Automatic vs. Manual

[lpope]

I'm building my first ride (66 nova) with an ls engine. Please advise me on transmissions. The cars purpose will be mainly for joy rides and shows but It is being built to be more than capable on the autocross. It looks like most members are going with manual trans, please give me the benifts of going with a manual or automatic. Why is one better than the other.

[nickcornilsen]

This is a pretty simplistic question, google would help you out.

I go with a manual for a number of reasons:
-Generally lighter
-Less parasitic power loss=better mileage, usually faster than some automatics.
-I love shifting my own gears, so I can use the engine to brake and don't have to wait for the trans to shift down coming out of the corner.

However, automatics are often easier to package because you don't have to worry about shifter location as much.
Newer generation transmissions are pretty good at gear managment, they often are comparable in efficiency and acceleration to manuals these days.
Automatics generally can handle more power, and are easiler on the rest of the drive-train.
More consistant shifting for drag-race applications.

[6D9 Matt]

Gotta go manual! T-56 Magnum baby!!!

Bought my Camaro back in July (see sig) with a 7004R, love it... but I was on the phone with Hurst Drivelines buying a T56 Magnum about a week after it arrived. LOL Hope to get it back from install any day now.

Just something about a muscle (or even modern sports car)... no autos for me.

[bulletpruf]

Real cars have 3 pedals...

Go manual or you'll regret it.

Scott