Danny

iTrader: (16)

Hey guys,

I'm trying to decide what trans to go with. All my cars have always been T56s and this might be my first auto. I'm building a 4th gen F-body to go high 9s on motor and low 9s/high 8s on spray OR I might just go turbo and aim for high 8s or low 9s. The car is going to weight in at 3200 or less and will see some street action as well. So I want it somewhat streetable. The car will visually look like a street car.

Have any of you guys with a fast (10.XX or lower) car went from a auto to a manual and regretted it?

Here are some of the PROS & CONS I can think of keeping a TH400/350...
PROS
Ability to use a trans brake
Ability to use a high stall
Cheaper to build (big plus)
Easier to find
Easier on drivetrain parts

CONS

Only 3 gears. Not too concerned with that.
I'm more familiar with manuals than autos
Not sure if it's heavier (considering trans cooler, plumbing, etc)
No control over the gears like a manual.

Here are some of the PROS & CONS of keeping a T56
PROS
More knowledge about this trans
Simple
Clutch, slave cyl, are very familiar
More fun to drive around

CONS
Expensive to purchase if I should happen to crack the case during a failure.
Not sure if they can take as much abuse as a TH350/400.

Any input will be greatly appreciated.

BOBS99SS

iTrader: (2)

Track car auto all the way,it will just make life easier for you.honest if your going Turbo auto will still get my vote.i would rather just press the gas and hold on then deal with shifting,clutch issues,and breaking crap.i love my 6 speed but if i had your goals im swaping to an auto.i have known alot of guys switch to an auto and love it

BOBS99SS

iTrader: (2)

There are way more pros for your goals listed,not saying you can't go fast in a 6speed but like you said its way cheaper to do.i have thought of going to an auto a few times and if i got to the track more i would

ken125

iTrader: (3)

For your goals for the car, auto for sure. Im a die hard manual guy but on the strip and that power level you cant beat the consistancy and the th350 and th400 can be built to handle massive power for a reasonable amount of money.
Just my 2cents.....

snipes

iTrader: (14)

9's= Auto

Danny

iTrader: (16)

Thanks guys. I guess I'll be sticking to the auto I guess it's time to start comprimising.

Thanks again. Just needed that extra push in the right direction.

RARON455

iTrader: (35)

My auto has 4 speeds, and works great on the street, Even on cruise control on the highway i get over 20mpg.
built 4l80 with a transbrake, built by Jake shoe,, super nice and strong trans, but she wasnt cheap.

Danny

iTrader: (16)

Ya, it's nice to have that 4th gear in the auto but the TH350/400 don't have it, unless you add it. Defeats the purpose of going to a little trans.

Also, the 4L80s aren't cheaper. So if you break one, it's really going to cost. The TH400 can be had for a few hundred bucks with no problem....even cheaper if you look hard.

BES Stroked Nova

iTrader: (24)

I sure had lots of fun with my T56 this past year, but I think I am going auto to be more competitive in the Real Street class, and some local 275/8.5 tire races.

BOBS99SS

iTrader: (2)

nova i agree with you t56s are tons of fun, but when its time to pony up auto is so much better,it always seems like im going threw clutches,breaking crap , and what not. i would love to leave off a trans brake and spray out of the hole, i know my car would put up some killer times.i was thinking of making my ss a race car,and buying a c5 6 speed to drive around,also op look into mvb , you can still shift ,its not as fun as working a clutch but its somekind of shifting lol, but i have always felt that you should always let the auto do what it is meant to do.

Danny

iTrader: (16)

You got a point there Bob. Can't argue on that. Auto it is....