Transmission
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 111
Likes: 1
From: Jackson TN
Transmission
So everyone says when buying a Vette, to checkout and drive as many as you can. Not real easy, especially since there aren't a lot for sale around here and those that are usually C5 automatics.
Having said that and I know this is usually an individual choice. I have in my mind that I want a manual transmission, but I have also hear many good things about the paddle shift automatics. What are the experiences and preferences on here? The car will be used for some cruising, but more for curvy roads and maybe some autocross. I want the one with the most fun factor.
Again I know this is a personal preference and everyone is different.
Having said that and I know this is usually an individual choice. I have in my mind that I want a manual transmission, but I have also hear many good things about the paddle shift automatics. What are the experiences and preferences on here? The car will be used for some cruising, but more for curvy roads and maybe some autocross. I want the one with the most fun factor.
Again I know this is a personal preference and everyone is different.
Last edited by BillD1956; Jun 18, 2014 at 11:52 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 26,233
Likes: 4,357
From: Chirper Island
You do know that you can "manually" shift non-paddle shift autos? I've been doing this with my 2005 for 195,000 miles. It works just fine and is much more fun than letting the car decide for you, so don't "automatically" rule out non-paddle shifters. 
I say this as one who has had a non paddle shift automatic and a manual C6, as well as a paddle shift C7 (just getting used to it--it's fun too).
I say this as one who has had a non paddle shift automatic and a manual C6, as well as a paddle shift C7 (just getting used to it--it's fun too).
Racer
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 498
Likes: 3
From: Blythewood SC
So everyone says when buying a Vette, to checkout and drive as many as you can. Not real easy, especially since there aren't a lot for sale around here and those that are usually C5 automatics.
Having said that and I know this is usually an individual choice. I have in my mind that I want a manual transmission, but I have also hear many good things about the paddle shift automatics. What are the experiences and preferences on here? The car will be used for some cruising, but more for curvy roads and maybe some autocross. I want the one with the most fun factor.
Again I know this is a personal preference and everyone is different.
Having said that and I know this is usually an individual choice. I have in my mind that I want a manual transmission, but I have also hear many good things about the paddle shift automatics. What are the experiences and preferences on here? The car will be used for some cruising, but more for curvy roads and maybe some autocross. I want the one with the most fun factor.
Again I know this is a personal preference and everyone is different.
As a side note, my DD for the last 6 years is an auto which has a way to simulate shifting, similar to the way paddles work. Over the years I've occasionally played with it, but personally found it was nowhere near the same as actually shifting with a clutch.
Fun is a highly personal thing, nobody can decide for you. Many people consider using a clutch as an important part of the fun. Others don't want the clutch, but find using the paddles fun. Others just let the transmission decide for themselves. All are good, it's whatever you like best. The only way to tell for yourself is to get out and try a few and that may require going some distance. I was only able to find one car to try locally. I drove 1.5 hours to test another four. I was prepared to go four to six hours from home. The one I ended up buying was 2.5 hours from home.
Pro<br><img src="/forums/images/ranks/500-1000.gif" border="0">
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 548
Likes: 20
From: Goose Creek, SC
Auto or Manual?
When I bought my GS one of the requirements for me was it had to have the A6 automatic transmission! The main reason was the area I live and drive in is undergoing a population explosion. People are moving to my area like you can't believe (a lot of retired people from up North and a lot looking for work plus the weather is good) and the traffic is rough all the time. Nothing like DC or Los Angeles, but a lot of stop and go driving in certain areas. The traffic made my decision for me, but I have to admit I like the dual modes for the A6 trans. Paddle shift if you want to control the shifts or let the trans decide and enjoy the ride.
I don't want to give the wrong impression because I would love to have the manual trans since I love to shift gears and use the clutch, but because of the traffic I chose the A6 auto.
Another factor to consider is if you are buying a car with a fair amount of miles on it you have to consider how the clutch was used by the previous owner. Was it tracked and abused or did the previous owner take the car out on weekends for a cruise. If the clutch was abused having it replaced isn't cheap. Just something to consider.
I don't want to give the wrong impression because I would love to have the manual trans since I love to shift gears and use the clutch, but because of the traffic I chose the A6 auto.
Another factor to consider is if you are buying a car with a fair amount of miles on it you have to consider how the clutch was used by the previous owner. Was it tracked and abused or did the previous owner take the car out on weekends for a cruise. If the clutch was abused having it replaced isn't cheap. Just something to consider.
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 45,269
Likes: 8,543
From: Rochester, NY
I have a manual and love it. For the fun factor and being totaly engaged with the driving experience a manual is a must.
I test drove a C7 a week ago and it had an auto in it, wow no way in hell would I buy a Corvette with an auto.
If you had the opportunity to drive them both you would not even ask the question the manual would be your choice.
I test drove a C7 a week ago and it had an auto in it, wow no way in hell would I buy a Corvette with an auto.
If you had the opportunity to drive them both you would not even ask the question the manual would be your choice.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,252
Likes: 343
From: Louisville KY
I traded my 2003 Corvette automatic for a 2013 manual a few months ago. I owned the 2003 for 3 years and loved it. However, I really am enjoying the manual tranny. There's just something about shifting those gears that I prefer. 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 6,430
Likes: 3,620
From: Commerce Texas
I put 126,000 miles on an '07 C6 with paddle shift. I used the paddles from day one.....
I traded it for a CTS-V Cadillac with 6-sp manual shift. I've now put 13,000 miles on V-car.... wish I'd bought it with the paddle shift.
Been shifting gears since 1957..... paddle shift gives up little, if any, from an MN-shift. One simple needs to learn to use the paddles. Sadly, most Vette owners drive their cars so little they'll never learn to use the paddles so the MN-shift is easier for them... pity as the paddles offer the best of both worlds.
I traded it for a CTS-V Cadillac with 6-sp manual shift. I've now put 13,000 miles on V-car.... wish I'd bought it with the paddle shift.
Been shifting gears since 1957..... paddle shift gives up little, if any, from an MN-shift. One simple needs to learn to use the paddles. Sadly, most Vette owners drive their cars so little they'll never learn to use the paddles so the MN-shift is easier for them... pity as the paddles offer the best of both worlds.
Retired & lovin' it!
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 4,475
Likes: 549
From: Jackson NJ
I won't say how long ago it was, but my love of sports cars started with an MGA Coupe, then a Healey 3000, Triumph TR4, E-Type Jag & finally the Corvettes. Each one of those had a manual trans & IMHO, if you're driving a sports car, you need to row the gears! Much, much more fun that any auto. There's nothing like gearing down into a curve, goosing the pedal as you double clutch & listening to the symphony of sound from that beautiful V8! 
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Race Director
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 12,926
Likes: 782
From: Huntsville AL
It really just comes down to preference. I don't view the Corvette as a pure sports car. It is more like a luxury GT with all of the bells and whistles. But lots of us enjoy our cars, whether they are manual or auto. I love my auto, but I'm sure I would enjoy the manual just as much, unless I was in stop and go traffic.
One more thing. I drove my car in a parade (beauty queen sitting on top). It would have been a major pain in the leg if it was manual. With the automatic, it was a piece of cake.
One more thing. I drove my car in a parade (beauty queen sitting on top). It would have been a major pain in the leg if it was manual. With the automatic, it was a piece of cake.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 11,367
Likes: 211
From: Edgewood Washington
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13-'14-'15
I think the manual trans is more engaging and as a result, more 'fun'.
However, in my case (left leg/foot issues) I had to have an automatic and the A6 with the paddles is still very entertaining.
Definitely a very personal choice.
However, in my case (left leg/foot issues) I had to have an automatic and the A6 with the paddles is still very entertaining.
Definitely a very personal choice.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 12,502
Likes: 3,629
Only problem I have is the Corvette auto is its not there yet for a true road race car (true sequential transmission with micro second shifting on demand up or down).
You can get the auto to hold a gear on the way out, but its the down shifts that you have to wait for instead (banging at the lever, but the trans not downshifting fast enough).
On a manual trans, hard braking, heal/toe over to get the revs back up, and you can drop a few gears all at the same time to get the car back in needed gear at the end of the skate to finish off where you want to place the car going into the next corner (think hard dive out braking someone in front of you where you can't start the car into the needed entry line to begin with, but going to unsettle/skate the car into that line before getting back on the gas to settle the car in and rail you around instead through the corner).
You can get the auto to hold a gear on the way out, but its the down shifts that you have to wait for instead (banging at the lever, but the trans not downshifting fast enough).
On a manual trans, hard braking, heal/toe over to get the revs back up, and you can drop a few gears all at the same time to get the car back in needed gear at the end of the skate to finish off where you want to place the car going into the next corner (think hard dive out braking someone in front of you where you can't start the car into the needed entry line to begin with, but going to unsettle/skate the car into that line before getting back on the gas to settle the car in and rail you around instead through the corner).
Pro
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 584
Likes: 13
From: Eugene Oregon
Last car was a Z28 with a 6 speed manual. Most of my driving is city. I got tired of shifting. Corvette is a A6 auto. I let it do it's thing most of the time. Nice to have the paddle shifting as a option.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 539
Likes: 20
From: Southeast Connecticut
St. Jude Donor '14-'15-'16
I think it generally comes down to whether or not you like driving a manual transmission. If you truly enjoy engaging a clutch when shifting, there is no better way to enjoy a Vette, or any sports car for that matter. Just one man's opinion of course!
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 21,590
Likes: 1,615
From: GREER SC
Our 2011 GS is an auto. I chose an auto for personal reasons to do with a bad left leg. It is our daily driver and the car I prefer to be in heavy traffic. We drive to Fla a lot. Our daughter lives/works for Disney so we get in heavy traffic often. I would say from your view you might prefer a manual. You can't beat-em on a road course. I also drag race and the auto is preferred there, but you didn't say anything about drag racing. JMHO