Originally Posted by Jordo!

Actually, it's still pretty gentle (though firmer than stock) in D or if you don't give it too much throttle -- the firmness is related to throttle position, RPM, and load.

Ah -- and I discovered something neat today: If you modulate your foot just a wee bit on the gear shift to give a bit less throttle, it will soften the shift considerably, even when otherwise driving pretty hard.

So, for example, floor it --> modulate throttle input slightly+shift--> resume flooring --> repeat.

With practice you won't lose much engine speed, but can make the shift as firm or gentle as you want.

Or just gun it and prepare the neck bace