I understand whythis particular transmission pausesbefore a shiftbut considering all the other cars that I have driven, theydo not handle power transfer during gear changesthe same way which is why everyone is complaining about the transmission jerking.. Think of the transmission stress that this shift design method is causing though.. I am sure a smooth transition into the next gear is way better then it banging into the next gear. Most of the other car manufacturers figured out how to have the transmission shift smoothly.. On a side note my last car's transmission was very smooth and transferred power to the wheels very nicely.. however it blew a gear right through the transmission casing when I accelerated at a stop light.. I have a feeling that was stemming from my driving habits though

 

Dez and I drove a mazda cx7 with a 6 speed auto before she bought the avenger and I thought the shifting was worse. I would rather have a firmer, quicker shift but thats what we get. Whats really weird is the CVT in the calibers and jeeps.

 

I'm not complaining about it going into gears hard as I like a boost of power.. its the long hesitation between gear shifts andwhen I release the gas it feels like there is a huge amount of play in the transmission where it thumps into the back side of the gear.. almost like there is a LOT of play in the universal joint.. An example would be when I use the sport shifter in any gear.. When i apply the gas it slams into the gear then when I release the gas it slams the reverse side of the gear on the decelleration.

 

I have had my chip installed for about 4 days now. I agree that there is more of a power gain in higher gears but there is also a noticable increase on the low end as well. Also when driving with the A/C on it feels like the A/c is not even on. I have noticed that the transmission shifts easier and less harsh than before. Overall I am happy with this purchase. There are noticable gains and to notice the change in a car as heavy as that with the AWD and everything else it seems pretty respectable. I am getting custom exhaust installed tomorrow. I will repost after I drive it more with exhaust installed.