standard v automatic?
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 62,127
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From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
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the automatic will win in drag racing at the highest power levels
at the stock levels though, the manual will likely win
at the stock levels though, the manual will likely win
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,088
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From: Poop land
Its is the EXACT opposite when the car is not a V8. On a well equipped automatic RSX vs the base model standard shift, the ETs have always been 2-3 seconds slower in the 1/4th mile if the unlucky driver got the automatic.
But then again, V8s with automatics, except in Fords, have always been faster than the standard shifts in my experience, even if the manual had less drivetrain power loss. Might be the launch factor in the manual because most drivers, at least in my area, aren't good enough to launch a manual from a dig.
But then again, V8s with automatics, except in Fords, have always been faster than the standard shifts in my experience, even if the manual had less drivetrain power loss. Might be the launch factor in the manual because most drivers, at least in my area, aren't good enough to launch a manual from a dig.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,115
Likes: 3
Regarding Corvettes, I think that autos are easier to be consistent, and for many drivers, will be faster, because it's easier to launch. Also, a tuned automatic car with a shift kit, decent gears, and a higher stall converter will usually be faster than a similiarly tuned car with a manual trans.
However, I think that banging the gears down the strip is more fun!
However, I think that banging the gears down the strip is more fun!
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Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 28
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From: Eldersburg Maryland
Instead of starting a whole new thread, I'm going to ask my similar question here. I have a 1990 Automatic. Can I "manually" shift the automatic shifter through the gears without hurting the tranny? ie - I would like to keep the RPMs up and not have the transmission shift so fast into a higher gear. I know with a 5.0 Mustang with an automatic, you can start out in low gear (D1)...move the shifter to D2..and as soon as the tranny shifts, move the shifter BACK to D1 and the transmission will "stay" in 2nd gear until I move the shifter back to D2. ....if you know what I mean......I have not tried any of this with the vette yet....I didn't want to hurt anything. Any info would be great. Thanks. 
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 12,517
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Originally Posted by 90WhiteLightning
Instead of starting a whole new thread, I'm going to ask my similar question here. I have a 1990 Automatic. Can I "manually" shift the automatic shifter through the gears without hurting the tranny? ie - I would like to keep the RPMs up and not have the transmission shift so fast into a higher gear. I know with a 5.0 Mustang with an automatic, you can start out in low gear (D1)...move the shifter to D2..and as soon as the tranny shifts, move the shifter BACK to D1 and the transmission will "stay" in 2nd gear until I move the shifter back to D2. ....if you know what I mean......I have not tried any of this with the vette yet....I didn't want to hurt anything. Any info would be great. Thanks.
downshifts can. I have seen guys break the sprag doing the forced downshifts. Rare, but it happens. Trans go makes a shift kit that allows normal (full auto) features but will allow you to hold any gear at any speed.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 6,130
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From: seattle WA
I used to be very fast shifting a stick-but in reality you just can't beat the consistency of an auto-I really enjoyed sticks and popping the clutch-but I seem to be having just as much fun with the autos now.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 12,517
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Originally Posted by Hot Rod 90
In defense of the origional poster, his question is quite specific. Little doubt as to what is better in a drag race. Since drag racing on the sportsman level is bracket racing, there is little arguement that the auto is more consistant, therefore resulting in better odds of winning. Hopefully this does not turn into the monthy "stick vs auto" thread.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 19,653
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From: Melbourne Florida
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Originally Posted by Pete K
In defense of the origional poster, his question is quite specific. Little doubt as to what is better in a drag race. Since drag racing on the sportsman level is bracket racing, there is little arguement that the auto is more consistant, therefore resulting in better odds of winning. Hopefully this does not turn into the monthy "stick vs auto" thread.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 19,653
Likes: 428
From: Melbourne Florida
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Originally Posted by 90WhiteLightning
Instead of starting a whole new thread, I'm going to ask my similar question here. I have a 1990 Automatic. Can I "manually" shift the automatic shifter through the gears without hurting the tranny? ie - I would like to keep the RPMs up and not have the transmission shift so fast into a higher gear. I know with a 5.0 Mustang with an automatic, you can start out in low gear (D1)...move the shifter to D2..and as soon as the tranny shifts, move the shifter BACK to D1 and the transmission will "stay" in 2nd gear until I move the shifter back to D2. ....if you know what I mean......I have not tried any of this with the vette yet....I didn't want to hurt anything. Any info would be great. Thanks.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 914
Likes: 1
From: Redding Ca
I agree. A significant detail is the respective 60' times between stick and auto. An auto will win every time, particularly if a higher stall converter is in and sticky tires 
. But sticks tend to mile-an-hour a bit better (but not enough to catch the auto) 
. But sticks tend to mile-an-hour a bit better (but not enough to catch the auto)