C3 General General C3 Corvette Discussion not covered in Tech
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Auto or Manual

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 8, 2007 | 01:07 PM
  #1  
randommj's Avatar
randommj
Thread Starter
Safety Car
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,449
Likes: 0
Default Auto or Manual

wich is faster on drag, and y i would like both sides of the story

randommj
Reply
Old Mar 8, 2007 | 01:23 PM
  #2  
bobs77vet's Avatar
bobs77vet
Race Director
20 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
Liked
 
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,874
Likes: 263
From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
Default

and what is faster doing math?........a slide rule or a computer



the automatic is faster and more consistent......
Reply
Old Mar 8, 2007 | 01:26 PM
  #3  
DJ Dep's Avatar
DJ Dep
Le Mans Master
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 5,714
Likes: 6
From: Silver City NM
St. Jude Donor '05-'07
Default

Originally Posted by bobs77vet
and what is faster doing math?........a slide rule or a computer



the automatic is faster and more consistent......

Somehow, I think the Coughlin family (Jegs) and a few others might disagree. Note the question wasn't specific to Vettes.
Reply
Old Mar 8, 2007 | 01:27 PM
  #4  
randommj's Avatar
randommj
Thread Starter
Safety Car
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,449
Likes: 0
Default

why tho? ive heard a lot of people say that but they hav no reasons behind it, why?

randommj
Reply
Old Mar 8, 2007 | 01:38 PM
  #5  
DJ Dep's Avatar
DJ Dep
Le Mans Master
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 5,714
Likes: 6
From: Silver City NM
St. Jude Donor '05-'07
Default

Originally Posted by randommj
why tho? ive heard a lot of people say that but they hav no reasons behind it, why?

randommj
Personally, I DON'T think an auto is faster than a stick. I think an auto may be MORE CONSISTENT than a stick for most drivers. And if you are running ET style racing where you have to be within a consistent bracket all the time, it's good for that. But I have seen MANY "heads-up" races where a stick beat an auto no problemo. The newest shifters (vertical gate) and transmissions/clutches don't even need a clutch to shift with. Watch an NHRA Nationals competition on ESPN where they have the camera in the car. You can see the driver shifting. There is NO hesitation between shifts.

Dep
Reply
Old Mar 8, 2007 | 01:39 PM
  #6  
bobs77vet's Avatar
bobs77vet
Race Director
20 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
Liked
 
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,874
Likes: 263
From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
Default

Originally Posted by randommj
why tho? ive heard a lot of people say that but they hav no reasons behind it, why?

randommj
it has to do with consistency........the more consistent you can perform the better off you are.

but then there are always those who think they are better then the machine
Reply
Old Mar 8, 2007 | 01:42 PM
  #7  
OregonVette80's Avatar
OregonVette80
Burning Brakes
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 830
Likes: 1
Default

Originally Posted by bobs77vet
.....
but then there are always those who think they are better then the machine
Reply
Old Mar 8, 2007 | 01:42 PM
  #8  
Scottys72's Avatar
Scottys72
Intermediate
 
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: Ottawa ON
Default

DJ I agree with you if you are spending big big money - for street/strip an auto is probably quicker and more definetly more consistent BUT like everything else in racing - how much do you want to spend?

IMHO

Scott
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-3

Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-4

10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

 Joe Kucinski
story-7

10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!

 Joe Kucinski
Old Mar 8, 2007 | 01:49 PM
  #9  
DJ Dep's Avatar
DJ Dep
Le Mans Master
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 5,714
Likes: 6
From: Silver City NM
St. Jude Donor '05-'07
Default

Originally Posted by Scottys72
DJ I agree with you if you are spending big big money - for street/strip an auto is probably quicker and more definetly more consistent BUT like everything else in racing - how much do you want to spend?

IMHO

Scott
Scott: I KNOW you aren't advocating street racing
There are specific reasons for using an auto and not EVERY drag racer using a stick is SLOWER than "the machine". Actually, a well set up stick is probably a lot LESS than an auto, pricewise. The problem with Vettes is a stick is pretty rough on the rest of the driveline. Autos are a lot less likely to blow out u-joints than a stick. And building a racer on a tight budget is pretty tough to do nowadays.

Dep
Reply
Old Mar 8, 2007 | 01:54 PM
  #10  
bobs77vet's Avatar
bobs77vet
Race Director
20 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
Liked
 
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,874
Likes: 263
From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
Default

Originally Posted by DJ Dep
The newest shifters (vertical gate) and transmissions/clutches don't even need a clutch to shift with. Watch an NHRA Nationals competition on ESPN where they have the camera in the car. You can see the driver shifting. There is NO hesitation between shifts.

Dep
perhaps trying to tie this question down to auto vs. manual is too narrow unless you define what an auto trans is and what a manual trans is.


i think an auto is faster then a clutch/manual

now when you get into the hybrid shifters i think they are closer to autos then conventional manuals......after all you can manually shift an auto also....
Reply
Old Mar 8, 2007 | 02:51 PM
  #11  
DJ Dep's Avatar
DJ Dep
Le Mans Master
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 5,714
Likes: 6
From: Silver City NM
St. Jude Donor '05-'07
Default

Originally Posted by bobs77vet
perhaps trying to tie this question down to auto vs. manual is too narrow unless you define what an auto trans is and what a manual trans is.


i think an auto is faster then a clutch/manual

now when you get into the hybrid shifters i think they are closer to autos then conventional manuals......after all you can manually shift an auto also....
I think you're right Bob. The question is WAY too general.
Reply
Old Mar 8, 2007 | 02:54 PM
  #12  
bobs77vet's Avatar
bobs77vet
Race Director
20 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
Liked
 
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,874
Likes: 263
From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
Default

Originally Posted by DJ Dep
I think you're right Bob. The question is WAY too general.
how about this for a definiton......autos have internal clutches??????
Reply
Old Mar 8, 2007 | 03:19 PM
  #13  
SEVNT6's Avatar
SEVNT6
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
Active Streak: 120 Days
Liked
Top Answer: 5
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 7,868
Likes: 3,269
From: Omaha NE
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Default

Autos..................more consistent.


Sticks..................more fun!
Reply
Old Mar 8, 2007 | 03:25 PM
  #14  
GD70's Avatar
GD70
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 5,485
Likes: 7
From: Peekskill NY
Default

Originally Posted by SEVNT6
Autos..................more consistent.


Sticks..................more fun!
Without question. Even my wife prefers a stick. When we bought our Odyssey she asked the salesman if you could get it with a manual trans! He said huh?
Reply
Old Mar 8, 2007 | 03:28 PM
  #15  
panic's Avatar
panic
Team Owner
20 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
Photogenic
 
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 20,704
Likes: 25
From: Sorrento Italy
Default

auto could be more 'consistent' if you race on a streight line (which means you dont race at all )...but if you're serious about real racing which means accelerations, stops, right turns, left turns and high speeds, well then there is NO alternative to stick...did you ask yourself why rally cars, formula cars (formula one, two, three, formula 3.000, and many others) and various other race cars do not use auto?
Reply
Old Mar 8, 2007 | 03:46 PM
  #16  
Wally 194's Avatar
Wally 194
Cruising
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Marine on St. Croix Minnesota
Default

It depends, example, back in the early 60's I beat a guy with my '56 Olds with 324/Hydro and he had a '59 Chevy 348/4 speed. I gained a half car length every time he shifted. Those were the days!
Cheers, Wally
Reply
Old Mar 8, 2007 | 04:16 PM
  #17  
panic's Avatar
panic
Team Owner
20 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
Photogenic
 
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 20,704
Likes: 25
From: Sorrento Italy
Default

Originally Posted by Wally 194
It depends, example, back in the early 60's I beat a guy with my '56 Olds with 324/Hydro and he had a '59 Chevy 348/4 speed. I gained a half car length every time he shifted. Those were the days!
Cheers, Wally
you said well...'i beat the guy'...
i'm sure it wasnt your auto trans that have beaten his stick one...
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Auto or Manual

Old Mar 8, 2007 | 04:51 PM
  #18  
DJ Dep's Avatar
DJ Dep
Le Mans Master
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 5,714
Likes: 6
From: Silver City NM
St. Jude Donor '05-'07
Default

Originally Posted by panic
auto could be more 'consistent' if you race on a streight line (which means you dont race at all )...but if you're serious about real racing which means accelerations, stops, right turns, left turns and high speeds, well then there is NO alternative to stick...did you ask yourself why rally cars, formula cars (formula one, two, three, formula 3.000, and many others) and various other race cars do not use auto?
Actually, Jim Hall Chevy Chaparall Can Am cars back in the old days had a "secret weapon" that blew the sticks out of the water. A "semi-automatic" transmission

Reply
Old Mar 8, 2007 | 04:53 PM
  #19  
bobs77vet's Avatar
bobs77vet
Race Director
20 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
Liked
 
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,874
Likes: 263
From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
Default

Originally Posted by panic
auto could be more 'consistent' if you race on a streight line (which means you dont race at all )...but if you're serious about real racing which means accelerations, stops, right turns, left turns and high speeds, well then there is NO alternative to stick...did you ask yourself why rally cars, formula cars (formula one, two, three, formula 3.000, and many others) and various other race cars do not use auto?
original question was at the drag strip.....
Reply
Old Mar 8, 2007 | 04:59 PM
  #20  
panic's Avatar
panic
Team Owner
20 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
Photogenic
 
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 20,704
Likes: 25
From: Sorrento Italy
Default

Originally Posted by bobs77vet
original question was at the drag strip.....
you're right, i went off thread
Reply



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 02:31 PM.

story-0
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-1
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-2
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

Slideshow: the top 10 things Corvette owners want in the C9 Corvette

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-30 12:41:15


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

Slideshow: 10 Important Corvette 'firsts' that every fan should know.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 17:02:16


VIEW MORE
story-5
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE
story-6
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette lineup vs the world.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-24 16:12:42


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

Slideshow: 10 major Corvette problems from the last 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-14 16:37:05


VIEW MORE
story-8
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!

Slideshow: 5 most and least popular Corvette model years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-08 13:25:01


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette buyer's guide

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-17 16:41:08


VIEW MORE