In order to modify the rate at which a friction element is engaged to effect a gear shift in a multi-forward speed automatic automotive transmission with respect to vehicle speed, an orifice valve is arranged to be responsive to a vehicle speed signal (e.g. governor pressure) in a manner to establish a second fluid path between (a) the friction element (e.g. clutch) and an accumulator associated therewith and (b) the valve (e.g. 3-4 shift valve) which supplys the actuating pressurized hydraulic fluid and therefore reduce the flow restriction between the shift valve and the friction element when the vehicle is speed is above a predetermined value.