4-speed over-rated?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 5,752
Likes: 4
From: Austin Texas
Not until 1972 did the automatic trans. sell more than the manual trans., that is about the same time as the engine performance dropped. The fun-factor was slipping away. Women were beginning to enter the Corvette market as well. Those are my conclusions as to why there are so many auto. trans 'Vettes. 
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Originally Posted by Kalway
My jokes are too dirty for this forum. IM me and I'll say em but until then I'm just going to enjoy being able stumble out to my car at 2am, turn the key, and drive down to Carls Jr. for a burger, if I so desire. If I want to shift, I can. I just don't have to clutch. 
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,486
Likes: 10
From: Big Pine Key FL
Originally Posted by SHAKERATTLEROLL
There is a trick to it lol. You do not need to use all of the gears all of the time. Depending on how much weight you have in it. You can skip gears or even a few. 
skip 1 maybe empty 
skip 2 never loaded 
I've been drivin my looserville 9000 twin screw tractor 318 (8V-71N) with a RTO-9513...
:hijack
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 830
Likes: 1
Auto...
I don't care what you guys say. 
I am 6'4" and did a lot of test drives of C-3's before I bought my 1980 AT. Of all the C3 4 speeds manual tranny's I drove, my size 13 shoes could barely fit into the small pedal space. Not only that, my knee's where up by my elbows, looking like a bafoon & uncomfortable as h#ll too! My car just got back from the dyno (rated at 374hp) and for a 350cu in. engine, the automatic works great. I can cruise easier and it still squawks the tires as it hops into second gear (yes, even with an automatic).
I say "Automatic Tranny Baby!"
AP
I am 6'4" and did a lot of test drives of C-3's before I bought my 1980 AT. Of all the C3 4 speeds manual tranny's I drove, my size 13 shoes could barely fit into the small pedal space. Not only that, my knee's where up by my elbows, looking like a bafoon & uncomfortable as h#ll too! My car just got back from the dyno (rated at 374hp) and for a 350cu in. engine, the automatic works great. I can cruise easier and it still squawks the tires as it hops into second gear (yes, even with an automatic).
I say "Automatic Tranny Baby!"
AP
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,876
Likes: 1
From: Jersey Shore Exit 98
Originally Posted by OregonVette80
You're lucky Jersey is a long long ways away from Oregon
I couldn't drive my buddy's TVR unless I took my shoe's off.
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Pro
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 624
Likes: 24
From: Shoreline WA
I read through all of the posts for & against the manual 4-speed and I still don't see what all the fuss is about. An automatic is okay, but a lot of us believe the 4-speed is better. The reasons don't matter because it's a personal preference.
I can only afford one Corvette. Its got the original 4-speed. Wouldn't have it any other way.
I can only afford one Corvette. Its got the original 4-speed. Wouldn't have it any other way.
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
thanks
Wow, lots of posts on this topic.
I think I've read enough to make my decision.
Basically, the problem was "jerky" shifting.
I agree the shifting will never be as smooth as modern cars.
I agree the shifting is better with proper maintenance and upgrades.
I agree the "jerky" shifting is part of the "vintage vette" experience.
I agree that "driving" = shifting, "riding" = automatic. And I consider myself a "driver"
However, all that being said, I will mostly be driving in the heavy stop and go traffic of So Cal. I do plan to keep my right hand in my girlfriend's lap, and I may even let her drive the car!
For the same price, I would still get the stick, but since its sort of a "push"' for me after driving one, I never thought I would say this, but I might as well save the $1000+ and get the auto.
I think I've read enough to make my decision.
Basically, the problem was "jerky" shifting.
I agree the shifting will never be as smooth as modern cars.
I agree the shifting is better with proper maintenance and upgrades.
I agree the "jerky" shifting is part of the "vintage vette" experience.
I agree that "driving" = shifting, "riding" = automatic. And I consider myself a "driver"
However, all that being said, I will mostly be driving in the heavy stop and go traffic of So Cal. I do plan to keep my right hand in my girlfriend's lap, and I may even let her drive the car!
For the same price, I would still get the stick, but since its sort of a "push"' for me after driving one, I never thought I would say this, but I might as well save the $1000+ and get the auto.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,156
Likes: 88
From: Ohio (Go Bucks)
To each his own. But I definately prefer a manual transmission. I have owned a C2 4-speed , Still own a C3 4-speed and just recently bought a C5 6-speed. The 6 speed is fantastic. At 70 miles an hour my tach. is reading 1500 RPM.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 168
Likes: 3
From: Denver Colorado
Mike......
Of course there is no right or wrong answer to your question. Only personal preferences. Asking 4-speed or automatic is like asking Coupe or Convertible or small block or big block?
Good luck..
Peter
Good luck..
Peter
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 18,640
Likes: 121
From: Farragut,TN
Do I want an automatic in my '69? no The problem with the earlier c-3 is the shifter is probably worn out. my '69 has a hurst shifer smooth as butter and with the torque of the car I can go from 1st to 4th if i dont want to go through all the gears. also when you get good enough with a 4 speed box you can change gears without using the clutch except for 1st and reverse.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Originally Posted by 694speed350
also when you get good enough with a 4 speed box you can change gears without using the clutch except for 1st and reverse.
My step dad used to do that in his Camaro.. Everyone thought it was totally cool until one day he mis-judged it, and mangled a couple of his gears.
Then he spent $1000 to repair his mistake.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Originally Posted by Corz
i didnt like how the older manuals felt, but I still love rowing through the gears..
when im out of college a 6spd will be going in
when im out of college a 6spd will be going in
Which one? A Viper 6spd? I lifted one of those...it was frig'n HUGE. !!!