RE: Re: Manual vs. Auto (WAS: I4->V8?)

From: Tom Slick North (prodog@swbell.net)
Date: Mon Feb 05 2001 - 00:04:53 EST


To be honest, both types of transmissions have their advantages...

I've been involved in Drag racing, road racing, and autocrossing since I was
in high school...

The manual tranny allows slightly more power to get to the ground, but
consistency is harder to obtain when shifting... a manual is a must in road
racing, where using the engine to help braking (quicker braking times and
helps the brakes last). I raced an 87 Honda Accord LXi w/ a 5-speed and did
very well... wouldn't have been able to compete with an auto...

The auto tranny is my choice for drag racing... If you bracket race, you
want consistency, consistency that is easier found with an auto tranny, but
you lose a little more horsepower at the rear wheels due to slippage from
the torque converter...
I have a 71 Chevelle with a 500+hp SB Chevy, with a race prepped TH350 auto
Tranny, that when you hit 2nd gear will shift hard enough to pull the right
front tire off the ground...

Manual tranny - autocrossing, road racing
Auto tranny - drag racing

This is just my 2 cents, go with what you prefer... but don't knock the
others...

Later,
Tom "Slick"

-----Original Message-----
From: owner-dakota-truck@BUFFNET.NET
[mailto:owner-dakota-truck@BUFFNET.NET]On Behalf Of Robert D. Smith
Sent: Sunday, February 04, 2001 7:28 PM
To: dakota-truck@buffnet.net
Subject: DML: Re: Manual vs. Auto (WAS: I4->V8?)

Just my $.02 on the Manual vs. Auto Tranny preference "flame war."
I learned to drive on a 61 Ferd wagon "3-on-the-tree" (Yeah, I'm old - 49 in
a couple of months), & I drive with a stick & wouldn't want it any other
way, I can drive your automatic, if I had to but you can't drive my stick.
You say you don't even want to learn how to drive a with a manual tranny. A
little narrow-minded IMHO.
If (hyptothetically speaking, of course...), you were in a critical
situation & the only vehicle on hand for getting someone required medical
attention had a stick, what would you do, pray for a "real driver" to
materialize, or just Mahtzoh the clutch & not be any better off?
I'm not saying your preference is right or wrong, but why not learn how a
clutch feels, just in case?
Again, just my $.02...

 Bob Smith
2K Dak SY CC Sport +
3.9l; V-6: 4X4

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