automatic/manual transmission
Racer
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 487
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville FL
Personally, I’ve always thought of those things as a manual transmission for people who really don't want to learn to use a manual transmission.
I suppose one of the pros is that you can feel like you are driving a manual with out actually having to master the use of the clutch.
I’ve driven manual transmission cars since 1987 and all of my current cars are manual. Personally, I would never have one of those auto/manuals.
It’s your choice. Go with what will make you happy.
If it were me in your shoes, I would find a friend with a manual trans and have him teach me how to work a clutch. Shifting gears is easy, it's starting off in first from a dead stop that is the hardest to master.
You can learn to use a clutch well enough to get by in about a week or two of steady practice. More practice after that will just make you smoother. I taught my wife to drive a manual trans in about that time.
Back to your question, I suppose a con would be that you are not really driving a manual with one of those. You are just doing the easy part and leaving the hard part to the car to do. (although, maybe some see that as a pro).
If you learn to drive a regular manual transmission, you can drive pretty much anything.
My two cents..... Hope it helps.
Mike.
I suppose one of the pros is that you can feel like you are driving a manual with out actually having to master the use of the clutch.
I’ve driven manual transmission cars since 1987 and all of my current cars are manual. Personally, I would never have one of those auto/manuals.
It’s your choice. Go with what will make you happy.
If it were me in your shoes, I would find a friend with a manual trans and have him teach me how to work a clutch. Shifting gears is easy, it's starting off in first from a dead stop that is the hardest to master.
You can learn to use a clutch well enough to get by in about a week or two of steady practice. More practice after that will just make you smoother. I taught my wife to drive a manual trans in about that time.
Back to your question, I suppose a con would be that you are not really driving a manual with one of those. You are just doing the easy part and leaving the hard part to the car to do. (although, maybe some see that as a pro).
If you learn to drive a regular manual transmission, you can drive pretty much anything.
My two cents..... Hope it helps.
Mike.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 21,953
Likes: 1,445
From: Reno Nevada
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
I had a full manual 700R4 for a few years. It's just like a clutchless 4 speed. The real down side is things like that just don't last very long. It's really a racing idea and not meant for driving around. I ripped up rearends, u-joints, half shafts
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: Clarkson KY
The only advantage of a manual valve body in an automatic is the control over shift points in a race car. If you want to stay with an auto just get a shift kit and leave the manual valve body for the racers....
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 832
Likes: 1
From: Breckenridge Colorado
I have a TCI Competition TH350 with ALL manual valve bodies and a reverse pattern on the shifter. I agree it is more of a race design and thats why it was put in my car as it was initially built for the strip. I must say that I do like the all manual shifting ability without the need for a clutch (no need to keep replacing clutch either).
Say anything you want about the manual\automatic and that its only for people who can't or don't want to drive with a clutch. I like it and thats enough for me
Say anything you want about the manual\automatic and that its only for people who can't or don't want to drive with a clutch. I like it and thats enough for me
Racer
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 487
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville FL
Originally Posted by MartyW
Say anything you want about the manual\automatic and that its only for people who can't or don't want to drive with a clutch. I like it and thats enough for me
exactly. i did try to make that point even if it did not exactly come out that way.
go with what makes you happy.
not everybody want's to be bothered with a clutch. personally, i like it. Maybe you don't. ofcourse, you may try this option and realize that you don't want to be bothered with the gears either.
good luck.
Mike.
Last edited by mdj21; Jun 20, 2006 at 12:03 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 154
Likes: 1
From: Azle TX
I run an auto/manual valve body in the race car. As others have said it is generally a race only item. The auto/manual body does allow the transmission to shift normally when put in drive but you have full manual control over shifting when you need it. The full manual body is primarily a drag race item. They are set up to not allow engine braking in 2nd. The manual/auto units do allow engine braking thus they are better for autocross/road racing. The benefit is quicker shifts which is easier on the trans since there is less heat produced. As for the auto vs manual debate it's all a matter of preference. Personally I like running an auto in a race car. I ran several years with a manual C4 and the C3 with TH350 gives me a lot more predictable results. Especially when drag racing.
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