Automatic Tranny improved over C6 ????
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 12,092
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From: Okiehoma
Automatic Tranny improved over C6 ????
I was playing with fire this afternoon and came across a dealer with several C7 verts but all were automatics and sadly the dealer was ready to deal but I really don't want another sloppy automatic in my garage..
So tell me, is the C7 auto a nice quick shifting car??
So tell me, is the C7 auto a nice quick shifting car??
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 9,217
Likes: 153
From: Ft Mill, SC
Wait for the PDK/DCT equivalent A8 tranny in the 2015 C7 scheduled to start production in 3 months. Even though the C7 A6 in the 2014 is a quantum leap beyond the original A6 in the 2006 C6, the new A8 is a fresh design, not just an A6 they threw 2 more gears on.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 20,352
Likes: 568
From: Ventura County, Calif
I think snorman laid out the differences pretty well in this discussion 3 months ago:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c7-g...to-the-c6.html
He is logged on now so he might stop in with more tonight.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c7-g...to-the-c6.html
He is logged on now so he might stop in with more tonight.
Scraping the splitter.
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 8,111
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St. Jude Donor '13-'14-'15
I don't have much to add from a technical perspective about the C7 A6 other than what's in the thread that Rick linked.
But, I do want to update based on my experience with the A6 on-track.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c7-g...this-week.html
Obviously focus on the tranny temp issues relative to tracking a C7 with an A6. I am not sure what differences there will be with the A8 related to heat generation and cooling. They can lock the convertor more frequently, but I suspect unless GM seriously upgrades the tranny cooler and fan, it will remain an issue.
All that being said, the A6 and very likely especially the A8 are great choices for a street car that will see drag strip duty.
S.
But, I do want to update based on my experience with the A6 on-track.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c7-g...this-week.html
Obviously focus on the tranny temp issues relative to tracking a C7 with an A6. I am not sure what differences there will be with the A8 related to heat generation and cooling. They can lock the convertor more frequently, but I suspect unless GM seriously upgrades the tranny cooler and fan, it will remain an issue.
All that being said, the A6 and very likely especially the A8 are great choices for a street car that will see drag strip duty.
S.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,269
Likes: 25
From: Simi Valley Ca
I don't have much to add from a technical perspective about the C7 A6 other than what's in the thread that Rick linked.
But, I do want to update based on my experience with the A6 on-track.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c7-g...this-week.html
Obviously focus on the tranny temp issues relative to tracking a C7 with an A6. I am not sure what differences there will be with the A8 related to heat generation and cooling. They can lock the convertor more frequently, but I suspect unless GM seriously upgrades the tranny cooler and fan, it will remain an issue.
S.
But, I do want to update based on my experience with the A6 on-track.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c7-g...this-week.html
Obviously focus on the tranny temp issues relative to tracking a C7 with an A6. I am not sure what differences there will be with the A8 related to heat generation and cooling. They can lock the convertor more frequently, but I suspect unless GM seriously upgrades the tranny cooler and fan, it will remain an issue.
S.
Here is the 2014 trans cooler.
And here is the Z06 trans cooler.
Scraping the splitter.
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 8,111
Likes: 1,029
St. Jude Donor '13-'14-'15
I started a thread avout the coolers some time ago...
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c7-z...n-coolers.html
I am underwhelmed by the Z06 cooler based on what I experienced at Daytona. But I hope GM really provides a Z06 that can handle track duty with the A8.
S.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c7-z...n-coolers.html
I am underwhelmed by the Z06 cooler based on what I experienced at Daytona. But I hope GM really provides a Z06 that can handle track duty with the A8.
S.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 496
Likes: 0
From: FL
St. Jude Donor '09, '14
I don't have much to add from a technical perspective about the C7 A6 other than what's in the thread that Rick linked.
But, I do want to update based on my experience with the A6 on-track.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c7-g...this-week.html
Obviously focus on the tranny temp issues relative to tracking a C7 with an A6. I am not sure what differences there will be with the A8 related to heat generation and cooling. They can lock the convertor more frequently, but I suspect unless GM seriously upgrades the tranny cooler and fan, it will remain an issue.
All that being said, the A6 and very likely especially the A8 are great choices for a street car that will see drag strip duty.
S.
But, I do want to update based on my experience with the A6 on-track.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c7-g...this-week.html
Obviously focus on the tranny temp issues relative to tracking a C7 with an A6. I am not sure what differences there will be with the A8 related to heat generation and cooling. They can lock the convertor more frequently, but I suspect unless GM seriously upgrades the tranny cooler and fan, it will remain an issue.
All that being said, the A6 and very likely especially the A8 are great choices for a street car that will see drag strip duty.
S.
That was a nice write-up you had on the new and improved A6. I hated driving my 2009 in manual mode. How close would you compare the shift responsiveness of your A6 to the DCT in your GTR? It's probably not as instantaneous, but those are the only two cars with paddles I've been lucky enough to drive, so that's my baseline.
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Cruising
Joined: Oct 2013
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From: Dallas Area Texas
Had the full nose, full fenders, full hood, A-pillars, half roof, full rockers, doors up to the flare, and mirrors for $1400.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2013
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From: Texas
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 4,905
Likes: 569
From: Bucks County PA
I have owned a 2005 Vert automatic A4/3.15
2006 A6 2.56
2008 Vert A6 2.73
2011 A6 2.56
and now I just bought a 2014 Vert A6 2.56
I have also owned quite a few manual Vettes including a C6Z
The 2014 A6 is GREATLY improved, part throttle kickdowns are immediate.
Full throttle I have felt the immediate kickdown, then a pause, but I think that is the TC kicking in.
The 2014 A6 is FAST, this is coming from a guy who traded in a 600rwhp Shelby that trapped 124+.
I would bank on the 2014 Stingray outrunning my Shelby on street tires in the 1/4 mile 9 out of 10 times, from a roll the Shelby was an animal if it could hook up on street tires, but that was not often.
I would not hesitate to recommend the 2014 A6 for a street/strip car.
Also, the A6 paddle shift response is crisp and enjoyable if you want to use paddles, now with 8 gears I don't know if I would like that, too any gears.
2006 A6 2.56
2008 Vert A6 2.73
2011 A6 2.56
and now I just bought a 2014 Vert A6 2.56
I have also owned quite a few manual Vettes including a C6Z
The 2014 A6 is GREATLY improved, part throttle kickdowns are immediate.
Full throttle I have felt the immediate kickdown, then a pause, but I think that is the TC kicking in.
The 2014 A6 is FAST, this is coming from a guy who traded in a 600rwhp Shelby that trapped 124+.
I would bank on the 2014 Stingray outrunning my Shelby on street tires in the 1/4 mile 9 out of 10 times, from a roll the Shelby was an animal if it could hook up on street tires, but that was not often.
I would not hesitate to recommend the 2014 A6 for a street/strip car.
Also, the A6 paddle shift response is crisp and enjoyable if you want to use paddles, now with 8 gears I don't know if I would like that, too any gears.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 215
Likes: 2
From: Central Oregon
I have owned a 2005 Vert automatic A4/3.15
2006 A6 2.56
2008 Vert A6 2.73
2011 A6 2.56
and now I just bought a 2014 Vert A6 2.56
I have also owned quite a few manual Vettes including a C6Z
The 2014 A6 is GREATLY improved, part throttle kickdowns are immediate.
Full throttle I have felt the immediate kickdown, then a pause, but I think that is the TC kicking in.
The 2014 A6 is FAST, this is coming from a guy who traded in a 600rwhp Shelby that trapped 124+.
I would bank on the 2014 Stingray outrunning my Shelby on street tires in the 1/4 mile 9 out of 10 times, from a roll the Shelby was an animal if it could hook up on street tires, but that was not often.
I would not hesitate to recommend the 2014 A6 for a street/strip car.
Also, the A6 paddle shift response is crisp and enjoyable if you want to use paddles, now with 8 gears I don't know if I would like that, too any gears.
2006 A6 2.56
2008 Vert A6 2.73
2011 A6 2.56
and now I just bought a 2014 Vert A6 2.56
I have also owned quite a few manual Vettes including a C6Z
The 2014 A6 is GREATLY improved, part throttle kickdowns are immediate.
Full throttle I have felt the immediate kickdown, then a pause, but I think that is the TC kicking in.
The 2014 A6 is FAST, this is coming from a guy who traded in a 600rwhp Shelby that trapped 124+.
I would bank on the 2014 Stingray outrunning my Shelby on street tires in the 1/4 mile 9 out of 10 times, from a roll the Shelby was an animal if it could hook up on street tires, but that was not often.
I would not hesitate to recommend the 2014 A6 for a street/strip car.
Also, the A6 paddle shift response is crisp and enjoyable if you want to use paddles, now with 8 gears I don't know if I would like that, too any gears.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 5,892
Likes: 1,200
From: Ft. Myers FL
I'd like to add my 2 cents as well. I had a 2006 A6 that I ordered in 06 and traded in for my 2014 A6 Stingray. I had over 130 runs with my 2006 and the tranny was great. In fact by the time I traded it in the trans had literally learned my driving style. 
No kidding! Now the A6 in my Stingray around town reacts just like a normal auto. It's when you're in Sport and even more so in Track mode the gloves come off. And the throttle let off at high shifts is awesome! The car pops just like a stick would and sounds awesome. I would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone and if the A8 is as good or better GM has a real game changer.
No kidding! Now the A6 in my Stingray around town reacts just like a normal auto. It's when you're in Sport and even more so in Track mode the gloves come off. And the throttle let off at high shifts is awesome! The car pops just like a stick would and sounds awesome. I would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone and if the A8 is as good or better GM has a real game changer.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,398
Likes: 199
From: Grand Rapids area MI and Palm Coast, FL
I'd like to add my 2 cents as well. I had a 2006 A6 that I ordered in 06 and traded in for my 2014 A6 Stingray. I had over 130 runs with my 2006 and the tranny was great. In fact by the time I traded it in the trans had literally learned my driving style. No kidding! Now the A6 in my Stingray around town reacts just like a normal auto. It's when you're in Sport and even more so in Track mode the gloves come off. And the throttle let off at high shifts is awesome! The car pops just like a stick would and sounds awesome. I would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone and if the A8 is as good or better GM has a real game changer.
No kidding! Now the A6 in my Stingray around town reacts just like a normal auto. It's when you're in Sport and even more so in Track mode the gloves come off. And the throttle let off at high shifts is awesome! The car pops just like a stick would and sounds awesome. I would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone and if the A8 is as good or better GM has a real game changer. 
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,596
Likes: 120
From: East Tennessee
Last A6 C6 I had a was a 2008 Z51 and the trans programming on this is much better.
But if you are just putting around and use the paddles it feels pretty sluggish, not like a DCT that shifts/hard and fast all the time using the paddles. I think thats where a lot of peopl get the impression the A6 is slow responding. But on the throttle the '14 A6 shifts great with the paddles, much improved over the '08 I had.
Just leaving it in drive in sport or track the trans programming is much improved as well, part throttle downshifts are better and it will hold it in gear much longer.
I know there is a lot of hype on the 8 speed, but until people get them in their hands and test them who knows. The potential for quicker ETs and 0-60 is there with the deeper 1st gear (as long as you can maintain traction) and they will most likely tighten up the converter a bit for better efficiency. If they do that the performance may be a wash, but splitting up the ratios will certainly help it feel a little better. The 1-2 gap on the A6 is a little wide..
But if you are just putting around and use the paddles it feels pretty sluggish, not like a DCT that shifts/hard and fast all the time using the paddles. I think thats where a lot of peopl get the impression the A6 is slow responding. But on the throttle the '14 A6 shifts great with the paddles, much improved over the '08 I had.
Just leaving it in drive in sport or track the trans programming is much improved as well, part throttle downshifts are better and it will hold it in gear much longer.
I know there is a lot of hype on the 8 speed, but until people get them in their hands and test them who knows. The potential for quicker ETs and 0-60 is there with the deeper 1st gear (as long as you can maintain traction) and they will most likely tighten up the converter a bit for better efficiency. If they do that the performance may be a wash, but splitting up the ratios will certainly help it feel a little better. The 1-2 gap on the A6 is a little wide..
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 4,905
Likes: 569
From: Bucks County PA
thanks for your input.....obviously you have actually had the cars that allow for an experienced-based opinion. I have been stressing over whether to wait for the A8 or go ahead with the Z51/A6 that I have had on order for about 5 months. I will be using it for DD, wont likely track or drag the car......just use it (occasionally pretty hard) It sounds like the A6 will be fine.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 6,813
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From: Toronto Ontario Canada
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 16,854
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Despite the fact GM keeps hyping and "comparing" the new A8 to a DCT, it still not a DCT.
So, the A8 will probably be an incremental improvement over the A6.
When GM decides to make a DCT then they will have the "equivalent" of a DCT.
So, the A8 will probably be an incremental improvement over the A6.
When GM decides to make a DCT then they will have the "equivalent" of a DCT.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 380
Likes: 10
After having issues with pretty much every GM automatic transmission (i.e. 700R4, 4L60E, etc) I have ever owned, I ordered my new C7 with a manual transmission. There are exceptions, but for the most part, my experience my has been that GM auto trannys don't hold up well over time.
Last edited by cg02175; May 14, 2014 at 10:00 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 6,813
Likes: 287
From: Toronto Ontario Canada
All true. If it is an incremental improvement over the A6 it should sell well. But you do have to wonder if this is a stop gap move until they can position a DCT into this car. If they end up doing that after all the reasons they said a DCT is not needed for the C7 many will not be pleased.