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Just trying to gauge peoples opinion on this since I am in the market for a big block C3. My personal view is that automatics are good with big blocks, maybe more suited? - and manuals more suited with small blocks. Let me know your thoughts owners of big block Corvettes! Also, I am assuming manual Corvettes with a big block are more valuable/expensive. Thanks!
Just trying to gauge peoples opinion on this since I am in the market for a big block C3. My personal view is that automatics are good with big blocks, maybe more suited? - and manuals more suited with small blocks. Let me know your thoughts owners of big block Corvettes! Also, I am assuming manual Corvettes with a big block are more valuable/expensive. Thanks!
Anything with a manual is more expensive. Not sure why the size of the engine should effect the transmission choice. In either case you have more control over response using the manual.
Not to sure what you mean when you say that autos are good with big blocks. I think that a manual would be just as good and I think it adds to the driving experience and fun factor. Of course the manual may not be an option for some due to a leg or knee situation.
OK, great feedback, just trying to get a pulse on this because I have never owned a big block vehicle with a manual. I've owned a number of small blocks with manuals and they rev faster and higher. There's no right answer to this, I'm trying to get feedback before I buy one. I appreciate the comments, I might have the wrong impression!
Just the big torque and the lower RPM ceiling might make the big block more "unwieldy" with a manual? That's my thought, looking for feedback!
Test drive a few and see for yourself. I can't imagine that you are always approaching the redline when driving. In addition a base 327/350 and 427/454 have similar redlines.
I’ve never been able to compare all the BB/SB/auto/4 spd combos, but I know when the TH400 was the auto tranny used in C3s, the TH400 is known to use 20-30 hp to make it function. I have an Impala SS with a 327 / TH400 factory set up, it could use the torque of a BB to work that auto tranny. So just for discussion, you could say the torque and power of a BB would be less affected performance wise. For me, it’s a manual transmission for a corvette, BB or SB. But that’s my preference. Not sure what year the C3s went to a TH350 and how much power it would take to operate. For sure less.
My broad brush opinion is the higher up the performance scale you go the more enjoyable an automatic can be (with appropriate converter and gears). A wide power band is beneficial to making an automatic "fun". I enjoy driving my '69 VW but if it had an automatic...nope.
For old Vettes and muscle cars:
Under 300 HP-stick
300-650 HP-either option
Over 650 HP-automatic
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C3 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
What are your driving habits.....do need to have 3 feet moving and 2 hands when you pull up to a stop....are you cruising the strip or a beach and its just stop and go....do you believe sports cars are manual only...
Facts, in the 60s, manuals got better gas mileage, buy the 80s autos did.
In the 60s manuals would win 2 out of 3 drag races. Now almost all dragrace cars are automatics. So it really doesnt matter which one you chose, which one do you want?
As for manual versus small block versus auto versus big block.....the pedal on the right controls the car.....go easy on it with a performance engine, big or small and it will be sedate, but introduce the pedal to the carpet and you will see street, telephone pole, tree, guardrail, opposite directiion of the way you were going, more trees, then you are back where you started with brown pants.....use the panic pedal accordingly.
These are fairly tame but sound cool...with a manual tranny
I like em both. Manuals are fun, autos are fun. Put me in either one and I'll have fun.
I've got one of each - though 2 different body styles and comfort levels – agreed: they are both fun cars to drive. A lot of folks turn their noses up at autos in Corvettes, but my '72 LS-5 is a damn fast car off the line with it's mostly stock engine, stock TH400 with 3.08 rear. It's all about the torque! When on the road and I kick it into passing gear, it's an impressive bit of acceleration and sound. In all driving situations, the engine and trans are very responsive.
Test drive a few and see for yourself. I can't imagine that you are always approaching the redline when driving. In addition a base 327/350 and 427/454 have similar redlines.
Thanks, that is great advice. I did not realize the 327 and big blocks had similar redlines!
Automatic transmission in a C3? Any C3?
why bother?
A fun sucker transmission is a fun sucker transmission.
A sports car without a clutch is just wrong!
Automatic transmission in a C3? Any C3?
why bother?
A fun sucker transmission is a fun sucker transmission.
A sports car without a clutch is just wrong!
Automatic transmission in a C3? Any C3?
why bother?
A fun sucker transmission is a fun sucker transmission.
A sports car without a clutch is just wrong!
I have one of each .. 76 L82 4 speed. Love it ! 74 468 stroker with th400, 3500 stall converter. A pulling beast, but my right hand is never off the shifter. That tells me I want a tremec 6 speed in it. At 72 years old, probably not gonna happen. L82 4sp 468 571hp/640 tq. REALLY wants to be SHIFTED.
Although there's nothing wrong with an automatic C3, while driving the Corvette I love having a clutch pedal and stick. It's very satisfying, making me feel like I'm part of the car. I would feel likewise with a big block under the hood.
Manual or automatic with a big block?
