Hello everyone,

Hope you are all cool.

My boyfriend and I have been wanting to get a vette for a while now, just waiting for the right one. While waiting we have had a bit of time to think about a few things.

One of them is whether we would prefer an Automatic or a Manual (Im after a chrome bumper vette just to give you an idea of years).

My boyfriend and I had decided that we definetely wanted a manual....but over the past few months we have seriously been considering otherwise.....its quite frustrating really!

As we do alot of driving we have become quite lazy with our automatic daily driver and have sorta thought why not get an auto vette then...since its so cruisy.

Our hesitation is that we will regret the decision if we get an auto (as we have been wanting a manual vette and searching for a long while now)....and well we only want to buy the one...as will will be importing it to Australia and don't intend to do it again anytime soon.

I guess what I want to ask is: how difficult is it to change our vette from auto to manual and what is involved in the process? (sorry if the suggestion disgusts some of you).We want to keep the vette as original as possible and keep it forever (and sorry if that sound korny!).
Are parts hard to come by?

Your opinions are appreciated. If you want to add anything else please do so. (like, why you prefer auto or manual).


Thanks for your time. Look forward to your advice.

cosmicvette
g'day from downunder!

 

G Day, I used to own a manual 69 vette, then when it was wrecked I sought out a replacement. Found a 72 in nice shape, but it was automatic, but I went ahead and bought it...regret it, as I am now in the process of collecting all the parts to convert it. My advice is to find one that is already a stick...especially since you are not in the USA you are going to have a hard time getting the parts to convert it. My 2 cents. Have fun

 

Automatic is not an option!!!

Seriously, I have converted my POS ride from auto-to-manual and wouldn't have it any other way!

You'll need few things to make it happen, here's few pics to help you understand the operation:

Depending on the transmission used, you're going to need a new tranny mount. I'm using 5-speed Richmond and I fabricated my own piece out of billet aluminum.



Here you can see the stufff you'll need. Z-bar is the bar between the block and the frame. You'll need to weld/bolt on a bracket for the z-bar in the frame. You'll need to get the linkage from the z-bar to the clutch fork and to the pedals. A ball stud goes to the block and this is where the z-bar connects to.





You'll also need to make a hole in the drive tunnel for the shifter to stick out!

I'm sure what I'm forgetting now others will fill up!

 

wow thanks for the help guys.

Im still a little confused though, do the majority of people prefer manuals over autos? I know it comes down to personal preference, but will an automatic still provide me with a thrilling ride?

(Ive actually found a vette that suits all my criteria...except that its an automatic...Im not sure if its desperation pulling me towards getting an auto as I have been looking for a year now for the right one!)

I don't want any regrets, and I definetly don't want to sell it. Im a one vette girl (quite sentimental really)!

Thanks for your help.
Cheers,
comsicvette

 

Here's my 2 cents worth...

I think your choice should be based on how you plan to drive the car. Those who prefer manuals really enjoy the full control over the operation of the car. Most folks who race or autocross have manuals. Those with automatics enjoy the convenience of not having to shift and being able to drink something while driving. They are easier on hills and in slow city driving (but who wants to drive a Vette in creeping city traffic?) Also, an automatic reduces the power to the wheels and gas mileage somewhat. Either way, you can have a thrilling ride - automatics nowadays can be set up to provide firm, positive shifting and very fast starts.

I like my manual and wouldn't have it any other way. There's just something about the solid feel you get when you let out the clutch and the car leaps forward. Or downshifting on a fast corner, etc...

One final thought, it's easier to go from a manual transmission to an auto than the other way because the manuals have clutches, pedals and linkage already hooked up. If you start with an auto, you have to add all that stuff if you change your mind.

Hey - is there still a bar on the Rocks called Molly McGees or something like that?? Had a lot of fun in that area last time I was down your way... I got back to the States and named my new dog Molly (years ago, of course).

 

Cosmic,

I bought a manual which is a fun car to drive. I wish I had bought an auto. But here are some issues to consider:

1. How tall is your boyfriend / are you? Have you ever sat in a C vette before? Have you ever sat in a converted RHD vette before. reason I ask is that the footwell is tight. I am tall and have big feet (size 12) I had to move my firewall and bend the clutch/brake pedals to make it driveable for me. There is even less room when you put everything on the RH side. If you have to convert the car (which most Aussie states do unless it is more then 30 years old) then this can be a real comfort issue when driving. I am going back to the ACT so it is not an issue for me (well I hope anyway).

2. Cost of conversion. There is less effort to convert from LHD to RHD when it is an Auto. In theory it should be cheaper but I don't know what they charge.

3. Where will you drive the car? These cars (early C3s) are muscle cars. If you get a manual steering (not power), manual brake and manual transmission car and drive it in Sydney you will NOT enjoy it. They are not made for heavy traffic. If cruising in Sydney is your goal then get an Auto with Power Steering and Air. You will enjoy the car a lot more and traffic is not an issue.

4. What engine? Corvettes with AUTOS when tuned right and of a decent HP year (no offense to my plastic bumper friends) can smoke tires. Not as easy as a manual but they can still do it. I have a fiend who has a 1974 Big Block (AUTO) who can chirp the tires in every gear. The accleration of this car is insane. It changes gears from 2nd to 3rd at 90MPH!

5. Originality? Unless you get a NCRS car that is certified the whole originality thing is open to interpretation. I purchased an "original car". What does that mean? Well all the numbers on the engine, gearbox etc match up to the build sheet. The car is 34 years old. That gives a lot of time to have something replaced/forged or re-stamped. I am not saying that all cars sold as "original" are fake most are exactly what they say but...they do rent engine stamp kits in the USA. You can also track down parts to date match pieces for you car. If I was buying again and I was in you shoes I would consider car condition and documented history first, then originality second. The engine is the least thing to worry about. Small block chevys are a dime a dozen. There are plenty of places in OZ to get parts for a 350. Make sure you get a rust free car, straight no-hit body with good paint and a good interior. If it is driveable then its a bonus. Preferrabbly with the chassis restored/rebuilt in the last five years with receipts documenting it.

If you have any questions about buying a car etc then email me. I paid too much for mine. Learn from my pain.

I will be in the USA till Dec 05 then we come back to OZ.

Cheers,

Pete

 

Hi Pete,
Thanks for your reply. A great help and I appreciate the time taken.

Well, been thinking about the whole auto versus manual issue over this past week. Im definetly not planning on converting the car to RHD. Im keeping it LHD for sure. and my boyfriend and I are not too tall or big, so that won't be an issue.

Regarding how I plan to drive it around: well its not going to be my daily driver but I do plan to drive it a fair bit. I really don't know though...would love to just cruise, and my boyfriend is a good dive that would enjoy a manual but hes ok with cruising.

I haven't come to a conclusion yet. At first I was really pro manual...but now Im swaying either way...as I would enjoy the ease of an automatic (and it would really help as I currently have a bad broken arm!).

Im more interested in finding a vette now with the options and condition I want for a price thats in my range....if its auto or manual I will decide based on the condition etc of the car.
I hope this doesn't sound too weird to people.

Im still looking for the right car : A 69 coupe 350/350(or300), red/black/yellow or blue with a BLACK interior (only black considered), power steer/power brakes......would love power windows and air con (but will consider car without), ......... and looking to spend no more than $20,000US - just thought Id let you know incase you know of one around!

Stay cool, hope you enjoy the rest of you time in the US. your coming back in time for the nice aussie summer (I love summer you see!)

cheers!
cosmicvette

 

I dont know if this has been said yet, but if you do buy a auto you could install a shift kit. Me and my son just installed a B&M Transpak shift kit in his 73 nova. Its not on the road yet, but we can downshift anytime and hold any gear in as long as we want. Its sorta like having a manual