Automatic Corvette Survey
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,073
Likes: 3
From: New Jersey. The deer ate my Garden State.
Automatic Corvette Survey
I was just curious in finding out if you guys and girls like your powerglide transmissions in your C1-C2 corvettes. I bought my '66 coupe with the original powerglide transmission last spring. After working on it and getting it on the road, I drove it almost every weekend and every nice day that I could. I enjoyed driving it alot but, not having a manual transmission it seemed to be missing some of the fun factor. Don't get me wrong, I love my car but, when I met other Corvette owners, they were very surprised that I had an automatic transmission and most asked if I was going to change the trans. to a four speed. I told them that it is the original transmission and I would keep it as such. Any thoughts from the forum??
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 54,120
Likes: 9,428
From: Sitting in his Nowhere land Hanover Pa
2024 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2015 C2 of Year Finalist
Most people consider auto trans in mid years are the cars that the husbands bought for there wife or their daughter. To me if you enjoy your car why question it
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 990
Likes: 4
From: DAVIE/FORT LAUDERDALE FL
I drove my 67 300 hp auto a/c car for 20 years and 300k miles and loved every minute of it. I also had at the same time a 67, 390 automatic a/c car and loved it as well. I currenty drive a 66 390, auto a/c coupe and considering my avanced age and arthritic knees, i love it even more. I have had a lot of 4 speed cars-they are fun also, I just no longer get a thrill out of shifting!
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 15,353
Likes: 2,726
From: Close to DC
C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified 2020
I have been driving my '67 SB hi output 4-spd. for 31 years and love every shift until I get into heavy traffic, but that very rare. I plan on getting a garage mate second mid-year in the near future and intend on it being an automatic air coupe, but will convert it to at least a 3 speed or 4 speed auto. This way my wife can enjoy the car as much as I will. 
Racer
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 340
Likes: 0
From: Lewistown MT
I've got a 66' vert with auto transmission.....
I wouldn't have it any other way. I enjoy cruising, listening to music, waving at people, etc......don't want to be bothered with shifting.
just my .02
I wouldn't have it any other way. I enjoy cruising, listening to music, waving at people, etc......don't want to be bothered with shifting.
just my .02
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,003
Likes: 38
From: Scottsdale Arizona
My 65 was an original Powerglide car - loved the car, but missed "rowing through the gears" - sold it and bought a 66 L79 4 speed - love the car and love the manual trans! But, each to their own and "here's to all of us that drive a vintage corvette" regardless of the trans!
regardless of the trans!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 5,404
Likes: 45
From: Arlington Tx
St. Jude Donor '08
My '60 is a PG and it totally creeps me out. I'll be wandering the swap meets this spring, looking for a nice T-10 that will, someday, make my whitewalls chirp 2nd gear. I'm slowly gathering up all the stuff.
Are any PG trannys unique to Vettes? stamped #s or anything? I'm gonna keep all my PG parts except the trans. itself, unless its unique to the car for some reason..... I don't want to trip over a spare PG that I won't need for the next 30 years.
Are any PG trannys unique to Vettes? stamped #s or anything? I'm gonna keep all my PG parts except the trans. itself, unless its unique to the car for some reason..... I don't want to trip over a spare PG that I won't need for the next 30 years.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 486
Likes: 0
From: LONG ISLAND NY
My 67 was an original Powerglide 427/390 w/AC car and I still have the PG on the shelf. Changed it over to a 4 speed love the car and love the manual trans. When I can’t shift it anymore I will change it back.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 216
Likes: 4
From: Bettendorf IA
I have the original PG still in there as well........this is my first car so I have nothing to compare it to......
I did test drive other manual cars though and for me - it was more fun - but I am very happy with my PG trans.
I did test drive other manual cars though and for me - it was more fun - but I am very happy with my PG trans.
Pro
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 592
Likes: 1
From: Shreveport Louisiana LSU
My 62 is an original Powerglide. I enjoy driving the car and don't want to change it from original. If I don't find a C-1 or 2 soon to resto rod however, everything might come out. I would probably go back with an auto with OD. I have built a couple of street rods, and one thing you notice at cruise in's is that almost all cars are automatics.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 41,793
Likes: 153
From: Houston,Texas USA
My 1965 factory air coupe has a powerglide in it. It is a great car to drive as it is. In traffic, just the gas and brake pedals to contend with. Not like my 2004, with three pedals. I actually like the automatic in the 1965, I wouldn't change it. I actually believe it's one of the reasons the car is in such good shape. I'm the third owner, and it just turned 40,000 miles. If I were to change anything, it would be the color.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 825
Likes: 17
From: Rowlett, TX
I have a '65 factory air coupe with an automatic. In the past I owned a '63 with a 4 speed. Before buying this car I was concerned about the automatic but took it for a test drive and was really pleased with how nice it drove. Since buying it I have been very happy with the car and wouldn't hesitate to buy another Vette with an automatic.
I have now owned the car a little over a year. Since buying it I have swapped in a 200-R4 4 speed automatic overdrive transmission (very easy bolt-in conversion). Now I really love the car for cruising and the overdrive trans. with lock-up converter is great for long trips.
I have now owned the car a little over a year. Since buying it I have swapped in a 200-R4 4 speed automatic overdrive transmission (very easy bolt-in conversion). Now I really love the car for cruising and the overdrive trans. with lock-up converter is great for long trips.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 17,278
Likes: 6
From: If I say it's safe to surf this beach ......then it's safe to surf this beach
If I'd seen my '64 Coupe on a dealer's lot when new, I'd have walked right past it without a second glance. It's loaded with Power Steering, Power Brakes, Power Windows, Powerglide, Back-up Lights, Air Conditioning, etc.etc., and originally had Leather Seats.
But when I bought this car in the mid-80's, the Powerglide was the only option that stilled turned me off, but the car was too good to pass up. I've since grown to appreciate the PG and so long as it continues to perform, it'll stay in the car.
But when I bought this car in the mid-80's, the Powerglide was the only option that stilled turned me off, but the car was too good to pass up. I've since grown to appreciate the PG and so long as it continues to perform, it'll stay in the car.