V8Q - "To shift or not to shift..."

[Chris King <cking@legend.txdirect.net>]

Do any of you V8 owners with an auto tranny ever drive your cars in the
"Manual" mode?  If so, are there any tricks to doing this besides flipping
the little switch from "E" to "M"?

I tried this yesterday for the first time, almost biting my lip waiting for
the transmission to fall out or something  ;)  My father insists this is bad
on the transmission, to shift it manually.  I counter with "well, it must be
there for a reason..."

Who's right here, or are we both?  I liked driving it that way, especially
since it gave me a little extra zip at those stoplights.  Everything seemed
fine, no strange noises or jerking when I shifted.  I always started it in
"2" and then stepped up to "3", then to "D(4)" once I was on the expressway,
always letting off of the gas momentarily while shifting.  Engaging "1" is
too much of a hassle, since you have to press down on the stick and move it
at the same time.  It started off fine in "2".  Also, I noticed the selector
knob resets back to the "Economy" setting when you start the car
again...kinda cool...

Anyways, as usual, any insight would be welcome!  TIA...
---
 Chris King           ===================================================
 cking@txdirect.net    '94 Corrado SLC        (Sherry Red/Beige Leather)
 San Antonio, TX       '90 V8 Quattro           (Black/Platinum Leather)
                      ===================================================