C5 LS1, manual or Automatic?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,229
Likes: 1
C5 LS1, manual or Automatic?
Hi guys,
I own an 88 Convertible/L98 engine, automatic with a higher stall converter and a few other mods.
I'm putting my car up for sale next spring/summer and I'll probably end up buying a C5 in about 2 years... if I have enough patience to wait that long
I'm looking to buy a used C5 coupe LS1, coupe... but I seem to find more automatics then manuals for sale in my area. I'd really like to get a manual, but I'm looking for differences and opinions between the manual and automatic to help me make up my mind. I know the differences between the C4 automatic and manual but know nothing about the C5's.
I own an 88 Convertible/L98 engine, automatic with a higher stall converter and a few other mods.
I'm putting my car up for sale next spring/summer and I'll probably end up buying a C5 in about 2 years... if I have enough patience to wait that long
I'm looking to buy a used C5 coupe LS1, coupe... but I seem to find more automatics then manuals for sale in my area. I'd really like to get a manual, but I'm looking for differences and opinions between the manual and automatic to help me make up my mind. I know the differences between the C4 automatic and manual but know nothing about the C5's.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 24,333
Likes: 1
From: VA
St. Jude Donor '03-'11
If everything is stock, the manual will outperform the auto. once you change rear end ratios, stall speeds, etc... all bets are off.
there are a couple of problems with 6 speeds that have popped up:
some have trouble with tranny jumping out of gear in 1st or reverse, or a tough time getting it in reverse
others have experienced a problem where the car can be shifted into reverse while moving forward. this should be prevented by a lock-out solenoid. in the C5, the reverse is next to 5th.
there are a couple of problems with 6 speeds that have popped up:
some have trouble with tranny jumping out of gear in 1st or reverse, or a tough time getting it in reverse
others have experienced a problem where the car can be shifted into reverse while moving forward. this should be prevented by a lock-out solenoid. in the C5, the reverse is next to 5th.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 167
Likes: 1
From: Los Angeles Ca
Why spend money on an auto when you're just going to have to turn around and spend more money on gears (EXPENSIVE!!!!!) and a stall?
Buy the 6 speed and drive it like a sports car.
Take the $2500.00 (it will cost a little more for install) you would have spent on the gears/stall/install and put heads/cam on the car.
Then you have a 450 Horsepower sports-car of death.
= )
Buy the 6 speed and drive it like a sports car.
Take the $2500.00 (it will cost a little more for install) you would have spent on the gears/stall/install and put heads/cam on the car.
Then you have a 450 Horsepower sports-car of death.
= )
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,229
Likes: 1
Is the rear end the same on both cars? and I don't mean gears, I mean the actualy carier?
On C4, manual have the Dana 44 and automatics the Dana 36 ?? what about the C5? and might as well ask, what gears comes stock with the automatic and the manual?
On C4, manual have the Dana 44 and automatics the Dana 36 ?? what about the C5? and might as well ask, what gears comes stock with the automatic and the manual?
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
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From: Just trying to make it through each day.
Cruise-In III Veteran
Cruise-In V Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03-'04
Originally Posted by TheStef
Is the rear end the same on both cars? and I don't mean gears, I mean the actualy carier?
On C4, manual have the Dana 44 and automatics the Dana 36 ?? what about the C5? and might as well ask, what gears comes stock with the automatic and the manual?
On C4, manual have the Dana 44 and automatics the Dana 36 ?? what about the C5? and might as well ask, what gears comes stock with the automatic and the manual?
M6 is stock 3.42 and that carrier can be upgraded with 3.73, 3.90, etc gears................
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 816
Likes: 0
From: peabody ma
Originally Posted by TheStef
Hi guys,
I own an 88 Convertible/L98 engine, automatic with a higher stall converter and a few other mods.
I'm putting my car up for sale next spring/summer and I'll probably end up buying a C5 in about 2 years... if I have enough patience to wait that long
I'm looking to buy a used C5 coupe LS1, coupe... but I seem to find more automatics then manuals for sale in my area. I'd really like to get a manual, but I'm looking for differences and opinions between the manual and automatic to help me make up my mind. I know the differences between the C4 automatic and manual but know nothing about the C5's.
I own an 88 Convertible/L98 engine, automatic with a higher stall converter and a few other mods.
I'm putting my car up for sale next spring/summer and I'll probably end up buying a C5 in about 2 years... if I have enough patience to wait that long
I'm looking to buy a used C5 coupe LS1, coupe... but I seem to find more automatics then manuals for sale in my area. I'd really like to get a manual, but I'm looking for differences and opinions between the manual and automatic to help me make up my mind. I know the differences between the C4 automatic and manual but know nothing about the C5's.
so now that i have totally confused you and anyone else reading this, i think im trying to say is that as much as i like my 6 speed i dont think it would have been a "step down" if my C5 was an auto....
i know this isnt helping but good luck
Racer
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 390
Likes: 0
From: Calera Alabama
I also traded a C4 auto for a C5 6 speed. It all depends on what you plan to do with the car. If you drive it a lot and you are in traffic a lot, the auto is the way to go. If you just enjoy driving a sports car for what it is and enjoy those quick burst of acceleration and going throw the gears than the answer is easy. Two things that are a must for any 6-speed owner. An after market shifter (stock ones do not have stops) and the damn CAGS. Either way I think you will enjoy your new car. I went from a convertible to a coupe and I wish I still had a convertible. That is some thing you might want to consider.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 476
Likes: 2
From: Orange County Ca
Whatsa CAGS?
Two things that are a must for any 6-speed owner. An after market shifter (stock ones do not have stops) and the damn CAGS.
New 99 mn6 hardtop owner, when you say "stock ones do not have stops" what are you referring to?
and how will it improve my car?
I' have not had any problems with my 6-speed.
What are CAGS?
I am getting annoyed with the 1to 4shift though.
Love this car
New 99 mn6 hardtop owner, when you say "stock ones do not have stops" what are you referring to?
and how will it improve my car?
I' have not had any problems with my 6-speed.
What are CAGS?
I am getting annoyed with the 1to 4shift though.
Love this car
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Racer
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 390
Likes: 0
From: Calera Alabama
CAGS is a bypass for the 1 to 4 ****. it is about 25 dollars or so and you can find it at any vendor on the web. The stock shifters do not have stops. Stops stop the shifter from over traveling. By that I mean when you shift the linkage places the trans in the next gear. But the stock shifter does not have a stopping point (Over traveling tears up a trans). After market shifter have adjustable stops. The Hurst (like mine) even has adjustable return springs.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 4,661
Likes: 67
From: Ocean Springs MS
Originally Posted by TheStef
Is the rear end the same on both cars? and I don't mean gears, I mean the actualy carier?
On C4, manual have the Dana 44 and automatics the Dana 36 ?? what about the C5? and might as well ask, what gears comes stock with the automatic and the manual?
On C4, manual have the Dana 44 and automatics the Dana 36 ?? what about the C5? and might as well ask, what gears comes stock with the automatic and the manual?
Last edited by fdxpilot; Sep 30, 2004 at 11:49 PM.
Race Director
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From: Redsox, Pats, Celts & Bruins !!! Redsox Nation !!!
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12
Love my A4 also and don't see many differences at the track as far as time either. But I also have the factory 3.15s
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 4,411
Likes: 1
From: Wilmington NC
Originally Posted by TheStef
Hi guys,
I own an 88 Convertible/L98 engine, automatic with a higher stall converter and a few other mods.
I'm putting my car up for sale next spring/summer and I'll probably end up buying a C5 in about 2 years... if I have enough patience to wait that long
I'm looking to buy a used C5 coupe LS1, coupe... but I seem to find more automatics then manuals for sale in my area. I'd really like to get a manual, but I'm looking for differences and opinions between the manual and automatic to help me make up my mind. I know the differences between the C4 automatic and manual but know nothing about the C5's.
I own an 88 Convertible/L98 engine, automatic with a higher stall converter and a few other mods.
I'm putting my car up for sale next spring/summer and I'll probably end up buying a C5 in about 2 years... if I have enough patience to wait that long
I'm looking to buy a used C5 coupe LS1, coupe... but I seem to find more automatics then manuals for sale in my area. I'd really like to get a manual, but I'm looking for differences and opinions between the manual and automatic to help me make up my mind. I know the differences between the C4 automatic and manual but know nothing about the C5's.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 4,411
Likes: 1
From: Wilmington NC
Originally Posted by ANTIVINUM
. The stock shifters do not have stops. Stops stop the shifter from over traveling. By that I mean when you shift the linkage places the trans in the next gear. But the stock shifter does not have a stopping point (Over traveling tears up a trans). After market shifter have adjustable stops. The Hurst (like mine) even has adjustable return springs.
Always Shiftin'
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,028
Likes: 939
From: Central Florida
2025 C7 of the Year Finalist - Modified
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I always love these threads!! 
I love my automatic transmission.....that I have in my '04 Silverado! Oh yea, the wife's minivan has one as well!!
My Corvettes have always been manual and will ALWAYS be that way!
[flamesuit ON]
I love my automatic transmission.....that I have in my '04 Silverado! Oh yea, the wife's minivan has one as well!!
My Corvettes have always been manual and will ALWAYS be that way!
[flamesuit ON]
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 4,411
Likes: 1
From: Wilmington NC
Originally Posted by QikStik
I always love these threads!!
I love my automatic transmission.....that I have in my '04 Silverado! Oh yea, the wife's minivan has one as well!!
My Corvettes have always been manual and will ALWAYS be that way!
[flamesuit ON]
I love my automatic transmission.....that I have in my '04 Silverado! Oh yea, the wife's minivan has one as well!!
My Corvettes have always been manual and will ALWAYS be that way!
[flamesuit ON]
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You mentioned that you want the 6-speed so that should be your main focus. Between now and when you are ready to purchase the car, go out and test drive examples of each. Give them some thorough examinations, like city driving, highway time, etc and see how comfortable you are with each type of transmission. Both are very good, so it is really just a personal preference. The 6-speed will have better gearing and get better mileage all things considered.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 402
Likes: 0
From: Torrance California
Originally Posted by JDs00PewterCoupe
You mentioned that you want the 6-speed so that should be your main focus. Between now and when you are ready to purchase the car, go out and test drive examples of each. Give them some thorough examinations, like city driving, highway time, etc and see how comfortable you are with each type of transmission. Both are very good, so it is really just a personal preference. The 6-speed will have better gearing and get better mileage all things considered.
Best suggestion I have heard. I have an A4 as a daily driver and hit a lot of stop and go traffic. I have been seriously considering renting a MN6 just to see what the differences would be. I think the differences in transmissions would be similar to differences in exhausts. What you like will depend in a large measure on your personal preferences.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 19,459
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From: Schaumburg IL
CI 7-8-9-11 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '06-'10, '13
Yeap , a test drive or even renting a 6spd and then automatic would be a great idea,, if you have this much time before you buy. I love my 6speed,, obviously it sucks in stop and go traffic but everything else is great.
I guess it all depends on how you are going to use your car,,Automatics are okay too,,nothing wrong with them,,easier to launch off the line if you racing.
For me I like being able to have the options though of changing gears, also you don't have to re-program the shift points if you change rear-ends with a manual..with an auto you'll have to re-program.
All MN6's come stock with a 342 gear.
good luck
I guess it all depends on how you are going to use your car,,Automatics are okay too,,nothing wrong with them,,easier to launch off the line if you racing.
For me I like being able to have the options though of changing gears, also you don't have to re-program the shift points if you change rear-ends with a manual..with an auto you'll have to re-program.
All MN6's come stock with a 342 gear.
good luck