Strange question-automatic transmissions.
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Joined: Mar 2001
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From: Florida
Strange question-automatic transmissions.
I learned to drive on a standard first, and I drive a standard everyday. I've had very little driving time with an auotmatic on anything.
Does an automatic Corvette still have the sports car feel to it? Is it still like driving a Corvette?
Manual trannys are just so hard to come by. In the past 6 months of searching ads, I dont remember seeing too many 4 speeds.
Like I said, strange question,
I just want some opinions.
Does an automatic Corvette still have the sports car feel to it? Is it still like driving a Corvette?
Manual trannys are just so hard to come by. In the past 6 months of searching ads, I dont remember seeing too many 4 speeds.
Like I said, strange question,
I just want some opinions.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,310
Likes: 1
Re: Strange question-automatic transmissions. (wanta81shark)
I don't think any automatic is going to "feel" like a standard, but I think a car with a good auto (with a shift kit) and a nice exhaust can have a "sports car feel" and I think "it [is] still like driving a Corvette" :yesnod:
But, I also think you'll eventually run across a standard and it sounds like you should probably wait.
But, I also think you'll eventually run across a standard and it sounds like you should probably wait.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,000
Likes: 22
From: Boulder Creek California
Re: Strange question-automatic transmissions. (jerryp58)
Lousy downshifts!! Sorry, autos just make me feel out of control of the car. That said, it still feels very sporty to me, but not really the 'whole experience.' I'm about to start looking for a 4-sp too. If you're up to it, try swap meets, good deals, questionable condition though.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 3,758
Likes: 3
From: Surrey
Re: Strange question-automatic transmissions. (RUXperienced)
After 15 years of driving manuals, the 1st auto I drove was a hire car in Florida 3 years ago (hated the thing!). But I got an Auto Vette (try finding a manual over here :( ) & am happy to say that it aint bad, not bad at all :) As mentioned above, the only time that I give it a thought is when downshifting. Engine braking is non-existant compared to a manual.
Best thing to do is try to get a ride in one & see what you think (you could put up a post titled "Wanted, use of your C3 for a few hours"!!!! :jester ).
:cheers:
Best thing to do is try to get a ride in one & see what you think (you could put up a post titled "Wanted, use of your C3 for a few hours"!!!! :jester ).
:cheers:
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 809
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From: Derry NH
Re: Strange question-automatic transmissions. (UKPaul)
I downshift around corners with my automatic, it respods fine. I have treated my auto like a four speed without a clutch for years and never have had any problems. Very responsive th400 4speed. Try it you'll like it.
:cheers:
:cheers:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8,339
Likes: 24
From: I can walk to MA
Re: Strange question-automatic transmissions. (Matt Gruber)
A well built auto will be just as much fun as a manual IMO.
Two setbacks, though: You will lose a bit more power to the
back wheels, due to converter loss. Also, your left leg will not
be as strong as a 4-speed owners'.
Solutions: Small performance mods can get more power, and enroll at
the local gym.
:seeya
[Modified by Daves_rusty_75, 8:09 AM 8/15/2002]
Two setbacks, though: You will lose a bit more power to the
back wheels, due to converter loss. Also, your left leg will not
be as strong as a 4-speed owners'.
Solutions: Small performance mods can get more power, and enroll at
the local gym.
:seeya
[Modified by Daves_rusty_75, 8:09 AM 8/15/2002]
C6 the C5 of tomorrow
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 6,665
Likes: 2
From: Twin Cities Minnesota
Re: Strange question-automatic transmissions. (Daves_rusty_75)
An auto with a GOOD shift kit is a blast!
Ever sit in trafic with a heavy duty clutch? :U
Down shifts are just a click away, no clutch, no worries...
Launches are easy and FUN...Left foot brake, right foot gas. Let go of the brake, roll on the gas and hang the kiss on!
A good trans will let you up shift whenever you want and will shift instantly, so for drag racing you can keep the gas to the floor, tap the shift lever and BANG! to the next gear you go....
Ever sit in trafic with a heavy duty clutch? :U
Down shifts are just a click away, no clutch, no worries...
Launches are easy and FUN...Left foot brake, right foot gas. Let go of the brake, roll on the gas and hang the kiss on!
A good trans will let you up shift whenever you want and will shift instantly, so for drag racing you can keep the gas to the floor, tap the shift lever and BANG! to the next gear you go....
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,826
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From: Why Drive When you can ride
Re: Strange question-automatic transmissions. (UKPaul)
After 15 years of driving manuals, the 1st auto I drove was a hire car in Florida 3 years ago (hated the thing!). But I got an Auto Vette (try finding a manual over here :( ) & am happy to say that it aint bad, not bad at all :) As mentioned above, the only time that I give it a thought is when downshifting. Engine braking is non-existant compared to a manual.
Best thing to do is try to get a ride in one & see what you think (you could put up a post titled "Wanted, use of your C3 for a few hours"!!!! :jester ).
:cheers:
Best thing to do is try to get a ride in one & see what you think (you could put up a post titled "Wanted, use of your C3 for a few hours"!!!! :jester ).
:cheers:
:cheers:
[Modified by Dwayne 76, 9:38 AM 8/15/2002]
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,826
Likes: 0
From: Why Drive When you can ride
Re: Strange question-automatic transmissions. (427V8)
An auto with a GOOD shift kit is a blast!
Ever sit in trafic with a heavy duty clutch? :U
Down shifts are just a click away, no clutch, no worries...
Launches are easy and FUN...Left foot brake, right foot gas. Let go of the brake, roll on the gas and hang the kiss on!
A good trans will let you up shift whenever you want and will shift instantly, so for drag racing you can keep the gas to the floor, tap the shift lever and BANG! to the next gear you go....
Ever sit in trafic with a heavy duty clutch? :U
Down shifts are just a click away, no clutch, no worries...
Launches are easy and FUN...Left foot brake, right foot gas. Let go of the brake, roll on the gas and hang the kiss on!
A good trans will let you up shift whenever you want and will shift instantly, so for drag racing you can keep the gas to the floor, tap the shift lever and BANG! to the next gear you go....
Safety Car
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 3,758
Likes: 3
From: Surrey
Re: Strange question-automatic transmissions. (Dwayne 76)
Paul THATS your home (Sig pic)? I think we're going to have a cruise to your place :lol: :lol:
[Modified by Dwayne 76, 9:38 AM 8/15/2002]
[Modified by Dwayne 76, 9:38 AM 8/15/2002]
Now that I've had an auto, I don't think I'd swap it for a manual. The only thing I miss is the engine braking of the manual. As said, a shift kit & Matts tips would probably sort out any ****les with the downshift, but as I'm looking at fitting a 200r4 I won't bother. And take offs from the line are a real blast - just grip the wheel & stamp the pedal down :D :D
C6 the C5 of tomorrow
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 6,665
Likes: 2
From: Twin Cities Minnesota
Re: Strange question-automatic transmissions. (Dwayne 76)
Won't riding the brake and gas, stress out the braking system?? I ask as I have no idea of what you are trying to describe.
Like at a stoplight, just before the light is going to switch you left foot brake, and rev the engine, the car loads up the drive train and when the light changes you 'launch' across the intersection! :)
A LOT like dropping the clutch but easier.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8,339
Likes: 24
From: I can walk to MA
Re: Strange question-automatic transmissions. (427V8)
Won't riding the brake and gas, stress out the braking system?? I ask as I have no idea of what you are trying to describe.
Launching a car from a stop.
Like at a stoplight, just before the light is going to switch you left foot brake, and rev the engine, the car loads up the drive train and when the light changes you 'launch' across the intersection! :)
A LOT like dropping the clutch but easier.
Launching a car from a stop.
Like at a stoplight, just before the light is going to switch you left foot brake, and rev the engine, the car loads up the drive train and when the light changes you 'launch' across the intersection! :)
A LOT like dropping the clutch but easier.
Exactly.
Plus - consistent/firm upshifts and the ability to bang through the gears
by hand whenever you care to.
You'd have to be experienced (and good) at shifting to beat a done-up auto.
Alas, there is the extra power loss in an auto. :(
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 55
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From: Florida
Re: Strange question-automatic transmissions. (jerryp58)
Thanks for the replies....
I will keep wanting the four speed, but I guess I wont totally rule out an auto altogether untill I get to drive one.
Now for a stupid question....What is a shift kit and what does it do? From what I gather..it allows you to shift your auto car through the gears easier? Am I close?
:cheers:
I will keep wanting the four speed, but I guess I wont totally rule out an auto altogether untill I get to drive one.
Now for a stupid question....What is a shift kit and what does it do? From what I gather..it allows you to shift your auto car through the gears easier? Am I close?
:cheers:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,310
Likes: 1
Re: Strange question-automatic transmissions. (wanta81shark)
There are different levels of complexity when instlalling shift kits. I installed a B&M Shift Improver Kit ( http://users.erols.com/jerryp58/corvette/bnmkit.htm ). It's a relatively simple kit.
The end result is less slippage between shifts. A certain level of slippage is built into auto transmissions based on the assumption that people with auto transmissions are looking for comfort and don't want their heads snapped back between shifts. Reducing this slippage makes for quicker shifts between the gears and is actually better for the transmission because of reduced heat (induced by slippage).
Jerry
[Modified by jerryp58, 4:37 PM 8/15/2002]
The end result is less slippage between shifts. A certain level of slippage is built into auto transmissions based on the assumption that people with auto transmissions are looking for comfort and don't want their heads snapped back between shifts. Reducing this slippage makes for quicker shifts between the gears and is actually better for the transmission because of reduced heat (induced by slippage).
Jerry
[Modified by jerryp58, 4:37 PM 8/15/2002]
Parrothead
Joined: May 2002
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From: Margaritaville Embassy
St. Jude Donor '08-'09,'13, '14
Re: Strange question-automatic transmissions. (wanta81shark)
If you are anywhere near Jax, it will give me an excuse for a raod trip if you want to test drive my '82. OR you can go to Ideal Corvette on Cassatt. they have some nice little sharks looking for a daddy
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 9,341
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From: Las Vegas Nevada
Re: Strange question-automatic transmissions. (Markm10431)
My 81' still has basically a stock motor but I did swap in a new TH350 with a shift kit installed about a year ago. Prior to teh shift kit, before my original tranny started slipping and messing up on me, shifts felt firm and responsive and teh car was a blast to drive. After the shift kit was installed shifting under WOT will result in loss of traction to the back tires and much wheelspin if I really want it to:) the difference is basically the difference between driving a standard on a nice slow gentle cruise through teh country side and Powershifting down the drag strip.
I've owned Auto's and Standard's and my honest opinion, though I may get flamed for it, I would prefer an Automatic any time I'm driving a strait drag race due to the consistancy of the shifts. However, If your leaning more towards autocross type driving then a standard will allow you greater control over your vehicle.
Both are fun:) theres no worries there:)
I've owned Auto's and Standard's and my honest opinion, though I may get flamed for it, I would prefer an Automatic any time I'm driving a strait drag race due to the consistancy of the shifts. However, If your leaning more towards autocross type driving then a standard will allow you greater control over your vehicle.
Both are fun:) theres no worries there:)
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 4,004
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From: Severna Park Md
Re: Strange question-automatic transmissions. (Markm10431)
Manual trannys are a blast. Even In the crappy old 71 Toyota Corona I used to have. I love bangin the gears and power shifting. Blew a clutch disc to pieces on a dodge ram truck once. Heck, I dont even let off the gas...just slam the clutch down and throw the shifter and release the clutch all in a fraction of a second. Its been awhile since I done it. Like riding a bike though..I would be right back at it if given the chance.
All of our cars are auto now. As far as the 200r4 in the vette is concerned, its set up right. A good properly set up auto is very hard to beat. We love our 200R. Its shift kitted to whiplash style and governed to upshift WOT auto, just over 5k each time. Nice :D
All of our cars are auto now. As far as the 200r4 in the vette is concerned, its set up right. A good properly set up auto is very hard to beat. We love our 200R. Its shift kitted to whiplash style and governed to upshift WOT auto, just over 5k each time. Nice :D