I used to think that but the more I get involved in discussions about
automatics (valve bodies) and torque converters the more I'm inclined to
believe that the automatic carries a definite advantage, performance-wise.
I think its the misunderstandings about automatic transmissions that makes
one believe that a manual one is better. There is no doubt in my mind that
a manual tranny is more fun to drive. That's how I learned to drive and I
still love to drive one to this day BUT if it's performance you want then
you need to consider an automatic and torque converter, custom-built. The
parasitic losses of an automatic drivetrain are from 20-30% but a
custom-built valve body and TC can eliminate most of that without
eliminating drivability. Of course, as is with any performance custom-built
part, there is a cost involved. If you don't do any of the work yourself,
the cost will be $1000-2000 depending on the amount of power your engine is
capable of producing.
Ron
00 PB SLT QC 4X2 5.9 46RE 3.92 LSD
For modifications see my DML Profile (URL follows)
http://www.twistedbits.net/WWWProfile/dakota/Kw9pV1EkFeOYY
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-dakota-truck@buffnet.net
[mailto:owner-dakota-truck@buffnet.net]On Behalf Of Tom Slick North
Sent: Sunday, February 04, 2001 9:05 PM
To: dakota-truck@buffnet.net
Subject: DML: RE: Re: Manual vs. Auto (WAS: I4->V8?)
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
For the mods/details, visit us at:
http://home.nycap.rr.com/daksy/
(ps, we're still working on it!)
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