Restmod Manual VS Auto
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 510
Likes: 13
From: Fort Collins CO
Restmod Manual VS Auto
OK sold my stock frame from my 62 today and ordering an Art Morrison frame tomorrow, prefer the solid rear axle and the option of not running C6 front suspension.....my question is should I use the brand new Doug Nash 4+1 laying in my shop or run an automatic? I will be running a LS2 out of a 2005 GTO so I have the automatic mated to it which has a nice shift kit and the LS2 has the FAST intake putting out some nice HP to the rear wheel....I understand that I will need a special flywheel and bellhousing for the LS2 Nash combo...any thoughts? 
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 4,359
Likes: 116
From: AUSTIN Tx
All depends on what your driving plans for the car are. I drive the wheels off of my cars and do a lot of stop and go driving. I have an automatic in both my 59 and 65 with a LS engine and I would not have it any other way! The 4L65 trans has an incredibly deep first gear and the car will feel like it has a 4.86 gear with only a mid-3 gear. Both my cars get over 20 mpg and are a joy to drive. With the LS2 engine, you are going to be able to send the 245 tires (largest that will fit under stock wheelwells), up in smoke buy simply flooring the throttle, so acceleration is limited by the tires anyway!
My current project is getting the new GM 6 speed automatic with paddle shifters, so I can run up and down the gears manually, but still don't have to fool with the clutch.
If you really enjoy stirring the stick, then go for the manual.
Regards, John McGraw
My current project is getting the new GM 6 speed automatic with paddle shifters, so I can run up and down the gears manually, but still don't have to fool with the clutch.
If you really enjoy stirring the stick, then go for the manual.
Regards, John McGraw
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 29,065
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From: cookeville tennessee
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 4,359
Likes: 116
From: AUSTIN Tx
Regards, John McGraw
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,487
Likes: 57
From: Williamsburg Virginia
Transmission
When I build a reto you can bet the farm it will be automatic. I have a
C6 with paddle shift and I would not trade it for any manuel transmission. I have lusted for a new Z06 and have driven one, but could not enjoy the car as much as I would like due to the shifting. Well as they say to each his own. You asked, so I say go with the transmission already hooked to the motor. Good Luck and keep us posted.
Earl
C6 with paddle shift and I would not trade it for any manuel transmission. I have lusted for a new Z06 and have driven one, but could not enjoy the car as much as I would like due to the shifting. Well as they say to each his own. You asked, so I say go with the transmission already hooked to the motor. Good Luck and keep us posted.
Earl
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 29,065
Likes: 1,839
From: cookeville tennessee
With the 6L80E trans, the paddle shifting costs nothing but the switches. The 6 speed already is set up for sequential up and down shifting. I am using a stock Pont G8 shifter which has a dual gate with an up/down gate on the lever and them I am adding the paddle switches to the steering wheel so I don't have to take my hands off the wheel. The 6L80E is a neat transmission, and built like a tank! It is a little large and I had to do some major surgery to the trans tunnel on the Chevelle, but it will be worth it.
Regards, John McGraw
Regards, John McGraw
The wife has a BMW 5 seriers has the paddle shift on the wheel. She tells me all the time to stop doing her car like that. It is fun also I tell her just making sure it is still working. I really do think you would like the auto better in what you are building yourself....
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,008
Likes: 169
From: Grand Harbor in South Carolina
I say unless you have a medical reason for not being able to press down on a clutch there is NOTHING like ACTUALLY shifting gears the "old fashioned" way. Take notice that all the "i'd go with the auto guy's" say they love the paddle shift so they can SHIFT GEARS! It comes down to just being too lazy to bother with a clutch, but they still like the fun of shifting gears.I'm 63 years old and have shifted gears on most all of my cars since I was 16 years old.Not too lazy yet! JMHO> thought you needed to hear from a gear shifter to know there is another side.
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Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 29,065
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From: cookeville tennessee
I say unless you have a medical reason for not being able to press down on a clutch there is NOTHING like ACTUALLY shifting gears the "old fashioned" way. Take notice that all the "i'd go with the auto guy's" say they love the paddle shift so they can SHIFT GEARS! It comes down to just being too lazy to bother with a clutch, but they still like the fun of shifting gears.I'm 63 years old and have shifted gears on most all of my cars since I was 16 years old.Not too lazy yet! JMHO> thought you needed to hear from a gear shifter to know there is another side.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,008
Likes: 169
From: Grand Harbor in South Carolina
I dont agree with you at all here. He says new aftermarket frame, LS2 motor, With that kind of power a auto will out run a stick car ever day of the week, Plus dont have to keep putting clutches in the car. Plus I have a 65 vette with a 4 speed in her wouldnt never chg this car to a auto with what the car is. Plus I am 60 years old her. plus I have a c5 with auto in it but she has 857 rwhp. Plus the 65 will do 11:61 in the 1/4 at 117 miles per hr with only D/R ON THE BACK IS THIS HITTING THE GEARS GOOD ENOUGH. Stock 327 365 hp motor. Again this is nothing at you just a look at setting up a car for perf stand point for all round use.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 649
Likes: 17
From: West Palm Beach Florida
I can see both sides to this argument, so I have but one question; why has every high performance Corvette, from the original Z06 to the current Z06, and the original ZR1 to the current ZR1 ONLY been offered with manual transmissions? Granted these cars were designed for road racing, and yes, technology has advanced light years with the Automatic, but come on, shift the gears, for crying out loud. One exception would be if you are building an all out bracket racer where consistency is the key. JMO
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,973
Likes: 5
From: Valrico Florida
The 1980 L82 (the only performance model offered), though of questionable performance but the best of its time, was available with the automatic only as I recall. Someone needs to check the black book to verify this. So maybe the key would be to say the notable high performance Corvettes were manuals.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 330
Likes: 0
From: Hoover AL
I to am 63 and I enjoy shifting. I just had someone hand me the keys to a Supercharged Shelby GT and he said burn the tires off of it. Which I did. It was an Automatic and I do not belive I could have shifted fast enough to keep up with the Auto.
I am also building a resto mod 62. Will the 4L80E fit my tunnel? Or should I ask which auto will fit and work well without tunnel alteration? I am adding a Dana 44.
I am also building a resto mod 62. Will the 4L80E fit my tunnel? Or should I ask which auto will fit and work well without tunnel alteration? I am adding a Dana 44.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,266
Likes: 550
I can see both sides to this argument, so I have but one question; why has every high performance Corvette, from the original Z06 to the current Z06, and the original ZR1 to the current ZR1 ONLY been offered with manual transmissions? Granted these cars were designed for road racing, and yes, technology has advanced light years with the Automatic, but come on, shift the gears, for crying out loud. One exception would be if you are building an all out bracket racer where consistency is the key. JMO
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,162
Likes: 649
From: Chattanooga TN
For the man that just has to say he has 3 peddles and stick shift, and want to be able to up shift and down shift at about the same speed as an automatic transmission here is the trans for you. You only have to usee the clutch to start off, or stop. Not much help in stop and go traffic.
I do believe modification to tunnel would be require on a C1, and no so on C2.
http://www.keislerauto.com/recent-ne...k-6-speed.html
Now for those that want a 6 speed auto with paddle shifting or stick with Tap up/ Tap down shift buttons, then here is an option to the GM 6L80E/90E transmission that manufacture claims will handle 850 HP at crank.
Based off 4L80E transmission and case is same.
I do not know if it will fit in a C2 tunnel without modifcation. My guess is modification to tunnel will be needed, due to long wide pan. If C1 has a wider tunnel than C2 no modification of tunnel may be needed.
Be prepared to have a Steamer Trunk full of money cause regular suitcase want hold enough money. Going to cost you around 7 large for trans package, TQ converter, yoke, Flex plate etc.
http://www.tciauto.com/Products/6x/
I do believe modification to tunnel would be require on a C1, and no so on C2.
http://www.keislerauto.com/recent-ne...k-6-speed.html
Now for those that want a 6 speed auto with paddle shifting or stick with Tap up/ Tap down shift buttons, then here is an option to the GM 6L80E/90E transmission that manufacture claims will handle 850 HP at crank.
Based off 4L80E transmission and case is same.
I do not know if it will fit in a C2 tunnel without modifcation. My guess is modification to tunnel will be needed, due to long wide pan. If C1 has a wider tunnel than C2 no modification of tunnel may be needed.
Be prepared to have a Steamer Trunk full of money cause regular suitcase want hold enough money. Going to cost you around 7 large for trans package, TQ converter, yoke, Flex plate etc.
http://www.tciauto.com/Products/6x/
Last edited by Poorhousenext; Mar 4, 2010 at 01:43 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,162
Likes: 649
From: Chattanooga TN
You may be able to hear it in their video if your listening for it. They warn you about it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,162
Likes: 649
From: Chattanooga TN
Since you mention using 4 Speed Auto, Keisler also offers one of those too.
Comes with paddle shifter and engine braking. 3 different Packages with trans built to hold 450 Ft Lbs, 550 Ft lbs, or 650 Ft Lbs of Tq of engine torque.
http://www.keislerauto.com/wizard.html
Comes with paddle shifter and engine braking. 3 different Packages with trans built to hold 450 Ft Lbs, 550 Ft lbs, or 650 Ft Lbs of Tq of engine torque.
http://www.keislerauto.com/wizard.html