A4 Vrs M6
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 4,326
Likes: 140
From: Weatherford, TX
I really enjoy my Z06 converted to A4. With a sporty stall, it has crazy torque mult in the low RPM. I like how it sling-shots by just flicking your toes. Other benefits are WOT shifting thru the gears, and never miss a shift. These things are guaranteed to win more races. 
After I upgraded the power with 100hp nitrous, the clutch pedal started going limp on the floor. After some more power mods, it needed several adjustments to work right. Regular clutch fluid maintenance, removing the clutch pedal spring, new clutch assembly, adjustable master, remote bleeder, 2 step, that got it running strong. But then I broke the mainshaft and installed the auto I was wanting.
The car picked up .5 sec with no changes. Funny watching this auto race recorded soon after the conversion. Notice my right hand wanders, not knowing it can relax now, after years of doing it the hard way.
6speed
A4
After I upgraded the power with 100hp nitrous, the clutch pedal started going limp on the floor. After some more power mods, it needed several adjustments to work right. Regular clutch fluid maintenance, removing the clutch pedal spring, new clutch assembly, adjustable master, remote bleeder, 2 step, that got it running strong. But then I broke the mainshaft and installed the auto I was wanting.
The car picked up .5 sec with no changes. Funny watching this auto race recorded soon after the conversion. Notice my right hand wanders, not knowing it can relax now, after years of doing it the hard way.
6speed
A4
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 9,526
Likes: 12
From: Los Angeles California
It's just my opinion, but autos = boring.
Of course if I had a nickel for every time this topic has been beaten down, dug up and beaten down again, I could buy another C5 this time in Auto.
Of course if I had a nickel for every time this topic has been beaten down, dug up and beaten down again, I could buy another C5 this time in Auto.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 538
Likes: 0
From: Edmond Ok
I had a 98 with 6 speed, loved it.
I have a 2001 with Auto, love it.
Personally I would lean toward the stick, I didn't read all the posts, but I am sure one or two said depends on you.
Which, it depends on what you want.
Good luck
I have a 2001 with Auto, love it.
Personally I would lean toward the stick, I didn't read all the posts, but I am sure one or two said depends on you.
Which, it depends on what you want.
Good luck
Pro
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 628
Likes: 4
From: Columbia SC
A4 vs M6
Not long ago I bought my first C5. Had driven an auto and found it gutless with that high-ratio rear end, plus it did not seem to be a very responsive auto when manually shifting it. So I went with a manual. I have to say that while I do not exactly regret my choice of transmissions, the C5/M6 is just about the WORST-shifting manual I have ever used, and I've been driving performance manuals since 1965.
Heavy, balky, notchy, hard to find gears, you name a bad attribute the C5/M6 has it.
It was so bad I thought something was wrong with it, so I arranged to drive others. They all sucked, 'tho some were slightly better than others. I changed fluids, did various recommended mods, it is some better but still lousy. A lot of M6 owners on the forum seem perfectly pleased with the shifting on their cars, leading me to wonder if they ever drove decent manuals like a Muncie or T-10 or newer manuals like BMWs, Miatas, etc..
Make sure you drive both before you choose, if at all possible.
Heavy, balky, notchy, hard to find gears, you name a bad attribute the C5/M6 has it.
It was so bad I thought something was wrong with it, so I arranged to drive others. They all sucked, 'tho some were slightly better than others. I changed fluids, did various recommended mods, it is some better but still lousy. A lot of M6 owners on the forum seem perfectly pleased with the shifting on their cars, leading me to wonder if they ever drove decent manuals like a Muncie or T-10 or newer manuals like BMWs, Miatas, etc..
Make sure you drive both before you choose, if at all possible.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 410
Likes: 1
From: In Central TX
Not long ago I bought my first C5. Had driven an auto and found it gutless with that high-ratio rear end, plus it did not seem to be a very responsive auto when manually shifting it. So I went with a manual. I have to say that while I do not exactly regret my choice of transmissions, the C5/M6 is just about the WORST-shifting manual I have ever used, and I've been driving performance manuals since 1965.
Heavy, balky, notchy, hard to find gears, you name a bad attribute the C5/M6 has it.
It was so bad I thought something was wrong with it, so I arranged to drive others. They all sucked, 'tho some were slightly better than others. I changed fluids, did various recommended mods, it is some better but still lousy. A lot of M6 owners on the forum seem perfectly pleased with the shifting on their cars, leading me to wonder if they ever drove decent manuals like a Muncie or T-10 or newer manuals like BMWs, Miatas, etc..
Make sure you drive both before you choose, if at all possible.
Heavy, balky, notchy, hard to find gears, you name a bad attribute the C5/M6 has it.
It was so bad I thought something was wrong with it, so I arranged to drive others. They all sucked, 'tho some were slightly better than others. I changed fluids, did various recommended mods, it is some better but still lousy. A lot of M6 owners on the forum seem perfectly pleased with the shifting on their cars, leading me to wonder if they ever drove decent manuals like a Muncie or T-10 or newer manuals like BMWs, Miatas, etc..
Make sure you drive both before you choose, if at all possible.
Pro
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 515
Likes: 0
From: Mississauga Ontario
Personally, 6 forward gears are the way to go!
However, I envision the day of cruising through downtown Toronto with my wife driving her convertible and automatic tranny C5
and me tagging along in my 6 shooter FRC!
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,902
Likes: 21
From: Oak Hill Virginia
Not long ago I bought my first C5. Had driven an auto and found it gutless with that high-ratio rear end, plus it did not seem to be a very responsive auto when manually shifting it. So I went with a manual. I have to say that while I do not exactly regret my choice of transmissions, the C5/M6 is just about the WORST-shifting manual I have ever used, and I've been driving performance manuals since 1965.
Heavy, balky, notchy, hard to find gears, you name a bad attribute the C5/M6 has it.
It was so bad I thought something was wrong with it, so I arranged to drive others. They all sucked, 'tho some were slightly better than others. I changed fluids, did various recommended mods, it is some better but still lousy. A lot of M6 owners on the forum seem perfectly pleased with the shifting on their cars, leading me to wonder if they ever drove decent manuals like a Muncie or T-10 or newer manuals like BMWs, Miatas, etc..
Make sure you drive both before you choose, if at all possible.
Heavy, balky, notchy, hard to find gears, you name a bad attribute the C5/M6 has it.
It was so bad I thought something was wrong with it, so I arranged to drive others. They all sucked, 'tho some were slightly better than others. I changed fluids, did various recommended mods, it is some better but still lousy. A lot of M6 owners on the forum seem perfectly pleased with the shifting on their cars, leading me to wonder if they ever drove decent manuals like a Muncie or T-10 or newer manuals like BMWs, Miatas, etc..
Make sure you drive both before you choose, if at all possible.
Also, my GF had an 02 Boxster S that she just sold to get an 06 G35 coupe (both are stick), and both of those shift easier than the Vette too. BTW, I think she would agree with you about the shifting; she hates the feel of the shifter in my car (which is actually just fine with me
). She also drove my dad's 07 Viper Coupe once which also has the Tremec T-56 transmission and didn't like that either. I've also driven a pretty good number of Mustangs and think that you'd probably find them a little too "bulky" as well. I think you're going to find that American Muscle is almost always a little rougher than the Euro and Japanese high performance cars.
Last edited by cdkcorvette7; Nov 21, 2009 at 04:10 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 19,459
Likes: 48
From: Schaumburg IL
CI 7-8-9-11 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '06-'10, '13
A4 vs M6 never in the history of the corvette forum have we ever seen this compared. I am utterly shocked and amazed, what a unique and never discussed topic
MN6 Tranny is fine until you start adding big power (over 400RWHP then you need to think about upgrading)
Plenty of people with 70 or 80k miles on stock clutch (stock power). Its all in your driving style and how the car is modded.
A4's same idea, nothing better or worse about the auto trans. Same concept, they are pretty solid, but when you start adding big power, think about upgrading.
MN6 Tranny is fine until you start adding big power (over 400RWHP then you need to think about upgrading)
Plenty of people with 70 or 80k miles on stock clutch (stock power). Its all in your driving style and how the car is modded.
A4's same idea, nothing better or worse about the auto trans. Same concept, they are pretty solid, but when you start adding big power, think about upgrading.
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drive it don't let it drive you
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,902
Likes: 21
From: Oak Hill Virginia
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 9,526
Likes: 12
From: Los Angeles California
Not long ago I bought my first C5. Had driven an auto and found it gutless with that high-ratio rear end, plus it did not seem to be a very responsive auto when manually shifting it. So I went with a manual. I have to say that while I do not exactly regret my choice of transmissions, the C5/M6 is just about the WORST-shifting manual I have ever used, and I've been driving performance manuals since 1965.
Heavy, balky, notchy, hard to find gears, you name a bad attribute the C5/M6 has it.
It was so bad I thought something was wrong with it, so I arranged to drive others. They all sucked, 'tho some were slightly better than others. I changed fluids, did various recommended mods, it is some better but still lousy. A lot of M6 owners on the forum seem perfectly pleased with the shifting on their cars, leading me to wonder if they ever drove decent manuals like a Muncie or T-10 or newer manuals like BMWs, Miatas, etc..
Make sure you drive both before you choose, if at all possible.
Heavy, balky, notchy, hard to find gears, you name a bad attribute the C5/M6 has it.
It was so bad I thought something was wrong with it, so I arranged to drive others. They all sucked, 'tho some were slightly better than others. I changed fluids, did various recommended mods, it is some better but still lousy. A lot of M6 owners on the forum seem perfectly pleased with the shifting on their cars, leading me to wonder if they ever drove decent manuals like a Muncie or T-10 or newer manuals like BMWs, Miatas, etc..
Make sure you drive both before you choose, if at all possible.
If I had it my way, I'd put the TR6060 in my car. But I don't have that option right now. T56 is just fine. My M12 suits it's purpose and has treated me very well.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 18,643
Likes: 14
From: Norman Oklahoma - The Only State in the Union with no Blue Counties!
Drag strip A4!
Everthing else MN6!
Downshifting on a downhill curve and getting back in the gas instead of hitting the brakes,,,,,,,,everytime and first time,,,,,,,,,,,,the difference is,,,,amazing!
Uphill is even better!
Everthing else MN6!
Downshifting on a downhill curve and getting back in the gas instead of hitting the brakes,,,,,,,,everytime and first time,,,,,,,,,,,,the difference is,,,,amazing!
Uphill is even better!
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 166
Likes: 0
From: quiton virginia
trans
A4 vs M6 never in the history of the corvette forum have we ever seen this compared. I am utterly shocked and amazed, what a unique and never discussed topic
MN6 Tranny is fine until you start adding big power (over 400RWHP then you need to think about upgrading)
Plenty of people with 70 or 80k miles on stock clutch (stock power). Its all in your driving style and how the car is modded.
A4's same idea, nothing better or worse about the auto trans. Same concept, they are pretty solid, but when you start adding big power, think about upgrading.
MN6 Tranny is fine until you start adding big power (over 400RWHP then you need to think about upgrading)
Plenty of people with 70 or 80k miles on stock clutch (stock power). Its all in your driving style and how the car is modded.
A4's same idea, nothing better or worse about the auto trans. Same concept, they are pretty solid, but when you start adding big power, think about upgrading.
