Stick vs. automatic

[White Knight]

I've been looking around and pricing Corvette's, since I plan to get one by late May. I've never had one before (but had several F-Bodys, Grand Nationals, and Mustangs), and want to try a 'vette. I'd like one between 1995 and 1998. However, I was astounded to learn that (at least the ones I've seen so far, and I've looked up over 30 since I started looking) that the overwhelming majority were automatics. Now, I'm not the kinda guy to put anyone down, so I apologize if I offend anyone, but...Who in their right mind would even think about spending all that money and getting an automatic? Now, not knowing much about Corvettes, I imagined the majority would be stick. Heck, at worse I thought it would be 50-50. Boy, was I wrong! What is the actual percentage, and why so many autos? Is this because they attract a lot of old men trying to pick up 18 year-old girls who were poor as kids and never had anything fast in their youth, hence they don't know how to drive sticks? What gives!

[1fastcamarosss11]

well for drag racing if you put a big stall converter in it, you times will be faster then a stick? do you plan on racing it? or are you get close to the age where you need to try to pick up 18 year old girls?:dunno: :thinkin: if you don't want the auto get a stick. and you mat be right about the auto's. :dunno: :thinkin:

[polo2001ss]

No responses? Gee, I wonder why? I owned a 13.0 97Z A4. I now have a 2001 SS A4 that I 'll make faster one of these days. I would really like a Vette someday; 6spd auto baby! I like to drink coffee, eat and talk on my cellphone while watching everyone else row through the gears. Unfortunately, I can't multi-task to the extent that some of you can. Eating, drinking, talking on the cell phone and shifting at the same time, kudos to you that can. A4 for me, dude. I'm just a p-ssy I guess:=)

[502ci]

White Knight...You are probably right about old people but mainly I think they just want to enjoy the drive slowly. I personally would pay more for the stick (and have) because it is a sports car. A auto with a bigger stall can be better in the qtr. but race the stick thru the turns and see who is ahead. You mentioned looking at 95`s to 98`s, go with at "least" a 97 it`s a completely different car, I drove them all and theres no comparison.

[99vette]

Well i just bought a 99 vette (auto) and i love it! i went from a 5-speed and thought i would hate having a auto, but i dont. It hooks go good! and its still fun to drive.

[TSteff]

If you are going to keep it stock, or mostly stock, a stick is definitely faster and better MPG than an auto. I have a 6 speed and love it, but for the serious racer a stick would be far less consistant and slower. It all depends on what you're going to do with it.

[myk02k]

"Manuals impress high school kids.
Automatics win races."

[Wesman]

"Manuals impress high school kids.
Automatics win races."

As if manuals aren't fast :rolleyes:

The truth of the matter is manuals are faster than autos stock for stock, no arguement. They also weigh less, get better fuel economy, put more power to the ground, and are much more fun to drive. They are not just to "impress high school kids", thats foolish.

Heres the bottom line - get an auto and build/stall if you want to get down the track as fast as possible, while sacrificing street driveability, fuel mileage, and fun.

If you actually plan on driving your car like a sports car instead of a track drag car, get a manual, autos are only good for the strip.

[99vette]

As if manuals aren't fast :rolleyes:

The truth of the matter is manuals are faster than autos stock for stock, no arguement. They also weigh less, get better fuel economy, put more power to the ground, and are much more fun to drive. They are not just to "impress high school kids", thats foolish.

Heres the bottom line - get an auto and build/stall if you want to get down the track as fast as possible, while sacrificing street driveability, fuel mileage, and fun.

If you actually plan on driving your car like a sports car instead of a track drag car, get a manual, autos are only good for the strip.
They are only faster stock for stock because they dont lose as much HP to the wheels as a automatic, but thats only if you are a really really good driver. Its hard to out drive a automatic. Only about 5 out of 10 people can do it. Most manual drivers i have seen just cant drive. I remember back a couple of months ago when i was at the track(1/8 mile) and a WS6 was running 9.5's! The guy just couldnt drive.

[myk02k]

Manuals are faster? hmmm

One of my best races was me vs. my friend's ss

2000, Z28, A4, K&N FIPK
2001, SS, M6, SLP lid, SLP LT headers, no cats ORY, cut-out after Y before downpipe, better tires, hurst shifter

First we went on a highway starting at like 30. I almost rear ended him because I was behind him and I didn't expect him to lose so much power during a shift (and he does shift very fast).

Second time was at a red light, he launched at like 2000-3000 RPM and i just stayed at my 500 RPM idle until the green light. We were nose to nose till about 30 MPH and he was literally creeping ahead (VERY slowly). By about 60 he finally hit another gear and then started gaining fast.

He had a decent list of mods, but I still gave him a fight.

[99vette]

Manuals are faster? hmmm

One of my best races was me vs. my friend's ss

2000, Z28, A4, K&N FIPK
2001, SS, M6, SLP lid, SLP LT headers, no cats ORY, cut-out after Y before downpipe, better tires, hurst shifter

First we went on a highway starting at like 30. I almost rear ended him because I was behind him and I didn't expect him to lose so much power during a shift (and he does shift very fast).

Second time was at a red light, he launched at like 2000-3000 RPM and i just stayed at my 500 RPM idle until the green light. We were nose to nose till about 30 MPH and he was literally creeping ahead (VERY slowly). By about 60 he finally hit another gear and then started gaining fast.

He had a decent list of mods, but I still gave him a fight.
very good, sounds like if you would have had the same mods as him, it would have been a dead even race.

[myk02k]

very good, sounds like if you would have had the same mods as him, it would have been a dead even race.

my brother was behind us. he said tell him to race one more time, but for money. he said guaranteed if i remove my hood (cuz of the intake) i would win. :burnout:

i think i suprised everyone even myself that we were next to each other the whole time. dont think your better than everyone cuz u have a stick, even if your dale earnhart jr himself.

the best advice ive gotten was, 1/4 mile, same car and HP rating A4 vs M6, A4 would win the 1/4 mile....even if a monkey is driving the A4 and a professional racecar driver has the M6.

[C5_LS1]

"Manuals impress high school kids.
Automatics win races."


manuals are for spirited drives and autocrossing, autos are for straight line

[C5_LS1]

I've been looking around and pricing Corvette's, since I plan to get one by late May. I've never had one before (but had several F-Bodys, Grand Nationals, and Mustangs), and want to try a 'vette. I'd like one between 1995 and 1998. However, I was astounded to learn that (at least the ones I've seen so far, and I've looked up over 30 since I started looking) that the overwhelming majority were automatics. Now, I'm not the kinda guy to put anyone down, so I apologize if I offend anyone, but...Who in their right mind would even think about spending all that money and getting an automatic? Now, not knowing much about Corvettes, I imagined the majority would be stick. Heck, at worse I thought it would be 50-50. Boy, was I wrong! What is the actual percentage, and why so many autos? Is this because they attract a lot of old men trying to pick up 18 year-old girls who were poor as kids and never had anything fast in their youth, hence they don't know how to drive sticks? What gives!


line your stock c5 6spd up against a stock c5 a4 thats stalled, i guarantee you, you'd be shopping for an auto after that run.

[Wesman]

line your stock c5 6spd up against a stock c5 a4 thats stalled, i guarantee you, you'd be shopping for an auto after that run.

Yea, I'm sure every manual owner would want to trade in their 6-speed sticks for 4 speed autos to gain a small advantage in 1/4 mile times. As if its worth sacrificing the fun, overall performance, and effciency of a manual trans to get a few tenths in a straight line :rolleyes:

[myk02k]

Yea, I'm sure every manual owner would want to trade in their 6-speed sticks for 4 speed autos...if its worth sacrificing the fun :rolleyes:

I think that's what shift kits are for to us A4 guys.:yup:

[Vette4LIFE]

I wish I had both, I would love to drive to work and not have to do all the redlights. But oh well, struggle keeps us young. I love my stick tho and If you use it properly it is very effective.

[c5chines]

I bought a 97 A4 coupe with the performance axle (3.15) and am very happy with it. The M6 will break things if you pound on it and there are issues with the hydraulics for the clutch. Yeah, I'm old, but the a4 is a good setup.Chuck.:burnout:

[Wesman]

the best advice ive gotten was, 1/4 mile, same car and HP rating A4 vs M6, A4 would win the 1/4 mile....even if a monkey is driving the A4 and a professional racecar driver has the M6.

Thats some pretty bad advice. Unless you're factoring in a stalled/built auto, its totally inaccurate.

Look at the factory stock vehicle times for the same car, one with auto one with stick. 99% of the time the stick will be faster, even if both have the same number of gears and rear end ratio. Stock autos shift slowly, lose much more power through the drivetrain than manuals, and usually have much taller gear ratios.

[mavrikZ]

[QUOTE=myk02k]Manuals are faster? hmmm
2000, Z28, A4, K&N FIPK
2001, SS, M6, SLP lid, SLP LT headers, no cats ORY, cut-out after Y before downpipe, better tires, hurst shifter
First we went on a highway starting at like 30. I almost rear ended him because I was behind him and I didn't expect him to lose so much power during a shift (and he does shift very fast).

Dude...that is the biggest pile I have ever heard. Ive had 2 automatic F bodies and the reason that I will not own another is because a stock automatic VS. a stock 6spd at a 30mph roll WILL GET HIS ASS HANDED TO HIM. Been there, done that. Repeatedly. Stall it, different story.
Your friend CANNOT SHIFT.
So many people get their theorys of manual VS. automatics from 15yrs ago when GM was using the T5 and 700R4. THEN... YES, the automatics were always quicker.
Times have changed.
Test after test have proven that in the LS1 cars with T56's, they are quicker down the 1320 than an auto.

[myk02k]

im not lying...you can argue but its all heresay so it really doesnt matter.

on another note, i just got a Jasper class 1 4L60E. it comes with about...every single thing you can do to a 4L60E (minus stall). it shifts so hard open throttle my rear end sways a bit to the right on the highway. it makes a hard slamming noise on WOT shift. i didn't think i'd get too much out of an aftermarket auto trans, but i did. only thing is i dont launch from 0 and wont until i have money to replace the rear end, because im sure its taking a beating right now.

[c5chines]

One other thing to factor in is that the 4l60 has a real low first gear. I don't know if it holds true with a fbody, but my c5 launches like a rocket from a dead dig provided you have traction.The combo of the light car,the torque of the LS1, weight of the trans in the rear, low first gear and the posi all work to get things going pretty quickly.The trans also shifts fairly hard at WOT, so you are not giving up much to a manual. Plus the manual driver better not lose traction or mess up a shift or the auto will be gone. Two perfect drivers with good traction, I'd say the manual will get it done.Chuck.:burnout:

[mavrikZ]

Preference does not change the facts. 6spd's have ALWAYS had quicker 1320 times than autos, in stock cars. End of story.

[boobs]

Preference does not change the facts. 6spd's have ALWAYS had quicker 1320 times than autos, in stock cars. End of story.

man im sick of all these threads ending up in arguements.. i prefer an auto but thats just me.. buy what u want.. end of story.

[mavrikZ]

I wouldnt call them "arguements". Everyone on this board is a competitor by nature, thus our vehicle preferences(and dislikes), it is only expected that it will flow over to our postings. Its all good! I would be willing to bet that you could get crossways with 80%of the people on this board, but at the track, you would be drinkin beer and hangin out, talkin cars with everybody!

[boobs]

ya i know exactly how that is.. i ride witha club called speed-tribe and on the internet its a bunch of bullshit but when u meet up its all hangin out and ridin and chillin..

[silverz28camaro]

It all depends on what you want, i picked the a4 in my 2000 z28 because i knew i would be drag racing all the time , don't get me wrong manuals are cool, but they just aren't for me, if you don't know whick one you want they drive them both, manuals can be more fun to drive , but my favorite is the a4. you doo loose about 10hp in an auto but consistency makes up for that.

the big advantage in the m6 is that you get more gears keeping the car in its higher power band. so if you have an auto 3.73 or 4.10s are a must

night and day difference

[explicit]

Generally you lose about 15% HP from block to wheels through an Automatic Tranny. With a Manual you lose around 10%. These numbers arnt facts, only numbers I have heard a few times. The big loss with an Automatic Transmission is when it is shifting, you lose power while it is shifting, a standard can shift almost instantly if you are a good driver, and you lose no power, only the amount of time you have your foot on the clutch. But if you make a mistake shifting, sucks to be you. Automatic has like 100% consistensy! I say it is up to the driver, and the Tranny.

[01vette]

i have a a4 ( intake only ) with the stock 2,73's i raced 3 6 spd vettes havnt lost once -got a little inched one time from a roll but he had exhuast/intake- but yet to lose from a dig -( all 3 cars raced dig and roll) :dunno: i guess ppl cant drive all that well-- soo i dont know what the fuss is all about - 6 spd gives u something 2 doo - a4 leaves u alone to deal with the girls.. plus in rush hour traffic the a4 is better.. also when ur tired or not in the mood for playing around. - has for the fun factor, whats more fun then a 3000 pound sports car with 350 hp?? esp when the a4 is just as fast if not faster in the line? i dont see any tracks on my way to work but i sure do see open straight roads :yup: - and u can always put a shift kit in some gears and a stall and have urself a mean little car that can tear up a 6spd :yup: and if thats not fun i dont know what is

[01vette]

Yea, I'm sure every manual owner would want to trade in their 6-speed sticks for 4 speed autos to gain a small advantage in 1/4 mile times. As if its worth sacrificing the fun, overall performance, and effciency of a manual trans to get a few tenths in a straight line :rolleyes:
haha a few tenths is not a small advantage while ur going 100mph+ - a few tenths turns into cars and cars-- and when ur with a girl and the guy u just raced puts a few cars on u (or a few tenths as u call it) u wont be looking to great :date: :shots: and he can be holding his girls hand while beating u lol while ur changing gears :lol:

[myk02k]

doesnt the C6 have the option of a 6-speed manual with an optional shifting and clutch mechanism?

[mavrikZ]

Generally you lose about 15% HP from block to wheels through an Automatic Tranny. With a Manual you lose around 10%. These numbers arnt facts, only numbers I have heard a few times. The big loss with an Automatic Transmission is when it is shifting, you lose power while it is shifting, a standard can shift almost instantly if you are a good driver, and you lose no power, only the amount of time you have your foot on the clutch. But if you make a mistake shifting, sucks to be you. Automatic has like 100% consistensy! I say it is up to the driver, and the Tranny.

Dude, the only thing that you said here that is correct, is the "general" percentages. And no, the percentages may not be 'facts', but the power output favoring the 6spd IS fact.
The loss with an automatic tranny has absolutely nothing to do with the shift. Another fact for you, it is a FACT that a human cannot shift a transmission quicker than an ECM. Automatics loose horsepower between the engine and the tires. Translation... drivetrain.

[DBN]

I think it's been said before. Buy what you like. I love my A4 but some of my friends like manual cars. We all get along. You are buying the car for yourself right? My car is a 2000 C5 coupe with stock 346 c.i. NA. I drive it weekly and on long trips. I also drag race it quite a bit. I run consistent 1.45 60ft times 6.77@100+ in the 1/8 and 10.6@125-127 in the quarter. That is what I like.

[Wesman]

haha a few tenths is not a small advantage while ur going 100mph+ - a few tenths turns into cars and cars-- and when ur with a girl and the guy u just raced puts a few cars on u (or a few tenths as u call it) u wont be looking to great :date: :shots: and he can be holding his girls hand while beating u lol while ur changing gears :lol:

You can't be serious...

First of all, autos are at a huge advantage at speeds of 100+ MPH. The autos only have 4 gears to work with, so if you're not in the powerband of either 3rd or 4th, you will lose a 6 speed no questions asked.

I guess it must be awesome though to drive an automatic though, just like your g/f's Escort/Civic/Corolla :lol:

[mavrikZ]

The more I read about the correlation between the mentality and transmission choice of automatic drivers, the more I begin to note a profound simularity= both are simple.:tired:

[boobs]

get wtf u want.. preference.. and mavricz is a professional at being the administrator in these types of threads.. but dont listen to anybody just get what u want..

[mavrikZ]

[QUOTE=boobs]get wtf u want.. preference.. and mavricz is a professional at being the administrator in these types of threads.


Uhh, should I say 'thank you' or 'fuck you'... just jackin with ya, boobs!:burnout:

[Zboner]

i love my auto, but its a stage 3 transmission and stalled.lol

[MadSeason]

i love my auto, but its a stage 3 transmission and stalled.lol :lol:that doesn't shift!

[50anv03]

auto vs manual is a no brainer, i have raced several auto vettes with my 6 speed stock for stock the 6 speed will always win. to each his own, but an auto in a vette would not be much fun for the street. for the track maybe. but most races are on the road where the fun is. my 2 cents

[boobs]

[QUOTE=boobs]get wtf u want.. preference.. and mavricz is a professional at being the administrator in these types of threads.


Uhh, should I say 'thank you' or 'fuck you'... just jackin with ya, boobs!:burnout:

lol its "thank you" haha im here to make friends not enemies..

[mavrikZ]

Cool beans!

[boobs]

Cool beans!

lol now that thats cleared up im gonna get an lt1 and show u with dyno numbers just how much better they are than ls1s... lol jk but ya hopefully i can get the a4, stall it at about 3500 rpm, headers, and a line lock... it will be good to go..

[mavrikZ]

Hope you are not expecting too high of #'s with a stall like that! But, do it. Ill have to check it out when I drive back down home(Texas).

[boobs]

what kind of stall should i get.. o btw its getting a hotcam too.

[justanothertech]

But what about since all the C5s are used now? Wouldn't the engine of an average A4 C5 be in better shape than the average M6 C5 since you can't redline the motor with an A4?

With an M6 C5, seeing as they are sports cars, you could consider having to replace either the engine or the trans at any time.

With an A4 C5, the engine had to have lived an easier life since it hasn't been redlined, no missed gears, etc...leaving only the trans to consider...

Or does the A4 C5 redline at a WOT shift / is it possible to redline the engine with an A4? Thanks for the input you have.

Also, it's not possible to put an A4 in the wrong gear, meaning it's not possible for the A4 C5's engine to have seen over the rev limiter.

Also, how many tenths to 60 and through the 1/4 mile are we talking?

[oneBADDz]

why would you not be able to redline an auto, that doesn't make sense, no offence. at WOT it's gonna give it all the hell it can

[justanothertech]

I've not driven a A4 LT or LS, so none taken, but I would assume the trans would shift before the engine redlined, no?

[myk02k]

yup. when my old trans was going it wouldn't shit out of 2nd gear till 6500 RPM at WOT. you could reprogram it to shift wherever you want at either regular, moderate, or WOT throttle; however, you better be damn sure you have a trans and corresponding parts that can handle the beating. My trans shifts so hard WOT that the rear end sways to the right on the highway when im testing it out. I don't wanna sound corny about this, but I feel like it shifts harder and faster than some M6 guys I know. The only thing that makes the M6 guys shifts feel more drastic is because of the gap of power when they clutch, but that only means they're losing power and you feel the grasp back into the torque they were at.

[sqwillis]

not if you keep your r's up... or powershift:thumbdn:

[oneBADDz]

I've not driven a A4 LT or LS, so none taken, but I would assume the trans would shift before the engine redlined, no?
The computer adjusts shift point to your driving. the harder you are on the throttle the higher it takes it before it shifts. At WOT it holds it to redline, you're giving it everything so it holds it out all the way. When you are part throttle around town it shifts before redline, when you are barely on it at all it will shift through all the gears without ever passing 1500 if you baby it up to speed

[myk02k]

The computer adjusts shift point to your driving. the harder you are on the throttle the higher it takes it before it shifts. At WOT it holds it to redline, you're giving it everything so it holds it out all the way. When you are part throttle around town it shifts before redline, when you are barely on it at all it will shift through all the gears without ever passing 1500 if you baby it up to speed

more like if you accel. like your in a corolla. i was amazed when one of my friends got one...it would shift at like 3000 RPM where my car would shift at 1500 and his idle was about 1200 RPM, where that would be my RPM at 45-50 MPH, but that's a convo for another post.

[oneBADDz]

more like if you accel. like your in a corolla. i was amazed when one of my friends got one...it would shift at like 3000 RPM where my car would shift at 1500 and his idle was about 1200 RPM, where that would be my RPM at 45-50 MPH, but that's a convo for another post.
I really don'te understand what you were trying to say there, lol. A corolla shifts at higher rpm under the same load because it has a different powerband than your ls1. my daily driver protege5 runs over 3 grand on the highway. They run more rpm because it's a whole different machine, can't be used for the point in this situation. Bottom line, the harder you accelerate the higher your automatic will go in each gear before shifting. If you accelerate slower it shifts at a lower rpm.

[justanothertech]

So with a A4 does it go into redline or shift right before, if the car isn't messed up? How many tenths would an A4 lose in comparison with an M6?

[myk02k]

to onebaddz, its because they have NO POWER. takes more stress to put out the same movement.

justanothertech, itll shift however it is programmed to shift. you have different powered shifts depending on the throttle position. the wider throttle openning, the higher it shifts. if you want it to reprogram it to shift way in the red, but like i said before you better know what your doing. the only reason mine reached way into the red is because it was slipping and not shifting. as far as track times, you may have a .5 to .3 track timing difference. i'm waiting for the stick-maniacs to chime in, but thats what ive been told.

[junkman]

The difference between a4/m6 is only 2-3 tenths and thats stock for stock but if you put a shift kit in the auto it would be alot closer if not just as quick, let a lone if you were to put in a stall converter it would be quicker.
:drivin:

[iLIKEtransAMS]

The difference between a4/m6 is only 2-3 tenths and thats stock for stock but if you put a shift kit in the auto it would be alot closer if not just as quick, let a lone if you were to put in a stall converter it would be quicker.
:drivin:

I know this is real dumb, but I always wondered exactly what benefit a shift kit added, b/c don't people like auto's for the consistancy? If you shifted it yourself, wouldn't it take that consis. away?

[justanothertech]

I think a shift kit makes the A4 shift harder, up line pressure to increase clutch pack grip, etc.

[justanothertech]

Unless you get a RMVB and an electronic controller the car will still be shifting itself :)

[oneBADDz]

Unless you get a RMVB and an electronic controller the car will still be shifting itself :)
Can you do that? I was under the impression that you had to swap to a th400. I want a ratchet shifter, but it seems kinda pointless on a 4l60e, but if what you are saying is possible with a 4l60e I am ready to pee my pants with joy

[mavrikZ]

There is only really a few tenths between an A4 and an T56.
I kinda believe that the engine would be in better shape on an auto, simply because the ECM wont let you accedently drop it into 1st instead of 3rd @75MPH! Alot harder to bend rods!

[iLIKEtransAMS]

so, do you have to get supporting mods with a shift kit? and they are good b/c they make more up line tension? and what's the difference between a ratchet shifter and a shift kit? Sorry, I don't know anything about transmissions, or cars really

[junkman]

The difference between a shifter and a shift kit in the trany is that a shifter is just that it's what you use to put your car in gear a shift kit makes the trany shift different because it actualy changes the shift points of the trany and line pressure of the trany

[Whocares]

I've been looking around and pricing Corvette's, since I plan to get one by late May. I've never had one before (but had several F-Bodys, Grand Nationals, and Mustangs), and want to try a 'vette. I'd like one between 1995 and 1998. However, I was astounded to learn that (at least the ones I've seen so far, and I've looked up over 30 since I started looking) that the overwhelming majority were automatics. Now, I'm not the kinda guy to put anyone down, so I apologize if I offend anyone, but...Who in their right mind would even think about spending all that money and getting an automatic? Now, not knowing much about Corvettes, I imagined the majority would be stick. Heck, at worse I thought it would be 50-50. Boy, was I wrong! What is the actual percentage, and why so many autos? Is this because they attract a lot of old men trying to pick up 18 year-old girls who were poor as kids and never had anything fast in their youth, hence they don't know how to drive sticks? What gives!

I bought my first vette a month ago (01) and there were far more 6-speeds than autos...you werent looking in the same places as me. Funny thing was I could have got a Zo6 or convertible for the same price as my A4 coupe...how pitiful is that?

Im the same as you...bunch of F-bodies, GNs, and Mustangs. I think the difference is you havent put in enough transmissions and clutches on the garage floor. Four clutches and 2 transmissions in my 383 stroker was enough. Besides Autos make twin turbos manageable:)
Good luck!

[junkman]

Alot of people get autos because they are more consistant thats true, there very few people out there that can shift as fast or as consistant as an auto.I can't shift my auto manualy even though I've put a shift kit in that said you could shift into any gear at any rpm but the trany guy told me that's more hype then truth. The trany guy also said if I was able to shift the trany like that it might trip codes that could retard my timing or worse put my car in limp mode until the code were cleard. so I just delt with it that I can't shift the trany manualy.But the shift kit was worth it,shifts alot better now.
:drivin:

[justanothertech]

Sorry man, I don't think you can buy a RMVB for the 4L60E since it is electronic, but I'm sure or near sure somebody has produced something to over-ride the controls for your shifting pleasure, or you could always swap in an older hydro transmission, :)Thanks for all the help !

[iLIKEtransAMS]

thanks junkman!

[PuSha050]

Just joined and had to give my opinion on this subject...

If you are worrying about going down the straights as consistantly as possible, or if you are putting out serious power (as my good friend with an 80 camaro with a 502, later this year being blown:notworthy: is doing), the automatic is the way to go. or if you just like crusing:thinkin:

if you enjoy the naturality (if thats even a word) of driving a sports car, and dont care if your 2/10's slower or 2/10's faster because when you drive a stick you get that "great car feeling" (u kno what im talking about), and when you drive an automatic you search for that clutch pedal and dont kno what to do with your right hand:dunno: , get the stick

just my opinon

[iLIKEtransAMS]

and thats all there is to that really. There should be no real debate, pusha050 has really laid it out very nicely

[enzo]

automatics are definitely faster there is to much lag time with foot movement with a stick there is none with an automatic.

[enzo]

If you are going to keep it stock, or mostly stock, a stick is definitely faster and better MPG than an auto. I have a 6 speed and love it, but for the serious racer a stick would be far less consistant and slower. It all depends on what you're going to do with it.
automatics are definitely faster there is to much lag time with foot movement with a stick there is none with an automatic.

[boobs]

i totally agree with enzo.. the fastest quarter mile cars in the world use autos... all u do is a transbrake and hold ur right foot down and u dont gotta waste ur time on the clutch or throw of the tranny.

[ramrod]

manuals are for spirited drives and autocrossing, autos are for straight line


Hit the nail on the head! :yup:

[snaggeltooth]

I checked a few sites...Said the average age for a NEW Vette owner is 49+ .... That is why there is so many autos

[BlownC5]

The autos just simply sell to a larger majority of consumers. The 6 speed is the way to go though!:yup:

[myk02k]

The 6 speed is the way to go though!:yup:

For you.

[Wesman]

For you.

And for anyone else that wants the experience of a true sports car ;)

[myk02k]

And for anyone else that wants the experience of a true sports car ;)

For those of you that don't want to be the one winning a drag race ;)

[Wesman]

For those of you that don't want to be the one winning a drag race ;)

Autos are good if you build them up for straight line racing, and thats it. They positively suck at everything else.

They are more expensive to buy in the first place, get much worse fuel economy, are much less efficient and put less power to the wheels than a manual, and they are not nearly as fun to drive. They also suck for road racing, auto-xing, and spirited driving.

So what if a stalled and built automatic can beat a comparable 6-speed car in the 1/4 by a few tenths. Its not even close to outweighing all the negatives, for me at least. The manual car is still better at everything else, and I'd much rather have the more well rounded and fun to drive package.

[oneBADDz]

Autos are good if you build them up for straight line racing, and thats it. They positively suck at everything else.

They are more expensive to buy in the first place, get much worse fuel economy, are much less efficient and put less power to the wheels than a manual, and they are not nearly as fun to drive. They also suck for road racing, auto-xing, and spirited driving.

So what if a stalled and built automatic can beat a comparable 6-speed car in the 1/4 by a few tenths. Its not even close to outweighing all the negatives, for me at least. The manual car is still better at everything else, and I'd much rather have the more well rounded and fun to drive package.
The auto may be more expensive in every other car on the planet, but the 6-speed in f-bodies and vettes costs more than the 4l60E

[myk02k]

Well I spent $2700 on my lil 4L60E...the complete list of modifications are about 15-20 things done to it. severely overhauled to a point that when my car shifts at high throttle or WOT, it BANGS into the next gear, my tires slip, and i get whiplash. i know you M6 guys can get that feeling if you shift as hard and fast as you can, but there's no 'back-and-fourth' motion you get when the clutch is released, just a pure hit into more power.

[Wesman]

Well I spent $2700 on my lil 4L60E...the complete list of modifications are about 15-20 things done to it. severely overhauled to a point that when my car shifts at high throttle or WOT, it BANGS into the next gear, my tires slip, and i get whiplash. i know you M6 guys can get that feeling if you shift as hard and fast as you can, but there's no 'back-and-fourth' motion you get when the clutch is released, just a pure hit into more power.

Its called powershifting. No matter how much you build up an automatic, it can never match the true feel of a direct connection to the wheels that a manual trans provides.

[oneBADDz]

Its called powershifting. No matter how much you build up an automatic, it can never match the true feel of a direct connection to the wheels that a manual trans provides.
no offence but :rotfl: a shift kit and/or a tune. . .it will rock your world

[Wesman]

no offence but :rotfl: a shift kit and/or a tune. . .it will rock your world

I know all about shift kits and built up autos. My Dad has a built 700R4 on his Vette. When you floor it, the engine jumps to the powerband and stays there while the trans pounds through the gears. Like I said though, still doesn't come close to matching the feel of a direct connection to the wheels that a manual trans provides. Different, but not the same. I happen to prefer manual, it just suits sports cars much better.

[oneBADDz]

when my car shifts at high throttle or WOT, it BANGS into the next gear, my tires slip, and i get whiplash.

^Me and this guy both know^. . .just because you havn't experienced it doesn't mean it isn't true, your dad probably has REALLY high gears and/or a huge stall

I know all about shift kits and built up autos. My Dad has a built 700R4 on his Vette. When you floor it, the engine jumps to the powerband and stays there while the trans pounds through the gears. Like I said though, still doesn't come close to matching the feel of a direct connection to the wheels that a manual trans provides. Different, but not the same. I happen to prefer manual, it just suits sports cars much better.

[Hawk241]

yup. when my old trans was going it wouldn't shit out of 2nd gear till 6500 RPM at WOT. you could reprogram it to shift wherever you want at either regular, moderate, or WOT throttle; however, you better be damn sure you have a trans and corresponding parts that can handle the beating. My trans shifts so hard WOT that the rear end sways to the right on the highway when im testing it out. I don't wanna sound corny about this, but I feel like it shifts harder and faster than some M6 guys I know. The only thing that makes the M6 guys shifts feel more drastic is because of the gap of power when they clutch, but that only means they're losing power and you feel the grasp back into the torque they were at.

I have a pretty much stock LT1 A4, Stock trany no stall..yet. I had 2.73's and put 3.42's in a week ago and I catch rubber into 2nd, I mean around 6 grand its quick and direct! Dont get me wrong, I am shopping for a LS1 M6, but its starting to change my mind.:yup:

[Wesman]

^Me and this guy both know^. . .just because you havn't experienced it doesn't mean it isn't true, your dad probably has REALLY high gears and/or a huge stall

Nahh.

He's got 4.11's with a 2800 Stall. Nothing too radical.

Like I said though, its just not the same feeling as an M6, and our cars both have about the same WHP.

[BlownC5]

Everyone has their own preferences. Its really about what you prefer. Myself, the 6 speed just gives you more control over the car in every situation :yup:

[Wesman]

Everyone has their own preferences. Its really about what you prefer. Myself, the 6 speed just gives you more control over the car in every situation :yup:

:yup: :yup: :yup:

[preston1980]

I'm buying my first vette within a couple days, Im shopping around now.
This thread hits home for me, because I have had 4 Trans Ams (93,97,98,99)
All 6 speeds. I love the feel of the stick shift (that sounded gay), but I have drove 2 auto vettes and 2 6 speeds so far in my quest to find my perfect vette for the money. Im looking at a 2001 probally. Arond $27,000

Anyway I think a vette is a differant kind of sports car, I would have never said this before 2 weeks ago, but I think Im gonna go with an auto, even if it is 4/10 second slower to 60 and 3/10 in the quarter.

The way it feels when you floor it, and it downshifts, is wonderful yet it shifts smoothly, Also off the line the 2 autos I drove wouldnt hardly peel out, they just launched (yes I turned off the traction controll)

My 99 TA I have right now is faster, but hey its a vette.The vettes corner so much better by the way. and ride more smooth. Im a little excited. If you cant tell.

Hey, all you corvette guys, what is the first mod I should do?

[BlownC5]

Hey, all you corvette guys, what is the first mod I should do?


If you buy an automatic, I'd start with a good air intake, then 3.42 gears and maybe a higher stall torque convertor. That should really wake the car up. Good luck

[Wesman]

If you buy an automatic, I'd start with a good air intake, then 3.42 gears and maybe a higher stall torque convertor. That should really wake the car up. Good luck

Agreed.

However, I would never even consider buying a Vette with an auto. Its just totally defeats the purpose of the car. Its not a drag racer, its a sports car, and any good sports car always has a manual transmission. Ever take a stalled auto through some winding roads?? Well let me tell you its a joke, autos are only good for straight line, and thats only if they are stalled/built up and have gears. The Corvette is a true sports car, 99% of the people I see driving automatic Vettes are old guys who drive slow as shit and only care abou the looks of the car, not its real performance potential.

[preston1980]

I went to sign all the papers on my 01 vette, I saw a 2003 Cobra on their lot, and while they were looking at my 99 TA for trade in, I looked it over.

It is bright red, only 11k miles, same price as the 01 vette which has 55k on it? (5 times the miles)

So I drove it, and oh my god!!!! This car scares me!! They had just got it on there lot yeserday, I was the first to test drive it, anyway, the prvious owner has put on a differant pully on the charger and a knn filter and some sort of tuning and exhaust.
I would say it is runnig close to 500 hp.

So I cancelled the vette and changed to the Cobra!! same payment to.

Sorry to all the vette fans, but the power differance is to much to overlook.
I just got it home tonight and I cant quit looking at it, its beautiful!!

I love the vettes and I mite regret it, but I love the sound of that supercharger and the exhaust note says "Look at me"

I paid $25,225 and got $8,000 for my 99 TA with 94k on it, hope I didnt get rippeed off

[1fastcamarosss11]

a little high but if only 11k miles good deal. you could have got more for your car. well good luck, but don't become that guy.

[Hot Black Trans-Am]

You made a good choice. If looking at a vette get either a C6 or ZO6. The base C5 isn't really worth the trade from a Fbody. 03 up Cobra is really the only worth while F word. Although they don't look as good as the Vette's and don't handle as well either.

[preston1980]

a little high but if only 11k miles good deal. you could have got more for your car. well good luck, but don't become that guy.

dont worry, I wont ever bash Gm cars, I love em. This is my 3rd mustang, I had an 89 GT 5.0 and a 91 LX 5.0 as well. I love all american sports cars.
This is my first Cobra, but so far so good.

By the way, today on my way home from work I raced an 05 GTO, Im not bashing it, but it was not even close. I read that they have 400 horse, but this guy must have been a poor shifter or something, because I beat him pretty bad and Im still not that good at driving this car because it is completly differant from my 99 TA.

Anyway, Im way off topic for this thread. Peace all

[GA Country Boy]

If you buy an automatic, I'd start with a good air intake, then 3.42 gears and maybe a higher stall torque convertor. That should really wake the car up. Good luck

Good advice. Look at my sig and you will get an idea of some things you can do.