A4 Question
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 498
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From: Rockville/Abington MD & PA
A4 Question
Is the A4 tranny strong, reliable, well made? It seems like people really favor the A6 but, im curious what the reasoning is. Is it because of the 2 extra gears(shorter gearing) or is it just a better tranny? Im really considering getting into a C6 and would prefer an automatic so, i'd like to hear everyones opinions on the A4. Thanks to all in advance.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,743
Likes: 3
From: Davie Florida
As it comes from GM the 4L60E is not the strongest tranny in the world.
Especially if you plan on racing your car. However if just normal cruising is on your menu the a4 will last a long time.
Especially if you plan on racing your car. However if just normal cruising is on your menu the a4 will last a long time.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 82,175
Likes: 1,319
From: McKinney TX
St. Jude Donor '21-'22-'23-'24
For some, it's a matter of what year C6 they want. If you want an 05, you get an A4, no choice (if you're talking auto tranny). Similarly, if you want an 06 or an 07 C6, you get an A6.
I've had both. I prefer the A6 primarily because of the paddle-shifters.
I've had both. I prefer the A6 primarily because of the paddle-shifters.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 10,399
Likes: 25
From: Austin Texas
A4; Strengths and weaknesses are a known quantity. Parts, repairs and computer tweaks are available. '05 only (in C6).
A6; New, unknown strengths and weaknesses, computer tweaking just becoming available. Better final drive ratio. '06 & '07 only.
A6; New, unknown strengths and weaknesses, computer tweaking just becoming available. Better final drive ratio. '06 & '07 only.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 10,089
Likes: 13
Originally Posted by dwalker011
Is the A4 tranny strong, reliable, well made? It seems like people really favor the A6 but, im curious what the reasoning is. Is it because of the 2 extra gears(shorter gearing) or is it just a better tranny? Im really considering getting into a C6 and would prefer an automatic so, i'd like to hear everyones opinions on the A4. Thanks to all in advance.
The A6 is new, out only a year, and only in a couple of vehicles. GM's specs say it should also be strong, but there isn't enough long term experience with it to confirm how it holds up. The aftermarket hasn't had a chance to develop many beef up parts for it either.
You can think of the A6 as a wide ratio 4 speed with 2 economy overdrives. GM Powertrain says they developed it for trucks and SUVs, with the intent of allowing them to have good low end pulling power and fuel economy as well. In a light car like the Corvette, it is probably more gears than you need.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,560
Likes: 3
From: FNDA Beach Florida
I like the A4. Yes a shifter would be nice but tired of that crap. The A4 performs well and I have zero issues with it after 17K miles and like said had been around for a while. Probably 500hp with 430 or so to the wheels will drive all day but anything more may become an issue just like any other car you mod and same goes for the A6 and MN6 depending on the mods and driving type. I have a shifter in my old stang and no desire for that in this. I have found shifting the A4 manually just as fun as a stick and kicks the same especially with a tune. Of course no dump the clutch but why is that needed with 370hp/tq to the rear anyway unless you want to end up in the ditch. Mine has seen 170mph so far and banged with the best and I love it and only miss shifting a little. If I had 2 Vettes then I would get a shift but no plans there.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 498
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From: Rockville/Abington MD & PA
Thanks for the replies. I didn't realize that this was the same A4 that was used in the C5 and other GMs. I was also thinking that the paddle feature was nice but, since its not a true SMG trans, it is really just manually shifting an auto.
GM should step up and offer an SMG option for a car like this. I've driven the SMG M3 and its really nothing short of amazing.
Is this A4 the same as the one in the C5? If so, i'd assume that getting a tranny upgrade is a easy as call Rodney@RPM up?
GM should step up and offer an SMG option for a car like this. I've driven the SMG M3 and its really nothing short of amazing. Is this A4 the same as the one in the C5? If so, i'd assume that getting a tranny upgrade is a easy as call Rodney@RPM up?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,312
Likes: 82
From: Ridgeland MS
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11
Originally Posted by dwalker011
Thanks for the replies. I didn't realize that this was the same A4 that was used in the C5 and other GMs. I was also thinking that the paddle feature was nice but, since its not a true SMG trans, it is really just manually shifting an auto. GM should step up and offer an SMG option for a car like this. I've driven the SMG M3 and its really nothing short of amazing.
Is this A4 the same as the one in the C5? If so, i'd assume that getting a tranny upgrade is a easy as call Rodney@RPM up?
GM should step up and offer an SMG option for a car like this. I've driven the SMG M3 and its really nothing short of amazing. Is this A4 the same as the one in the C5? If so, i'd assume that getting a tranny upgrade is a easy as call Rodney@RPM up?
I agree that a SMG would be great. I also would estimate that a true SMG built to handle the weight and torque of a corvette would add about $12k to the car. I am unsure if the market will bear that kind of cost let alone the profit required on that cost basis. Yes the A4 is the same as the C5 and it is in several other GM cars.
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 498
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From: Rockville/Abington MD & PA
Originally Posted by dollarbill
I agree that a SMG would be great. I also would estimate that a true SMG built to handle the weight and torque of a corvette would add about $12k to the car. I am unsure if the market will bear that kind of cost let alone the profit required on that cost basis. Yes the A4 is the same as the C5 and it is in several other GM cars.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 3,439
Likes: 6
From: Newark, DE
St. Jude Donor '06
Originally Posted by dwalker011
I didn't realize that this was the same A4 that was used in the C5 and other GMs.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
From: Coral Springs FL
I have found shifting the A4 manually just as fun as a stick and kicks the same especially with a tune
Last edited by YACO; Jul 20, 2006 at 11:39 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 32,074
Likes: 296
From: San Francisco CA
Originally Posted by shopdog
The A4 has been around for a long time. It is in use in millions of cars, trucks, and SUVs. It has proven itself to be strong and reliable. The aftermarket also has years of experience with it, and has parts to make it even stronger and more reliable.
The A6 is new, out only a year, and only in a couple of vehicles. GM's specs say it should also be strong, but there isn't enough long term experience with it to confirm how it holds up. The aftermarket hasn't had a chance to develop many beef up parts for it either.
You can think of the A6 as a wide ratio 4 speed with 2 economy overdrives. GM Powertrain says they developed it for trucks and SUVs, with the intent of allowing them to have good low end pulling power and fuel economy as well. In a light car like the Corvette, it is probably more gears than you need.
The A6 is new, out only a year, and only in a couple of vehicles. GM's specs say it should also be strong, but there isn't enough long term experience with it to confirm how it holds up. The aftermarket hasn't had a chance to develop many beef up parts for it either.
You can think of the A6 as a wide ratio 4 speed with 2 economy overdrives. GM Powertrain says they developed it for trucks and SUVs, with the intent of allowing them to have good low end pulling power and fuel economy as well. In a light car like the Corvette, it is probably more gears than you need.
This is the reason why I went for A-4 instead of this NEW A-6.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 32,074
Likes: 296
From: San Francisco CA
Originally Posted by Mr. Lucky
Almost correct. The C5 used a 4L60-E transmission. The A4 in the C6 is a 4L65-E, which is basically the same transmission, but ruggedized.
This is true the A-4 4L65-E is a heavier duty version of the 4L60-E trans and is a proven time tested trans.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 578
Likes: 4
From: Waukegan IL
St. Jude Donor '07
Originally Posted by bchenier535
Is it ok to manually shift a4 without risk of damage to transmission? At what RPM's are you shifting gears?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 750
Likes: 0
From: Davie, Florida
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07
Originally Posted by bchenier535
I'm wondering what are members opinions on shifting a4 manually. Is this something we can do safely?
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 79
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From: Pottsboro Texas
I took my A4 to the track and manually shifted on most of the runs. Best run was with holding the brake, revving to 1500 rpms and then mashing the throttle at the light, I shifted about 500 rpms below red line. I also ran it strait auto and the times were very close. I just had more fun shifting it manually.