shawnmgarcia

What is better for the 1/4 mile for 86 Camaro 350 smallblock?
3500stall Auto or 5spd Manual

JohnnyC

You will probably start a big manual vs. auto argument here, so I will throw in my $0.02: The auto is probably going to give you more consistent runs in the 1/4 mile because it eliminates alot of driver error. That is not to say that there aren't alot of really fast manuals at the track with good drivers. I just think that an auto, when properly equipped, is probably the more consistently fast tranny at the track.

bjamick

iTrader: (31)

Ya the auto should be the quickest, and you wont ever miss a shift and blow your motor to ****.

camaro4me

iTrader: (8)

while a manual has the potential to turn faster times STOCK than an auto, the auto is much more consistant. This is why NHRA and other forms of bracket racers mostly use auto's.

spy2520

iTrader: (3)

i'd say autos have an advantage until you get to power levels that an auto cant handle without regular maintanence, like sub 9 sec 1/4 mile passes, but i'm no expert...

Rawr256

Auto, as stated, is more consistant, the Manual will gear you closer to help with roll races sorta. In a straight line the auto is more dominant, around the corners, a manual has the advantage, though you can't totally knock the auto off of the corners segment!

Each have their ups and downs! Manual has the better fun factor imo! Glad I made sure I got a M6 F-body instead of the auto. If the car ever is a all out drag car, well, you might hear me bitch a bit than!

bad2000z

iTrader: (4)

The auto is better for drag racing. Also the auto puts less stress on your driveline, dumping the clutch at 4000rpm puts a lot of stress on the rear end, driveshaft, etc. With the auto you can pre-load the tires before launching, which takes the shock out of the equation.

Marblehead

iTrader: (1)

For the quickest times the 5-speed because of less drivetrain loss. But your much more prone to breaking parts. There is nothing more exhilarating than rowing through the gears at WOT. You can be consistent with a 5-speed, but not as with an auto. If your not concerned with bracket racing and only want to take blasts down the track for fun, then your reaction time isn't a concern.

Autos are more consistent and much easier on the rear end. Less fun to drive though IMHO.

SHINER

iTrader: (18)

Stall.

Nothing shifts quicker than an auto.

shawnmgarcia

Your feedback is excellent, thank you all for your opinions. Now that the obvious choice is the Auto, What stall should I use for the track *(working with 300hp-400hp and 3.73 gears)

2002t/a06

iTrader: (2)

i would say 3800.

Magnet

iTrader: (36)

a stalled auto is always better for a race car...it is more consistant and ET's alot better. It not only can launch harder (b/c of the added torque multiplication from converter) but you can't shift a manual as fast as a auto shifts, its just not humanly possible IMO

WS6 Rampage

iTrader: (3)

WOW,.....I can't believe he actually said that after the 6 posts before him.

P.S. anyone who races PERIOD,...knows that reaction time is ALWAYS important! Even if it isn't Bracket Racing!!!!

A4 with a high stall vs. a beefed up M6 @ the track......r u kidding?!!! A4 still kick the living **** out of a M6 in a 1/4 from a dig.

shawnmgarcia

Lol, so it's like 7 auto's vs. 1m6, I dont even think I could find a 6spd for the ChevySB350(80-88) But, I am convinced by you guys and all my racing buddies that the auto will be better for a drag car. I want this car to run 10's easy and I dont want to be busting trannys left and right. Thanks guys

Marblehead

iTrader: (1)

Wow. It always amazes me when I see someone trying to pick a fight on the internet.

corvet786c

iTrader: (6)

I had an auto and yea I won alot of street races, but It does not compare to a manuel 6speed. What a diffrence you can actually feel the seat of the pants torque performance. Shifting through the gears is also fun. When I had my auto, I was beat a couple of times with 6 speeds off the line, but I think he had a turbo WS6. I think both auto and manuel are the same as far as performance with a manuel a little quicker. Also a manuel will always dyno more than an auto. With a Torque Converter, you lose hp but it is made up at the track. Weird but the truth.

KENS_SS_4

First off, forget the M5. In 87 Borg Warner made an improved version called "WCM5" for WORLD CLASS. This had larger bosses in the castings so larger bearings could be used and stronger larger shafts and gears. But even after all the upgrades if was decided it topped out at safely handling 300 hp. So any more power than that and you will be breaking things. So forget the debate the M5 is off the table!

The M6, now thats a transmission.

2QUIK4U

iTrader: (7)

Like most of the people are saying the auto is better for racing. It is much more consistant, plus the T5 manual is a weak transmission. It wont hold more than 300hp reliably.