....won't tell you how I know that.......

[dutch]

the few times I drove mine I really liked hitting it into 2,and 3...     I have 410`s so downshifting is like hitting the brakes     I had a slight miscalculation there the first time...    I slowed down for a sharp turn and was shifting back to first... the rearwheels blocked and I immediatly floored it...         sideways thru the turn and using the shifter what it was designed for     now that was fun     my son was hanging between the frontseats like a flag...         me like slapstick... 

[DoNotChallengeHer]

Like I Stole It 

[422STROKER]

Mine works well full throttle upshifts by slapping it!  Maybe take a peak at the springs and slides and lube them up.  Haven't had a problem with it going farther than it's supposed to.

Tom

[moparmaniac59]

I have always manually up-shifted my Barracuda and Challenger. And I did once slap it into reverse going about 35 mph. The tranny didn't like that. My bad. I now have a reverse manual valve body, so I have to shift all the time, but I love it. Especially barking the tires!


                                               Matt B.

[Bullitt-]

Umm, mine is apparently not functioning properly.....won't tell you how I know that.......

Had that issue once, there was a small spring toward the rear of the mechanism that was broken about a 1-2" long 1/4" dia or so pull spring that keeps the ratchet engaged once it is pulled back to 1st or 2nd... Even if Drive is selected you can bump to neutral but never reverse.

To your question I have rarely used the tranny as a break but on the up shift side slapping the stick is what it's all about 

[500Stroker]

I always upshift mine from every stop.  Downshift 3 - 2 most of the time.

[RUSTY Cuda]

I was told there are also non slapsticks, meaning theres no lockout between gears, asked when i had a friend over why mine will go from 1'st right to neutral.
When setting up my 73 & was checking spring location(the bigger one up front) there was none in the 74  & a couple of different pieces(or lack there of) at the bottom of the shifter itself. Bought a couple a spares off ebay & there is a difference(no ratchet type thing at the bottom.
Anyone else heard  this & can confirm ? Rich.

[AARCuda340+6]

I now have a reverse manual valve body, so I have to shift all the time, but I love it. Especially barking the tires!

I have the same setup as Matt.
When I purchased my car in '85 the previous owner had a reverse manual valve body so I have to change gears just like a standard trans but without the clutch.
If I want to floor it down the road you can chirp the tires when shifting up to 2nd gear.
I also downshift when slowing down too so the car sounds meaner when passing through the local small towns.
It's a great way to cruise down the highway.

[sleepychallenger]

when i had the slap stick, i manually slapped it from 1-2-3 

[BIGSHCLUNK]

Depends on my mood.............................. 

[bb71challenger]

Since I love manual shifted cars I almost always pull it down into 1 and shift up and down as needed. Dont be shy, go ahead and slap it, if its working properly it will stop in second gear and then release for the slap to third. After that it will not go into neutral unless you depress the button. I have never had one fail any shift...ever.

[hooD]

I upshift and downshift mine, depending on if the wife is sitting in the other bucket seat.  I have more fun doing a downshift when coming to a red light.  When I finally drop it from 2nd into 1st the tires will squawk just as I come to a stop at the light.   If I'm feeling frisky I will nail it in 1st and let the back barrels take me up to around 45-50mph.