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View Full Version : Manual or Automatic? (moved from Manual)



RighteousReaper
12-10-2004, 11:01 AM
Help me make decision about a transmission for my 69 Camaro. I've narrowed my choices down between a TH-700-R4 and Richmond 6-speed. First of all, both my cars are automatics. My camaro has a TH-350 and it has always been fun to drive regardless of what manual diehards say. I will admit that my ford escort is quite boring in comparison. My brother's 4-banger manual ford ranger is fun to drive though because the shifting helps pass the time while i'm doing the 40second 1/4 mile.

I have never driven a fast vehicle that has a manual so i wonder if i am missing out on something other than the improved gas mileage a 6-speed gets. People have told me that with a manual I will have more fun driving and i will have more control over the vehicle. I wonder if having to keep a close eye on my tach and having to shift gears precisely every second or so will be more fun? I am willing to learn to be a better driver though if the rewards are worth it, but if not, i'd just as soon stay with an automatic. Please let me know what you think.

parsonsj
12-10-2004, 11:20 AM
Moved to General, with a re-direct from the Manual section. Same thing will occur in Automatic.

jp

RighteousReaper
12-10-2004, 07:48 PM
over 50 people have viewed this thread and nobody has an opinion?:dunno:

Ralph LoGrasso
12-10-2004, 07:58 PM
Since you're torn between a manual and an automatic, why not have the best of both worlds? Run a Shrifter. It's a paddle shifted automatic. You have two paddles on your steering wheel, pull back on one to upshift (I believe the right one) and pull back on the other one (left) to downshift. It's really the best of both worlds, because if you feel lazy and don't want to shift, I think you can just put it in drive and, well, drive. The car will shift like a regular automatic. Switch the electronics over to manual mode, and you get to shift using the paddles. Steve had a display with him at the pro-touring.com SEMA dinner and the production version looks REALLY slick! I had a chance to sit in his car and check out the prototype version, and it was definitely an experience to pull back on the paddles and hear the solenoids "shift"(The car was turned off and everything was disengaged). Hopefully Steve will see this thread an explain further, I must admit, I'm not an expert on manu-matics so I hope I didn't mess up any info. If Steve doesn't see the thread, you can PM him, his handle here is "streetfytr68".

Good luck!!

camcojb
12-10-2004, 08:51 PM
You'll need the later 4L60/65/80E to use the Shrifter. That's what I'm doing for mine. The Shrifter gives you manual control with a paddle shifter for up and downshifts, plus you still retain automatic functions also. Very cool product from a very good guy and member here. If you decide on an auto the electronic controlled trannies are the way to go. I've been playing with the one in my Lightning for over a year, it is a blast. You can literally tell it the exact mph to upshift, downshift, lock the converter, etc. as relates to MPH and load.

Jody

Steve Chryssos
12-11-2004, 04:48 AM
It's true!! Within weeks there will be a 3rd option: Manu-matics. It's a good choice for anyone who is 1) unsure which way to go, 2) has more power than a T56 can handle; and/or 3) just likes technology. Computer controlled electronic automatics can be calibrated to perform and feel better than ANY old-school mechanical transmission. If you need persuading, go test-drive a new Pontiac Grand Prix or Porsche with Tiptronic (wear fancy clothes).

It's a matter of personal preference, but you may find that manu-matic shifting can be just as fun as rowing gears. I like both for different reasons: Manu-Matic shifting feels like you are piloting a fighter jet--surgical and precise, while banging gears is a great way to blow off steam.

RighteousReaper
12-16-2004, 06:10 PM
I am really impressed with the Shrifter. The entire concept is awesome. The thought of being able to put paddle shifting technology as cool as that in a technologically outdated car like mine is close to mindblowing. What's even better is that it is affordable. It has to be crazy amounts of fun to shift like that. :cool:

Steve Chryssos
12-17-2004, 05:09 AM
Thank you--And yeah: It's a blast--especially during oversteer.