Advice needed
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 651
Likes: 1
From: Florida
Advice needed
I've narrowed my search for a new toy to the '98 to '01 convertible, but need some advice regarding the relative performance differences and durability of the A4 vs. 6sp. To further complicate matters I would prefer a car that has had a head/cam package so this may impact the transmission choice.
What is the ideal choice of this range and what mods would compliment each other without adversely affecting the reliability? I realize that a low mile, heavily modified car will be difficult to find and go for a premium, but what should I plan to spend?
What is the ideal choice of this range and what mods would compliment each other without adversely affecting the reliability? I realize that a low mile, heavily modified car will be difficult to find and go for a premium, but what should I plan to spend?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 2,547
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I can't offer much from a performance point of view because I have only had my new C5 for a few days. I can tell you I am sure glad I chose MN6 vs A4. At one point I was leaning towards an A4 because I wanted my fiancee' to be able to drive it comfortably. She did great the very first time she drove the 6 speed (it is such a nice clutch and shifting mechanism).
So my $.02 worth is go with MN6--I cant's imagine a vette any other way.
So my $.02 worth is go with MN6--I cant's imagine a vette any other way.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 4,273
Likes: 1
From: Pittsford NY
I think the 6 speed is a little stronger than the auto but
if you add a lot of horsepower either transmission would
eventually have to be beefed up.
I really think it is personal preference. I would not want
anything except the 6 speed myself.
if you add a lot of horsepower either transmission would
eventually have to be beefed up.
I really think it is personal preference. I would not want
anything except the 6 speed myself.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 5,374
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville Florida
I have the A4. I think it depends a lot on you, how you drive, will it be in traffic a lot, a daily driver, raced etc., etc.
Performance wise - off the line - unless the M6 driver really knows how to shift, the A4 will give 'em a run for the money.
Performance wise - off the line - unless the M6 driver really knows how to shift, the A4 will give 'em a run for the money.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 16,507
Likes: 84
From: Southern Indiana
Originally Posted by CAJUNY2KC5
Performance wise - off the line - unless the M6 driver really knows how to shift, the A4 will give 'em a run for the money.
The MN6 comes out of the factory a bit faster.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
From: Aurora CO
If you don't mind shifting, you get a lot better direct control and a better diff (3.42) on the MN6. As far as modding, if you're going to go high HP (500+rwhp) and change the diff anyway, it probably won't matter JMO.
On the years, mine's a 2000 and loses 5hp/10tq by not having an LS6 intake (01 and newer has it). Not a big deal if you're saving a lot on an older model. The tranmission is a bigger deal. You have to decide wether you want to always have to shift, or just let the car do it.
Choices, choices...
On the years, mine's a 2000 and loses 5hp/10tq by not having an LS6 intake (01 and newer has it). Not a big deal if you're saving a lot on an older model. The tranmission is a bigger deal. You have to decide wether you want to always have to shift, or just let the car do it.
Choices, choices...
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Either transmission would be good, but the 6-speed has better rear gearing and is perhaps a bit stronger overall.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
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St. Jude Donor '17
Originally Posted by rworkman
Not with the 2.73 diferential in the A4. Of course, if you swap rear-ends, it's anyone's game...
The MN6 comes out of the factory a bit faster.
The MN6 comes out of the factory a bit faster.
mine has 3.15's
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 16,507
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From: Southern Indiana
Originally Posted by knowledgefreak
mine has 3.15's
