8 speed
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 813
Likes: 70
From: Delaware, OH
8 speed
For those of you who had a 7m tranny and went to the new 8sp auto in C7, do you wish that you still had the manual. Im looking at a new C7 and have had the 7sp but looking at the auto. As I age looking at whether the auto would be better long term choice. Does the 8 speed still give that grin when driving and bang off the gears in paddle mode.
Drifting
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,755
Likes: 97
From: Sandy Utah
I have an A8 that I drive in either "D" or "M" depending on my mood. I really enjoy the manual mode and the rev matching. I have the exhaust set to "track" and the mode set to "tour". I have always had manual trans and have millions of miles in an 18 wheeler with every type of manual transmissions imaginable. But I really like my A8 and will never go back to a manual trans again.
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 45,265
Likes: 8,541
From: Rochester, NY
You really have to drive the A8 to make the decision. I was facing the same issue when I traded my M7 2008 for my 2015. I took both a M7 and an A8 for a good test ride. Came back and placed my order for the M7.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 7,137
Likes: 3,176
From: Kannapolis MA.
Ohh Really..
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...rom-1-2-a.html
The EARLY 8 Spd.Auto's have had Torque Converter issues.Mostly with the Sting Ray only has been reported.
Hold on...I'm searching for ya
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...a-good-a8.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...on-issues.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...rom-1-2-a.html
The EARLY 8 Spd.Auto's have had Torque Converter issues.Mostly with the Sting Ray only has been reported.
Hold on...I'm searching for ya
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...a-good-a8.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...on-issues.html
Last edited by DALE#3; Jan 2, 2018 at 01:07 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 157
Likes: 49
From: Jacksonville FL
I've driven manuals my entire life, but I ended up with the A8 in my car. Unfortunately, at 9,600 miles I'm starting to have all the symptoms of TC issues which my dealer will be looking into at my upcoming service. Other than that, I'm really happy I got the auto!
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 3,960
Likes: 1,106
It is a decision ONLY the potential owner can make. Everyone else is just trying to project their likes and dislikes onto the potential owner.
My only suggestion is if you go with the A8 either buy a Range module to prevent V4 operation or drive in manual mode (which also prevents V4 operation UNLESS you also put the driver mode in Eco which will then allow V4 in manual mode). The method GM uses for vibration reduction, rapidly cycling the torque converter lockup clutch in 4 cylinder mode so that the fluidic coupling is used to attenuate transmission of some of the vibration pulses, will result in increased wear to this friction clutch followed by RPM variation at cruise which will ultimately result in the dreaded shudder. This problem is far less common in the Z06 because it very rarely goes into V4 mode but as a preventative measure I still either operate mine in manual mode or use my Range module.
Different people have different needs and wants and you have to choose the transmission that is right for you. Both transmissions are preferable at times so you have to choose which is best suited to you.
My only suggestion is if you go with the A8 either buy a Range module to prevent V4 operation or drive in manual mode (which also prevents V4 operation UNLESS you also put the driver mode in Eco which will then allow V4 in manual mode). The method GM uses for vibration reduction, rapidly cycling the torque converter lockup clutch in 4 cylinder mode so that the fluidic coupling is used to attenuate transmission of some of the vibration pulses, will result in increased wear to this friction clutch followed by RPM variation at cruise which will ultimately result in the dreaded shudder. This problem is far less common in the Z06 because it very rarely goes into V4 mode but as a preventative measure I still either operate mine in manual mode or use my Range module.
Different people have different needs and wants and you have to choose the transmission that is right for you. Both transmissions are preferable at times so you have to choose which is best suited to you.
Last edited by NSC5; Jan 2, 2018 at 02:55 PM.
Lifetime Supporting Gold
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,681
Likes: 107
From: Katy TX
I wrestled with this same decision having lost my 14 Z51 manual in Hurricane Harvey. Many good deals in 17’s but only cars in color I wanted were A8. Went and drove a 17 auto thinking I could talk myself into an auto and ended up ordering a 19 MN7
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Drifting
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 1,421
Likes: 656
From: No. VA
Like most of you, I was a strictly manual transmission guy in my sporty cars. But after my BMW with DCT, that changed my mind....if you have a responsive automatic. The A8 is pretty responsive, at least for me. It gives me the flexibility to drive it in manual when I want and put it in auto when traffic sucks.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 2,576
Likes: 237
From: Murphy NC
With 45K miles, after the flush and new filter, my A8 is working fine.
I drive too much and don't want to be sitting in traffic in a manual.
Besides, you can't shift a manual faster than the AT can.
I drive too much and don't want to be sitting in traffic in a manual.
Besides, you can't shift a manual faster than the AT can.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 262
Likes: 84
From: Green Cove Springs, FL
Owned autos in family but only 1 of my cars have ever been auto, only ever driven sports/muscle cars as personal cars my whole life. Owned a M7 17 Grand Sport for 11 months, had A8 17 Z06 now for 6 weeks. I love a manual, GS was perfect as a manual except in traffic I'm stuck on every day. A8 has been a real improvement on the daily frustrating drive. As for when I go WOT, which is semi often, I have been impressed with the A8. Shifts at WOT are fast and manual mode in track setting is very nice. The only issue I've experienced is when half *** accelerating, manual shifts have a delay. That's why I'm in D for chilling and M for getting it done. Driven like it wants to be driven, A8 is terrific.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 292
Likes: 205
From: Kent WA
I have a 2017 M7 GS. I rented an A8 Stingray for a day before eventually getting my M7. I don't regret getting the M7, but I do miss the sheer thrill of acceleration one gets with the A8. It's like blasting off in a rocket. The shifts are so fast and seamless that it feels like one continuous rush of acceleration. It's scary fun. Other than that, I prefer the M7. I didn't like the delay in M mode with the A8 and I much prefer the direct gear select I can do with the M7.
So, I guess if you're worried about bad traffic and get most of your kicks from freeway onramps and short blasts from red lights and whatnot, the A8 is probably best. If you're not too worried about traffic and get most of your kicks from backcountry/mountain roads, you'll have more fun with an M7.
So, I guess if you're worried about bad traffic and get most of your kicks from freeway onramps and short blasts from red lights and whatnot, the A8 is probably best. If you're not too worried about traffic and get most of your kicks from backcountry/mountain roads, you'll have more fun with an M7.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 6,442
Likes: 2,535
From: New Jersey
Ohh Really..
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...rom-1-2-a.html
The EARLY 8 Spd.Auto's have had Torque Converter issues.Mostly with the Sting Ray only has been reported.
Hold on...I'm searching for ya
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...a-good-a8.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...on-issues.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...rom-1-2-a.html
The EARLY 8 Spd.Auto's have had Torque Converter issues.Mostly with the Sting Ray only has been reported.
Hold on...I'm searching for ya
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...a-good-a8.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...on-issues.html
Last edited by Corgidog1; Jan 3, 2018 at 08:02 AM.
Heel & Toe
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 24
Likes: 5
From: Northern Illinois
Range Module for A8
It is a decision ONLY the potential owner can make. Everyone else is just trying to project their likes and dislikes onto the potential owner.
My only suggestion is if you go with the A8 either buy a Range module to prevent V4 operation or drive in manual mode (which also prevents V4 operation UNLESS you also put the driver mode in Eco which will then allow V4 in manual mode). The method GM uses for vibration reduction, rapidly cycling the torque converter lockup clutch in 4 cylinder mode so that the fluidic coupling is used to attenuate transmission of some of the vibration pulses, will result in increased wear to this friction clutch followed by RPM variation at cruise which will ultimately result in the dreaded shudder. This problem is far less common in the Z06 because it very rarely goes into V4 mode but as a preventative measure I still either operate mine in manual mode or use my Range module.
Different people have different needs and wants and you have to choose the transmission that is right for you. Both transmissions are preferable at times so you have to choose which is best suited to you.
My only suggestion is if you go with the A8 either buy a Range module to prevent V4 operation or drive in manual mode (which also prevents V4 operation UNLESS you also put the driver mode in Eco which will then allow V4 in manual mode). The method GM uses for vibration reduction, rapidly cycling the torque converter lockup clutch in 4 cylinder mode so that the fluidic coupling is used to attenuate transmission of some of the vibration pulses, will result in increased wear to this friction clutch followed by RPM variation at cruise which will ultimately result in the dreaded shudder. This problem is far less common in the Z06 because it very rarely goes into V4 mode but as a preventative measure I still either operate mine in manual mode or use my Range module.
Different people have different needs and wants and you have to choose the transmission that is right for you. Both transmissions are preferable at times so you have to choose which is best suited to you.
Can you provide more info on this "range module" for preventing V4 operation? I couldn't find it on Amazon. Thanks!
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 3,960
Likes: 1,106
Range is available on Amazon but be careful because there are also non-authorized sellers on Amazon and the free updates are only available if you buy direct from Range or from one of their authorized retail outlets.
Heel & Toe
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 24
Likes: 5
From: Northern Illinois
https://rangetechnology.com/authorized-dealers/
Range is available on Amazon but be careful because there are also non-authorized sellers on Amazon and the free updates are only available if you buy direct from Range or from one of their authorized retail outlets.
Range is available on Amazon but be careful because there are also non-authorized sellers on Amazon and the free updates are only available if you buy direct from Range or from one of their authorized retail outlets.
Thanks so much! Ordering one now from Range. Can't wait to try it when I pull the car out of winter storage. Around here (Chicago area) that could be May!
Happy New Year and thank you again....