Auto VS 6-sp
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 6,652
Likes: 2,106
From: Left Coast, San Diego
Auto VS 6-sp
With the problems related to the column lock on 6 speeds and how it does not appear to be such a problem with the automatic, do any 6-speed owners regret getting a 6-speed? I ask because I do not have a vet but will. I was leaning towards the 6-speed but the talk of the column issues makes me wonder. I figure, ask the guys who have dealt with the issue. Also, any automatic drivers wish they had gotten a 6-speed.
Thanks. Your answers will help me decide.
Thanks. Your answers will help me decide.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 2,481
Likes: 267
From: So-Cal California
2023 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Modified
2022 C5 of the Year Winner - Modified
I live in OC California. Mines an A4, with all the traffic here I do not mind having the auto in the least.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 249
Likes: 0
From: Louisville KY
This is my 2 cents worth; if I'm going to own a sports car its got to be a manual. This is my 10th Vette and I've never owned a automatic yet and never will. Half the FUN is shifting!!! I can understand if its a dailey driver were there's tons of traffic. The column lock issues are very few and far between. Theres a recall on this and I had mine done. NO issues. Next, if your looking at performance, the 6-speed has it all over the auto. Check out the dyno posts for similar equiped vehicles, 6-speed vs. auto. The manual also gets better gas mileage. This is just my opinion, you need to look at how your going to driving yours.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,739
Likes: 1
From: Paris Illinois
CI 6-7-8-9-10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
A column lock bypass installation should calm your fears of the 6 sp. IMHO, your Vette should be an MN6. You will love running up through the gears.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,479
Likes: 13
From: Dallas/Grand Prairie Texas
Ut oh, here we go again......... 
Get what you want, I'm in Dallas and it's bad traffic for an everyday driver.......A4.
6-speed is more fun though.
Do a search for the luv.......
Get what you want, I'm in Dallas and it's bad traffic for an everyday driver.......A4.
6-speed is more fun though.
Do a search for the luv.......
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 2,481
Likes: 267
From: So-Cal California
2023 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Modified
2022 C5 of the Year Winner - Modified
Originally Posted by JoshVette
Ut oh, here we go again.........
Get what you want, I'm in Dallas and it's bad traffic for an everyday driver.......A4.
6-speed is more fun though.
Do a search for the luv.......
Get what you want, I'm in Dallas and it's bad traffic for an everyday driver.......A4.
6-speed is more fun though.
Do a search for the luv.......
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 11,945
Likes: 12
From: Vancouver
2015 C5 of Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10
I've had my MN6 for three years and absolutely no regrets. Of course every sports car I have ever owned has been a manual shift. It just doesn't feel right to be in a hot car and see an automatic. But that's just me. Even in heavy traffic I like a manual. It feels like I am driving something different and special. Not just another car that goes fast. My .02 and the lock issue has been solved with the CLB. And I still have the biggest smile on the block. 
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
From: VIR (Danville) Va
Both types of trannies are great. Both are extremely fast and the difference in performance is almost unnoticeable in "real-life" situations.
If you are young buy a 6-speed. If your boy-racer days are over, get the auto4, let the computer do the work and enjoy the train-like effortless acceleration of this wonderful vehicle equipped with an A4.
Stop light Gran Prix
and Drag Strip bracket racing - A4 manually shifted.
Forgot to mention, you will get about 1 mpg more with the 6 speed on the highway and you are carrying about 80 pounds less around.
Garage Queen weekend warrior - definitely a 6 speed
Daily driver - A4
If you are young buy a 6-speed. If your boy-racer days are over, get the auto4, let the computer do the work and enjoy the train-like effortless acceleration of this wonderful vehicle equipped with an A4.
Stop light Gran Prix
and Drag Strip bracket racing - A4 manually shifted.Forgot to mention, you will get about 1 mpg more with the 6 speed on the highway and you are carrying about 80 pounds less around.
Garage Queen weekend warrior - definitely a 6 speed
Daily driver - A4
Last edited by blkZ28Conv; Nov 27, 2005 at 07:10 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 13,760
Likes: 75
From: Haymarket VA
Originally Posted by 6 Shooter
Sports cars have 6 Speeds!
If ya live in a big city, it ain't a lot of sport, it's survival!
If ya live in a big city, it ain't a lot of sport, it's survival!
Big cam - Speed Density Tune - Washington DC traffic. It's all worth while when you get on a coutry road. 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 6,213
Likes: 1
From: South Alabama
Originally Posted by Vet Interested
With the problems related to the column lock on 6 speeds and how it does not appear to be such a problem with the automatic, do any 6-speed owners regret getting a 6-speed? I was leaning towards the 6-speed but the talk of the column issues makes me wonder.
I would never own a C5 that didn't have a six-speed...but that's just my preference. Don't worry about the f'n column lock either. Get a good CLB from COH and forget about it.
Put an aftermarket exhaust and maybe a set of LG longtubes on your Vette and you'll have a permanent grin rowing the gears.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 3,123
Likes: 3
From: Orland Park Illinois
St. Jude Donor '06-'07
Since 1990 I've been driving a Corvette w/ an automatic trans. Not one regret--never....But, everybody is different and has different choices. Good luck w/ whatever you choose. 
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,406
Likes: 0
From: Dallas Tx
Every sports car ive ever owned was a standard. Thats the way i think it should be. If you're going to be driving in traffic all the time then you're not going to have fun in a vette anyway.
Shane
Shane
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,280
Likes: 1
From: atlantic city new jersey
Originally Posted by RedWolf
A column lock bypass installation should calm your fears of the 6 sp. IMHO, your Vette should be an MN6. You will love running up through the gears.
its the best part of driving for me.Like others have said unless your in a ton of traffic all the time,everyday for work,than maybe the auto is the right choice.I got to tell ya for me a 6 speed is the only way to drive a vette.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 284
Likes: 0
From: Austin, Texas 2005 National Champs in Football and Baseball.
I believe that GM has probably gotten a handle on the column lock problem on late model MN6s. The local dealer just updated the programming on my 2003 and they believe that this solves the problem. Some earlier models needed more extensive mods. (See the sticky at the top of the section.) At least that's their story and they're sticking to it.
That said, the purpose of a sports car is to maximize the interaction between the driver and the machine to have more fun driving IMHO. I get a lot of satisfaction when I drive my MN6 well and take it as a challenge to continually improve my skills. The A4 doesn't give you that opportunity. Got no problem with those who prefer to leave the shifting to the computer, but its not for me.
That said, the purpose of a sports car is to maximize the interaction between the driver and the machine to have more fun driving IMHO. I get a lot of satisfaction when I drive my MN6 well and take it as a challenge to continually improve my skills. The A4 doesn't give you that opportunity. Got no problem with those who prefer to leave the shifting to the computer, but its not for me.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 16,795
Likes: 62
From: Lake Havasu City, AZ
R U Kidding me? Any regrets.... It ain't really a Vette if it's not a manual... and while i'm on a roll... it ain't a sports car if its not a convertible.....
The CLB from Corvettes of Houston is a $50 and 20 minute fix. Why would I regret years of spirited driving pleasure for less time and less money than a mediocre meal for two at a chain restaurant ?.....
The CLB from Corvettes of Houston is a $50 and 20 minute fix. Why would I regret years of spirited driving pleasure for less time and less money than a mediocre meal for two at a chain restaurant ?.....