Auto or 6 Speed?
Well you could put stronger axles, diff cover, maybe a new differential. However you can do all of this and its still a ticking time bomb, simply because of how small it is. The only sure fire way of being able to have a strong rear end is to simply replace it. Your options are then a 12bolt which many auto guys go with, a 9in which is the popular choice for the m6 guys, and an s60 which i think is gaining popularity.
Its easy. If you want to drive the car on the street and race it and all that the 6 speed will probably be more fun. If you are only going to race it at the track though and want to go faster the auto is your best bet. Mechanically with the auto you will probably not have to replace the rear end right away but if you start making any power you will have to replace the transmission. With the manual there is a good chance you will have to replace the clutch and the rear end but not the transmission. Good luck with your decision.
GET THE 6-SPEED! hold out for what you really want, you will be happy you did. you don't want to end up with something you are not happy with. automatics aren't fun. T-56 6-speed are very strong and you can put any rearend gears you want in your car and still cruise on the highway!
I really don't see how you can say autos aren't fun. With a good stall and a manual valvebody I really like my auto. Now that I went auto I probably won't go back to manual. And I was a die hard manual person. I cut a best 60' with the manual at a 1.53 which I think is respectable with what I had in the car, but I think I will easily be able to knock that with this setup.
I vote get what you want, but here is my .02.... My 01 SS was an A4, and I swaped in a 6speed, and I am going back to an A4. NOTHING can compare to the feeling a stalled auto can give!
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 6,216
Likes: 236
From: Wichita KS / Rancho San Diego
I agree that manuals are fun - after all, I have one of each, both old school and LS1. But I can't see how guys can say automatics are no fun. When your auto gives a good, firm, quick shift right when it needs to, it is very satisfying.
I've spent a lot of time on vacuum modulators and governors on my TH 400, and with EFILive on my 4L60e, and I love driving them as much or more than my manuals.
I've spent a lot of time on vacuum modulators and governors on my TH 400, and with EFILive on my 4L60e, and I love driving them as much or more than my manuals.
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This is one of the most ignorant opinions ever....and unfortunately it is stated much too often on LS1 Tech. Sure, you're entitled to your opinion, but that doesn't make it less ignorant. My car is just as much a "sports" car as any 6-speed. I'd say more so since I drag so many of them down the road.....from a dig or a roll 
. Auto's not fun? Then I don't know what is 
.
OP, sounds like you're set on a 6-speed.....don't settle for anything less. They both have their perks, and the debate between them will never end. I've had both and I have my preference. That should mean nothing to you. As stated already, get exactly what you want and nothing else. Hold out for the right 6-speed car....you'll find it if you're patient!
. Auto's not fun? Then I don't know what is .OP, sounds like you're set on a 6-speed.....don't settle for anything less. They both have their perks, and the debate between them will never end. I've had both and I have my preference. That should mean nothing to you. As stated already, get exactly what you want and nothing else. Hold out for the right 6-speed car....you'll find it if you're patient!
This is one of the most ignorant opinions ever....and unfortunately it is stated much too often on LS1 Tech. Sure, you're entitled to your opinion, but that doesn't make it less ignorant. My car is just as much a "sports" car as any 6-speed. I'd say more so since I drag so many of them down the road.....from a dig or a roll . Auto's not fun? Then I don't know what is .
OP, sounds like you're set on a 6-speed.....don't settle for anything less. They both have their perks, and the debate between them will never end. I've had both and I have my preference. That should mean nothing to you. As stated already, get exactly what you want and nothing else. Hold out for the right 6-speed car....you'll find it if you're patient!
. Auto's not fun? Then I don't know what is .OP, sounds like you're set on a 6-speed.....don't settle for anything less. They both have their perks, and the debate between them will never end. I've had both and I have my preference. That should mean nothing to you. As stated already, get exactly what you want and nothing else. Hold out for the right 6-speed car....you'll find it if you're patient!
WTF? I am talking about SPORTS car not DRAG car, if you come flying into a corner and you get some over-steer it CANNOT SHIFT you will completely lose it, 6 speed is the only way to go for sports car period, all track racers will say the same, not straight line track, but race track. It all depends on what you like more road racing or drag racing. If you like drag I would go with auto, but if you like road racing than go with the manual.
WTF? I am talking about SPORTS car not DRAG car, if you come flying into a corner and you get some over-steer it CANNOT SHIFT you will completely lose it, 6 speed is the only way to go for sports car period, all track racers will say the same, not straight line track, but race track. It all depends on what you like more road racing or drag racing. If you like drag I would go with auto, but if you like road racing than go with the manual.
Those guys are not stepping on clutch pedals or moving shifter ***** to shift. For that matter, even the throttle(rpm) is computer controlled for shifts.
http://www.f1technical.net/articles/66
What about an F1 car?
Those guys are not stepping on clutch pedals or moving shifter ***** to shift. For that matter, even the throttle(rpm) is computer controlled for shifts.
http://www.f1technical.net/articles/66
Those guys are not stepping on clutch pedals or moving shifter ***** to shift. For that matter, even the throttle(rpm) is computer controlled for shifts.
http://www.f1technical.net/articles/66
My car is a sports car, not a drag car. It sees the track maybe 2-3 times a year.
Tell that to the numerous guys that auto-cross every day with automatic cars....there are quite a few members on here that have posted about their experiences.
if you come flying into a corner and you get some over-steer it CANNOT SHIFT you will completely lose it, 6 speed is the only way to go for sports car period, all track racers will say the same, not straight line track, but race track. It all depends on what you like more road racing or drag racing. If you like drag I would go with auto, but if you like road racing than go with the manual.
thats the reason I dont care for auto much in MY PARTICULAR CAR, the shift points, I want it to shift when I need it to shift, but f1 is truly the best of both worlds.
Almost every one I've read about is complaining that they need a new tranny because they burned theirs up doing Autocross.
On The Tree
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 167
Likes: 0
I'm in the same boat. I have a 6 speed LT1 right now, but I'm planning on selling it and getting an LS1. I love my 6 speed, but it's a pain in the *** a lot of the time. I used to think along the lines of "autos are for pussies", but I'd never driven a car with any power until I started working at Enterprise. I drove an auto '08 G35 and was really impressed. Now I'm torn. I'm thinking I should try driving one of each and see how it goes. However, if I do decide on an automatic, everybody and their cousin is going to want to drive my car. For my brother who drives like a nut in whatever car he's in, I might as well me handing him a loaded gun and tellim him to go have fun. The fact that my car is a 6 speed has kept a lot of pests away.
I'm really f'in torn on this. The only thing I've really considered is getting an auto daily driver, then get a 6 speed LS1 as a recreational vehicle. This way, I won't get sick of shifting. Still though, I'd love to have one of each.
I'm really f'in torn on this. The only thing I've really considered is getting an auto daily driver, then get a 6 speed LS1 as a recreational vehicle. This way, I won't get sick of shifting. Still though, I'd love to have one of each.
Everyone talks about how much autos are better for drag racing, and while this is absolutely true, how often do you actually get into races with your daily driver?
Maybe it's me, and this is part of the reason I'm swapping to M6, I feel that daily driving a stalled auto is a waste. I don't go to the track anymore, and I never get so much as a rev on the street.
Will I lose ET going to an M6? You're damn right I would. But will I enjoy my daily 16 mile 3 stop light commute a lot more with a m6? You're damn right I will.
Get the car for how you will use it, and how you will drive it. This is the real bottom line.
A stalled auto will, mod for mod out ET an M6 car all day long. But, will you really be going to the track so much as to be worth it? My answer for this is no.
Maybe it's me, and this is part of the reason I'm swapping to M6, I feel that daily driving a stalled auto is a waste. I don't go to the track anymore, and I never get so much as a rev on the street.
Will I lose ET going to an M6? You're damn right I would. But will I enjoy my daily 16 mile 3 stop light commute a lot more with a m6? You're damn right I will.
Get the car for how you will use it, and how you will drive it. This is the real bottom line.
A stalled auto will, mod for mod out ET an M6 car all day long. But, will you really be going to the track so much as to be worth it? My answer for this is no.