Do Automatic Corvettes really suck?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,107
Likes: 171
From: Dublin CA
My 85 was an automatic. Loved it. It was EVEN BETTER when I installed a 2400 stall converter. The only issue I had with the 700R transmission was that it seemed to have a life span of about 100,000 miles. My 95 is a 6 speed and enjoyed that for autocross. But for the 1/4 mile the auto is hard to beat. My C6 was a paddle shift auto and it was the best of both worlds. My C7 ZO6 is 7 speed manual and absolutely love it. 95-100 in third gear and 4 more to go! Sometimes a PITA in commute traffic at 5-10 MPH for 10-15 miles.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,430
Likes: 3,279
From: Hartford WI
I guess, what is fun, assuming the above statement is true, really depends on you. Was it more fun for me to shift gears on a "real bike" or have a semi auto trans like the wife's Spyder? Your call. Whatever you do, it is pretty much permanent unless you are willing to make major changes and why bother? Might as well sell the thing and get something you want at that time.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 6,192
Likes: 750
From: near the thumb in the mitten
I had and A4 with the 2.59, I got impatient finding 6 speed. I wasn't very happy with it in town or in the mountains. IMO Corvettes should not have come with 2.59 at all. Now with a 3.73 much better overall performance, but turns more rpm than I would like highway. In Michigan 75-85 mph is the flow of traffic. If I was looking for a A4 I would look for a G92 / 3.07 performance axle car.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,482
Likes: 196
From: folsom california
Keep looking; automatic are just "voodoo boxes"; also, with the up and coming generation of car thieves, a manual transmission has become an "anti theft" device.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,430
Likes: 3,279
From: Hartford WI
https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimgorz.../#21a82b1e5258
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 17,324
Likes: 6,507
From: Melbourne, FL
It all depends on your use. For me, I like manuals. My earlier c6s were autos, I like them, but my c4 and current c6 are manuals and I prefer that. I enjoy rowing through the gears. If I was just cruising, an auto would be fine.
But that's not what you really asked. You asked us to justify you changing what you want. If you WANT a manual, then get a manual. You are probably noticing they are less common, and when you find them they're a bunch more money. It's the nature of the beast. But I can tell you this, if you settle for an auto and want a manual, it will notbsatosfy you and will cost you more when you eventually get the car you really wanted.
My advice is to save up, up your your budget up a bit more, and buy the car you really want.
But that's not what you really asked. You asked us to justify you changing what you want. If you WANT a manual, then get a manual. You are probably noticing they are less common, and when you find them they're a bunch more money. It's the nature of the beast. But I can tell you this, if you settle for an auto and want a manual, it will notbsatosfy you and will cost you more when you eventually get the car you really wanted.
My advice is to save up, up your your budget up a bit more, and buy the car you really want.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 2,099
Likes: 47
From: Minneapolis MN
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,091
Likes: 600
From: Question Government
First off, no late model C4 automatic sucks. With that said, I have a '96 automatic O/D LT1 and luv it. How else would I be able to cruise around, look cool, have fun, and enjoy sipping a hot latte in one hand while accelerating through the gears???
Last edited by RetroGuy; Apr 14, 2019 at 08:19 PM.
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 60
Likes: 1
From: St. Augustine FL
Hey Kevova, how do I know what gears are in my 94 coupe base? I looked at the original window sticker, the manual but don't see anything about the gears. Also forgive my ignorance but when you say 2.59 gears vs 3.07 are we talking tranny or rear gearing??? Did the 3.07 come stock as well? How much would it cost (approximately) to have my mechanic change to the 3.07s? What differences can I expect to feel if I change (pros AND cons)? Should I buy new or chance one from junk yard???
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 6,192
Likes: 750
From: near the thumb in the mitten
The 2.59 gear ratio in the standard or base gear for automatic transmission cars. The 3.07 is the only optional gear ratio. There is a SPID label which location can vary by year. Label lists VIN all RPO and Paint codes. It's like a mini "build sheet" Dealer could tell you if you provided VIN. SPID doesn't have VATS or key code
G92 Performance Axle
GM1 2.59 ratio
G44 3.07 ratio
To change from 2.59 to 3.07 isn't practical because only housing and yokes/ flanges are reused. The gear and carrier would but have to replaced. Installing a used 3.07 assembly IMO only practical way to do it. A 3.07 allows for options related to gear changes.
G92 Performance Axle
GM1 2.59 ratio
G44 3.07 ratio
To change from 2.59 to 3.07 isn't practical because only housing and yokes/ flanges are reused. The gear and carrier would but have to replaced. Installing a used 3.07 assembly IMO only practical way to do it. A 3.07 allows for options related to gear changes.
Last edited by Kevova; Apr 15, 2019 at 04:50 PM.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 657
Likes: 239
From: Louisville, Ky
2022 C4 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Finalist 2020 C4 of the Year - Unmodified
C4 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
My 85 base is GU2-2.73 ratio and MD8-4 speed auto, my 85 Z51 is G44-3.07 ratio and MD8-4 speed auto. Just for reference.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 389
Likes: 77
No and I’ve had all 3 types of transmissions in several different C4’s and C5’s automatic 4+3 and 6-speed my 89 vert is a CRUISER and not a canyon carver and after years of driving sticks there comes a time where shifting gears becomes more of CHORE and not a fun factor and I actually sold my 01 Vert 6-speed last year for my 02 Coupe mainly because I wanted an automatic again 7 years ago when I bought it and specifically wanted a stick..the grass is always greener on the other side and who knows my next car may be a stick again 
Last edited by Y-bodluvr; Apr 15, 2019 at 09:28 AM.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 389
Likes: 77
Hey Kevova, how do I know what gears are in my 94 coupe base? I looked at the original window sticker, the manual but don't see anything about the gears. Also forgive my ignorance but when you say 2.59 gears vs 3.07 are we talking tranny or rear gearing??? Did the 3.07 come stock as well? How much would it cost (approximately) to have my mechanic change to the 3.07s? What differences can I expect to feel if I change (pros AND cons)? Should I buy new or chance one from junk yard???
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 2,692
Likes: 349
From: Sacramento California
The automatics are good for what they are. Not quite as tough as the manual but still a good option if you want an automatic sports car. I specifically sought out a manual C4 because this is my weekend toy --- I have an automatic in my daily driver pickup.
This is all true. However I feel compelled to mention that the 1996 auto vs. manual sales numbers are slightly skewed by the LT4 and Grand Sport; those 1996-only options came only with a manual trans.
The reason you see more auto's for sale has to do more with GM's marketing realizing most people buying new corvettes had reach a point in life that they wanted a sports car, but didn't want a stick. For example in 1995, only 23% of C4's were sticks, 1996 only 29% of C4's were sticks...I believe that ratio is the similar for all prior years of C4's...so it's normal that ~70% of C4's for sale today will be automatics. Has nothing to do with them sucking. If you want a stick keep looking.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 4,648
Likes: 1,059
From: N.E. Ohio OH
Finalist 2020 C4 of the Year - Modified
There are days that I moan and groan about not having a stick and then there are many more days where I am glad I don't due to a childhood right hand injury.
With that said, there are enhancements available for the 1996 and up 4L60E transmissions that can turn them into roadrace/autocross capable trans. There are now valve bodies that restore engine braking such as this:
http://www.tciauto.com/tc/4l60e-valv...e-brakinghtml/
and Sonnax makes some kits capable of holding high HP/high torque applications.
Granted it will cost money, but options are there. Coupled with a good fan equipped cooler back where the spare tire goes and you can have a great setup.
This is what I am going to build. Additionally there are mentions on the web about paddle shifter applications, I sent an email to one of the companies, but have not gotten a response yet.
Sonnax 4L60E Level 3 Transmission Build
With that said, there are enhancements available for the 1996 and up 4L60E transmissions that can turn them into roadrace/autocross capable trans. There are now valve bodies that restore engine braking such as this:
http://www.tciauto.com/tc/4l60e-valv...e-brakinghtml/
and Sonnax makes some kits capable of holding high HP/high torque applications.
Granted it will cost money, but options are there. Coupled with a good fan equipped cooler back where the spare tire goes and you can have a great setup.
This is what I am going to build. Additionally there are mentions on the web about paddle shifter applications, I sent an email to one of the companies, but have not gotten a response yet.
Sonnax 4L60E Level 3 Transmission Build
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 120
Likes: 31
From: Guilford, CT
C4 of Year Finalist (stock) 2019
I think it's just a trade-off of how bad you want that feature vs. can you stand the wait. I wanted a stick, but my car found me instead of the other way around (no kidding, it showed up at a dealer across the street from my office) and I took the Corvette in front of me rather than waiting for the "perfect one" with an M6. I'm very glad I did because it definitely hasn't sucked. It's been a blast, and I'd have missed out on those miles if I kept hunting for a stick shift.
Would I swap to a stick if I could? Sure, I love rowin' the gears. (There are days I miss my '03 Neon because it was a stick...but those were dire days and I don't miss it that often!).
But I'm not going out of my way to make the switch. The ride would be the same, the cockpit is essentially the same, and it sounds like the 4L60Es are easier to maintain anyway. And regardless of the trans, when you push that right pedal STUFF HAPPENS.
Would I swap to a stick if I could? Sure, I love rowin' the gears. (There are days I miss my '03 Neon because it was a stick...but those were dire days and I don't miss it that often!).
But I'm not going out of my way to make the switch. The ride would be the same, the cockpit is essentially the same, and it sounds like the 4L60Es are easier to maintain anyway. And regardless of the trans, when you push that right pedal STUFF HAPPENS.
