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LSX swap, cannot decide on 6speed or Auto?

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Old Dec 4, 2010 | 10:50 AM
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Default LSX swap, cannot decide on 6speed or Auto?

Thinking hard about pulling out the Big Block out of my '68 Corvette and swapping in LS motor but can't decide on a transmission. Vette currently has a 4speed but considering an auto to make a better driver. Yes I am aware there is a certain mystique about a classic / muscle car with a manual but this car will never see the track and will be more for a daily driver. Having never driven a LS with an auto what is your take? I mean after all more performance cars are offering auto that performs well/better than the manual(CTS-V). The engine will be modded and will not stay stock if that makes a difference.

Thanks
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Old Dec 4, 2010 | 12:20 PM
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Originally Posted by Big Block Stingray
Thinking hard about pulling out the Big Block out of my '68 Corvette and swapping in LS motor but can't decide on a transmission. Vette currently has a 4speed but considering an auto to make a better driver. Yes I am aware there is a certain mystique about a classic / muscle car with a manual but this car will never see the track and will be more for a daily driver. Having never driven a LS with an auto what is your take? I mean after all more performance cars are offering auto that performs well/better than the manual(CTS-V). The engine will be modded and will not stay stock if that makes a difference.

Thanks
I have both and prefer the 6 speed
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Old Dec 5, 2010 | 02:29 PM
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How about a compromise and go with a 6 speed auto...Love the one in my G8. 1st gear ratio is super low so you can still get out of the hole even with a highway gear like the 2.92 in my car.
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Old Dec 5, 2010 | 02:53 PM
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It seems like just personal preference to me. It sounds like you want an auto, so go with that. Personally, I prefer to remain ignorant to the luxury of owning an auto by only having manual trans cars, but I drive my girlfriends auto G35 often. It's nice to not have to shift when carting around a car full of people, but when driving a sports car, I prefer to be engaged in the driving experience, which includes shifting in my world.

You could always go test drive a car with a similar setup to see what you think of the auto tranny.

Unless you're asking which one will hold more power, than you might have a real question that people can answer.
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Old Dec 5, 2010 | 04:18 PM
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It all comes down to personal preference. I'd rather drive a stick any day over an auto. but that's just me. I say go with a stick, its more fun to drive. Just my .02
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Old Dec 5, 2010 | 04:31 PM
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If you want to shift - manual.
If you want to select D and go on with life - auto.
If you want both - buy two cars.
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Old Dec 5, 2010 | 05:25 PM
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I have a 5speed in my '69 camaro and love it; however, everytime I do a big smoky burnout, I am worried that it is my clutch burning...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJ6atGhmVU8

So... my l92 firebird is getting an auto.
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Old Dec 6, 2010 | 07:00 AM
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I vote 6sp. I'm all for manual unless its a high hp strip, to street strip car. High hp being 800+.

I enjoy driving my little 5sp 1.8t more than i did my buddies new v8 BMW M3. Sure that auto dual clutch setup shifts fast, but it dulls down the experience like doubling up on condoms.
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Old Dec 6, 2010 | 07:39 AM
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im going built 4l80e in my 65 chevelle ls2 turbo. i wanted something to just put in drive and go.
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Old Dec 6, 2010 | 11:06 AM
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I have a 4L60E in my swap and am upgrading to 4L80E. Only reason I didnt go T56 was the huge cost hike

The 4L60E is still a HUGE upgrade over the old 700R4 in how it drives everyday, not just under heavy acceleration. I havent driven very many older TH350/400's but the old TV system never has been the best method on control

Best thing to do is find a used car lot selling 4th gens and go test drive an auto and T56. See which suits your style more
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Old Dec 6, 2010 | 11:59 AM
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Well autos are a far cry from the ol slush boxes they used to be. Now with tuning and minimal hardware they can take power and have the fun factor. In a 68 vette If i went auto id have to make it paddle shifters/fully manual auto, so you have the 'tarded fast shifts when you want them. Us manual guys may have a bit more fun in modulating the power, but no one can argue that they shift slower.

Ive driven a cammed/stalled GTO with a built trans and man was that the smoothest 400rwhp; it ran a 150 shot (that the trans was spec'd for) and it was a really astonishing feeling. At the time i had an a4 95 camaro and they were worlds apart.

Hows this for a can of worms: grab a c6 engine/trans/tq tube/rear and toss it in there
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Old Dec 7, 2010 | 11:31 AM
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Originally Posted by Irish350

Hows this for a can of worms: grab a c6 engine/trans/tq tube/rear and toss it in there
With the multiple chassis on Ebay for sale less than $10K this has crossed my mind, my pocket book doesn't like it however.
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Old Dec 7, 2010 | 01:06 PM
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Go with the 6 speed.
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Old Dec 7, 2010 | 01:15 PM
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Another thing to consider is how likely you are to sell it and how important resale value is to you. Is one setup worth more than the other or have a larger market? It may not matter to you, but something to consider.
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