Hello all, not looking to start a debate about which tranny is better per se. I’ve always been a manual transmission guy. However, I’m looking to get a c7 and in recent years I’ve had elbow and foot issues (getting old sucks!). Currently, I’m doing ok and think I can handle a manual.

with that said, I am considering an auto so that if any of these issues or others surface, I can still easily drive it. So my question is are there any issues/problems with the A8, that might make be a big enough negative to keep me from sticking with a manual? Thanks.

 

I’ve got a zo6 with an auto. I’ve always been a manual trans only guy but this car is quite a bit of fun with the auto. Trying to launch it and keep it in a straight line is hard enough, I’m not sure how people with 3 pedals do it. Occasionally I think it would be fun to have a stick in the c7 but long term I’m glad I went this way. I’m planning on getting the triple flush at some point soon but I haven’t had any issues to date

 

thanks for your input! Do you mind me asking what year yours is? And how many miles? I had heard about the issues with moisture content problems in the original trans fluid, but also thought it was only certain years?

 

I frankly prefer the reliability of the M6 and M7s over the vette autos. The C6 A4 and A6 shift cables breaking and shifter modules (stuck in Park) were notorious for failing over time leaving you potentially stranded. My A6 failed fortunately on both issues while at home.

 

I have the A8 in my 2019Z and it has been great so far. I also use a Range device to keep it running on all 8 cylinders and mine is a late build that came with the new fluid which I believe GM started using in Feb 2019.

 

Due to health issues (rotator cuff is toast and detached bicep plus cancer and other small issues) I got the automatic. I can't shift as fast, as hard, and as perfect than this auto can and I've driven sticks since I was 16 (79 now). You can still fiddle with the "M" stuff and downshift and get the pipes to sound nice. Do I want the manual? Yes. Can I outfunction the automatic transmission? NFW. Dragsters don't shift. They pull levers and go through the gears, akin to an auto.

 

I haven’t heard of the A6 having those issues, that’s good to know! Especially since the c7s are all out of warranty now!

 

I’m not familiar with the range device, what’s the brand, I’ll have to look into that. So that keeps it from deactivating cylinders I presume?

 

I hear ya! As mentioned, I have some health issues that I’m currently passed but they’ve come back before so I’m concerned about them becoming a reoccurring issue.

 

Here is what the split in half front shifter cable plastic grommet looks like still on the bottom of the shifter module rod pin.

 

I believe Range is the brand although there are cheaper versions. When I bought my car I brought it with me and plugged it in before starting the car for my trip home. I then drove from MI back to NY with no shudder, cylinder deactivation, or issues. I believe it is good protection for the torque converter and torque tube in an automatic. Here is an Amazon link:

Range Technology RA003B AFM/DFM Disabler-Blue https://a.co/d/h6stzLL

it does come in other colors and there are knock offs for around $90 but I stuck with the tried and true original.

 

2015 with 8k miles. I have an Audi with a dual clutch auto and while I prefer the driving experience with that trans, the a8 in the vette is pretty good. I have not had any issues with it but I’m aware others have. I don’t think you can go wrong with an auto c7. When I was younger I couldn’t imagine owning any type of car with an auto, especially a performance car! Then I got a little older and experienced herniated discs and various other issues and see the appeal. I have a hard enough time climbing out of the car, I’ll let it do the shifting for me

 

OK. You are doing OK and you think you can handle a manual. So question is, for how long? Say you believe you can run a manual for 5 years, do you plan to keep that car for more than 5 years. If so, I definitely won't get a manual. OTOH, if you plan to ditch it in 3, who cares?

AFAIK, the issue with the A8 was that GM made it easy for the dealerships and inventory. They made the A8 and kept the old fluid. Just like Ford did back in the early 2000s with the Powerstroke coolant. International wanted a more robust coolant which went into their trucks, Ford wanted the same old crap their dealers sold already. As such, they had to keep adding the additive every 15K just to maybe be adequate. OTOH, many have switched to the International recommended coolant and not had to fiddle with the additive. GM used old fluid that they already used for the A6 which was hygroscopic. The A8 was more intolerant of the moisture and had issues, AFAIK. If it wasn't toasted, many have reported that the triple flush would fix it. IIRC, it was in the 19s with the new fluid. So, when I got mine, I did the triple flush and called it a day. From what I see, the Range device hides the shudder by fooling the ECM into thinking the readiness monitors aren't ready so it won't go into V4 mode. Soon as I found out, I ditched mine and am trying the Diablo to program it out and make the Soler TB thing unnecessary.