Preference/Poll 2001 Automatic or Stick?
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,496
Likes: 28
From: San Dimas Ca.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 4,333
Likes: 6
From: Louisville Kentucky
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,189
Likes: 1
From: South of Indy
St. Jude Donor '07-'08
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 13,421
Likes: 8
From: Lake Mary Florida
Something to consider which hasn't been mentioned. With the '01 year model, only the 6-spds had the column lock issue, with the A4's they removed the system.
Therefore, you will have ascertain the status of the column lock issue on the vehicle your interested in. If had the dealer GM recall service you'll need to find out if it was completed to rev c, otherwise verify whether it has a third party bypass module install. Dealer recall service on this issue has probably caused as many more issues then not. Third party bypass module on later models seems to work the best.
'01 are also in the group with potential ring issues, and heavy downshifting can increase oil consumption as well as high RPM shifts. Not so noticeable with A4.
But, the torque of the LS1 is such that you can run the vehicle creeping along in gear not touching the gas and even bring it to a momentary halt using the brakes without touching the clutch. Like when going through a parking lot or so. So this 6 spd is much more versatile they one would think.
6 spds are fun to drive that is for certain, I came from an A4 C4 to a MN6 C5.
Therefore, you will have ascertain the status of the column lock issue on the vehicle your interested in. If had the dealer GM recall service you'll need to find out if it was completed to rev c, otherwise verify whether it has a third party bypass module install. Dealer recall service on this issue has probably caused as many more issues then not. Third party bypass module on later models seems to work the best.
'01 are also in the group with potential ring issues, and heavy downshifting can increase oil consumption as well as high RPM shifts. Not so noticeable with A4.
But, the torque of the LS1 is such that you can run the vehicle creeping along in gear not touching the gas and even bring it to a momentary halt using the brakes without touching the clutch. Like when going through a parking lot or so. So this 6 spd is much more versatile they one would think.
6 spds are fun to drive that is for certain, I came from an A4 C4 to a MN6 C5.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
5 Best & 5 Worst Corvette Daily Drivers
Joe Kucinski
The Headlights of Every Corvette Generation Explained
Joe Kucinski
5 Best & 5 Most Overrated Corvette Track Packages of All Time!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 210
Likes: 0
From: CA
Ive never owned a stick car before, but darn it if i was buying a vette then it had to be manual. Plus I could'nt think of a better car to learn on, and even driving in heavy LA traffic its not bad. If I do start getting tired of it, i just remind myself Im in a Vette 
and everything in the world is ok again.
Good luck with your choice, you wont regret it either way
and everything in the world is ok again. Good luck with your choice, you wont regret it either way
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Kind of scary as I am close to buying an 01 Manual will have to push dealer for answers. You guys are great
Something to consider which hasn't been mentioned. With the '01 year model, only the 6-spds had the column lock issue, with the A4's they removed the system.
Therefore, you will have ascertain the status of the column lock issue on the vehicle your interested in. If had the dealer GM recall service you'll need to find out if it was completed to rev c, otherwise verify whether it has a third party bypass module install. Dealer recall service on this issue has probably caused as many more issues then not. Third party bypass module on later models seems to work the best.
'01 are also in the group with potential ring issues, and heavy downshifting can increase oil consumption as well as high RPM shifts. Not so noticeable with A4.
But, the torque of the LS1 is such that you can run the vehicle creeping along in gear not touching the gas and even bring it to a momentary halt using the brakes without touching the clutch. Like when going through a parking lot or so. So this 6 spd is much more versatile they one would think.
6 spds are fun to drive that is for certain, I came from an A4 C4 to a MN6 C5.
Therefore, you will have ascertain the status of the column lock issue on the vehicle your interested in. If had the dealer GM recall service you'll need to find out if it was completed to rev c, otherwise verify whether it has a third party bypass module install. Dealer recall service on this issue has probably caused as many more issues then not. Third party bypass module on later models seems to work the best.
'01 are also in the group with potential ring issues, and heavy downshifting can increase oil consumption as well as high RPM shifts. Not so noticeable with A4.
But, the torque of the LS1 is such that you can run the vehicle creeping along in gear not touching the gas and even bring it to a momentary halt using the brakes without touching the clutch. Like when going through a parking lot or so. So this 6 spd is much more versatile they one would think.
6 spds are fun to drive that is for certain, I came from an A4 C4 to a MN6 C5.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 4,333
Likes: 6
From: Louisville Kentucky
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 75
Likes: 0
From: Perry Hall Maryland
I think a lot of us were at this same point. As listed above you really have to decide what it is you're looking for. I was an auto guy and loved the tiptronic (auto-stick) in my last car but just couldn't get off the money for the option in a C6. I bought a 00 manual.
My impressions are (and it was 10 yrs since I drove a stick) that it is extremely easy to drive the manual vette. I live in Baltimore and use it as a dd (not always but alot), travel 95N/S which is gridlock virtually every day. It's not that big of a deal. Sure it's a little more work, but the torque factor makes it SO much easier. But...
On the weekends when I'm out driving (this is why I bought the C5) the manual just makes it more interactive. Matching revs (and the motor sounds incredible) downshifting to set up for the corners, braking & upshifting. This is a close as you can come to an affordable street driven race car.
I'd say manual for me with no regrets.
Good luck, it's really a no lose situation for most folks.
Colin
My impressions are (and it was 10 yrs since I drove a stick) that it is extremely easy to drive the manual vette. I live in Baltimore and use it as a dd (not always but alot), travel 95N/S which is gridlock virtually every day. It's not that big of a deal. Sure it's a little more work, but the torque factor makes it SO much easier. But...
On the weekends when I'm out driving (this is why I bought the C5) the manual just makes it more interactive. Matching revs (and the motor sounds incredible) downshifting to set up for the corners, braking & upshifting. This is a close as you can come to an affordable street driven race car.
I'd say manual for me with no regrets.
Good luck, it's really a no lose situation for most folks.
Colin
