A dumb question about auto shifting

[Mr.Squeelerz]

Ok....So I've been driving stick since I can't remember when, sure I've driven some autos but nothing nearly with this much technology and power. My brother bought an 98 A4 a few months ago and It's no where near as quick as my 6-speed was out of starting gate and that doesn't seem right. It seems like it always starts in 2nd gear no matter what gear selection I choose. I've broken contact going around corners stepping on it but can't seem to Snap it from a dead stop. It doesn't bog down, it just doesn't react like I think it should. This is new territory for me as I'm not familiar with automatics with power.
See, I'm going to be investigating a possible purchase of an abandoned project. I dont' know if it's for sale yet but I do know it's been sitting in one place for at least maybe a year. I haven't gotten a hold of anyone. I had test drove this Z over a year ago by someone in town here who was selling it and amazingly I found it sitting motionless under a billboard sign with rust water falling on the finish at an import repair/customizing center some 50 miles away. I'm certain this is not the owner it was when I first saw it. It's an A4 LT1 and was supercharged the last time I drove it. I'm thinking I can get a good deal on it if it is for sale. I'm certain it needs some motor work but that's the least of my concerns. I'm just not sure about the whole auto thing. It's like getting a divorce from manual shifting, something that is a little weary for me.
Is this a common thing for A4's to react this way in stock form?

[mustang muncher]

Its prolly 2.73's in the rear end.

[Anniversary "Z"]

That '98 should shread the tires whether it has 2.73's or not. Something isn't right with that one. Anyhow stick a stall in an A4 and all of the sudden you'll be on equal playing ground with a manual and obviously faster shifts. M6' are more fun for sure but A4s will win time and time again at the track with equal power.

[Mr.Squeelerz]

Originally Posted by Anniversary "Z"

That '98 should shread the tires whether it has 2.73's or not. Something isn't right with that one. Anyhow stick a stall in an A4 and all of the sudden you'll be on equal playing ground with a manual and obviously faster shifts. M6' are more fun for sure but A4s will win time and time again at the track with equal power.

That's what I thought too but no chirping going on here with even with the stock rear. LIke I said....no matter what gear selection I make It's the same. Something doesn't seem right.

[1BADLS1]

mine 99 a4 with the traction control turned off...when i punch it from a dig it barley squeals then it takes off...i have cold air intake,lid,bellow,mass air flow, and loudmouth

[Anniversary "Z"]

It's been a while since I've driven one stock with street tires, but that doesn't seem right at all. Regardless throw a few mods on it and you'll be untouchable.

[justinakajuice]

It seems like GM programmed the trans to just hookup from a get go. It won't peel the tires if you womp on it, some chirps though. I'll let you know how my stall changes things, but one things for certain--ask anyone with a stall and they'll tell you it totally changes the car. And of course the powerband is a bit after you hit 3k, which also has something to do with it. That's why everyone says to get a 3200 stall. Plus the stock converter weighs 50lbs and an aftermarket weighs 30lbs. 20lbs off the rotating mass = more hp to the wheels. Don't be afraid to pick up an auto, I like sticks better too.

[HMFDZ28]

I love my auto, and when I destroyed my left ankle and had surgury I was glad i had it. With my 2.73 rear no stall it would chirp the gears sometimes. Now with the stall I cam roast the tires no problems. Plus I have no issues running with and beating simmilar modded M6's. Get it, then look into a stall, shift kit, and trans cooler you wont regret it. I will say though if the car has a 2.73 rear do gears first,I am not a fan of my around town driving, it accually annoys me sometimes, the gears will correct that.

[Mr.Squeelerz]

Thanks for the input guys

[Phantompooper]

Another thing not mentioned, did you guys check to see if the car has traction control?

[Mr.Squeelerz]

Originally Posted by Phantompooper

Another thing not mentioned, did you guys check to see if the car has traction control?

This is why i'm baffled. Because it doesn't have it. I failed to include that in my question.

[HMFDZ28]

My 02 Z28 doesnt have it and I am glad it doesnt, one less thing to delete or by a switch mod.

[Anniversary "Z"]

Originally Posted by Phantompooper

Another thing not mentioned, did you guys check to see if the car has traction control?

Good point, I wasted half a night of racing once cause I forgot to shut the damn thing off. Now I just left it unplugged

[02VTZ]

Something doesn't seem right to me either if you are still looking for input. Mine will spin right thru the gears. At a dragstrip, I spun thru 1st and 2nd before she started settling down.

[Mr.Squeelerz]

Originally Posted by 02VTZ

Something doesn't seem right to me either if you are still looking for input. Mine will spin right thru the gears. At a dragstrip, I spun thru 1st and 2nd before she started settling down.

Yeah, I'm still stumped. No traction control, no sticky street slicks or I'd be halfway packed in my seat I'm sure. Something is either not functioning properly or the previous owner put gerbils in to run the gears. I'll have to do some poking around I'm afraid. It'd be nice to have some diagnostic tools but right now that's not an option unless I chose to buy it myself or take it in to have it scanned. Both of which I'm not going to be doing anytime soon. For now I'll just be eliminating the possiblities and see where it takes me. Grrrr