I have heard, correct me if I am wrong that when purchasing a C-4 it is better to get the auto rather than the manual due to the fact if the tranny goes any local tranny shop can rebuild the auto as compared to the more complicated manual transmission not to mention cost.....
I myself like the stick shift pretty much all I have driven but sometimes when I jump in the camry which is auto its a nice break...I also hear the performance difference is minimal....
Discuss::

 

Buy what you like. They are both expensive to repair when they break.

 

I'm a new 1989 owner with a Z-6 and I like it so far. Plenty of low end zip, and a really tall 6th gear for good highway milage. 1989 was the first year for those. With autos you get a weaker rear end, the Dana 36. Z-6's are Dana 44.

 

.. i have the zf6 as well.. it's a pretty strong tranny from what i've heard.

here are some tech specs and some testing info on the development of the tranny..

http://www.zfdoc.com/techinfo.htm

pretty interesting...

 

I would have to disagree. I say go with a manual for the better rear. You could always switch to a built auto later. In the end it's up to what you prefer.

 

I'm with PeteK. You can get a minimal repair on either one, won't last worth a damn, but minimal in cost and quality. Today's automatics are far from the days of two speed powerglides. And the ZF6 is a deal unto itself. That doesn't mean it can't be repaired, nor does it mean it isn't strong.

For information and educ. on the ZF man trans, go to ZFdoc.com and esp. read the FAQ section top to bottom. It'll give you some insights on how to care for them. I test drove a '96 with the trans going out; I thought there was something just a bit off. I had an expert test drive it, and he confirmed. At the time, this was going to be a several thousands repair. I passed on it.

And thus, when you read in C4 buy the car that's been well-maintained almost exclusive of total miles, you know why it's recommended. Of course, that goes for any car, but not too many cars in this price range (now) have Optisparks and ZF trans, etc., etc.

However, if you ever need an auto trans "fixed", I can probably tell you where to go.....

 

Pete nails it.

This is all the advice you need on this subject. If you prefer a manual, do not settle for an automatic.

Be well,

SJW

 

I'd say, if you prefer manuals, make sure youre not using it for a daily driver. Its true, either an auto or manual is a b1tch on your wallet to replace, even though the manuals will be slightly more to replace and slightly harder to replace. Then again, what's a few extra hundred when you're already paying around 2 grand? On the same note, manuals may be more difficult to get repaired in some cases, but far from impossible. You also have to understand that manuals are gonna typically have more maintenance issues and shifting up and down in stop and go traffic becomes a real b1tch after a while. You'll often be stuck in first and second gear anyway, so wtfs the point of making it mandatory to shift through em? Even on the tracks, autos usually reign supreme because most drivers cant shift worth s***. Yet, most autos do fail prematurely because still ppl are too friggin stupid to understand when and when not to use overdrive. GMs idea to make something idiot proof was quickly one-upped by the universes ability to pump out a better friggin idiot. I would say, if you love just recreational unwinding driving, go with the manual. If you want more reliability without having the heavier upkeep in both normal driving and on the track, go with the auto. Either way, to maintain them correctly and have them last on either tranny, auto or manual, you have to know what the f*** youre doing. So ultimately, to each his own. Go with what you like. If you abuse it, it'll break either way.

 

So, you're actually going to finally buy a C4?

 

Good advice so far. I have owned 2 Corvettes with manuals and 3 with automatics. It is nice not to have "clutchitis" of the left leg after a day of driving in traffic. BUT - nothing compares to downshifting to 2nd gear and accelerating out of a corner and nailing each gear as you get up to speed!
And yes, he will buy a C4 after properly doing his homework. I have been guilty of falling in love and buying with my heart instead of my head before. He is doing it the proper way.

 

We'll see. Talkin' ain't doin' it.

 

Auto vs stick

In a Mustang the stick better.
In a pre 97 Corvette the auto is better.

The stick Corvette is problematic.
Master cyclinder goes out, the slave goes out, expensive clutch, expensive repair on the stick. The 4+whatever is joke.

The automatic is one of the best autos you can buy.
The Mustang autos are weak.

I wont even look at stick shift Corvette.
Here it can take 2 hours in up hill traffic thru the mountains to get 20 miles.
Sticks don't work here. Weekends are worse, beach traffic.
If you think you want a stick look for 89 and later.

 

If You Want A Stick Stay Away From The Stupid 4+3!

1989 Or Later Only!

 

Hey......

When you gonna buy a car?

 

Do your homework, take your time. You'll be glad you did.

I researched these cars form Oct '02 until I bought mine in July '05.
I couldn't be happier with mine.

I always knew I wanted a manual shifter so that's what I bought.

Go with what you like best and learn how to take care of it. Good luck.

 

****, i;ve seen new zf6s in ebay for $1,600.

 

****, i;ve seen new zf6s in ebay for $1,600.

 

Manual trans = more reliable
Manual trans differential = more durable from factory
Manual trans drivetrain except for differential = less reliable especially when raced.
Clutch = replacement item every 80K or so.
Flywheel = ungodly expensive to replace.

Automatic = just a filter and flush regularly and it should go 150-200K miles without any other expenses.

Manual = way funner to drive, unless you commute in bumper to bumper traffic.

 

I replaced my 4+3 with a ZF, but I still disagree with that comment. The only downside of the 4+3 IMO, is lack of maintenance on the overdrive due to no replacement filters and just the oddity of servicing an "automatic tranny" on a manual car that would fool most quick lube places.

The ZF has more than its fair share of problems. Too expensive to rebuild, possible synchro weakness, ungodly expensive flywheels that wear out, garbage replacement clutches, defective slave cylinders...