ok, I just sold my stupid 6 banger camaro, and i am looking to buy a trans am, and i narrowed it down to two cars, they are similar in price, difference is only like 500 bucks. the one that's more expensive is in a much better condition, and is convertable, neither one is ram air, both are 1998. the nicer one is automatic, the other is stick. I love stick, and when i test drive them, the stick squeeled the tires as i shifted to second, the automatic shifted very smoothly when i floored it, so it didn't squeel from first to second. Is there any way that i can get the automatic, to perform like the stic, i mean, shifting wise?????

 

you probably should have posted this in the lounge or drivetrain section but, to answer: you can put a higher stall converter and a shift kit in the auto and you would probably be happy with it. It still won't be a stick tho, so if you want a stick get it.The auto with a converter and shift kit will definately roast the tires through most of second. I personally have an auto with a TCI 3500 stall super street fighter torque converter along with the TCI shift kit. It performs very well. It used to have dead spots in its pulling power but, not anymore .

 

Have you heard of a torque converter? Just b/c you can chirp the tires doesn’t indicate that the cars faster <img border="0" title="" alt="[Razz]" src="gr_images/icons/tongue.gif" /> it comes down to what you want. Id shy away from the convertible personally, they don’t look good and they weigh more. Both 6-speeds and A4s can be made fast. A4s are consistent especially w/ a high stall torque converter. 6 speeds you can miss a shift and break stuff. But on the other hand your not really "driving" or "racing" the car in an auto. In a manual it all depends on your skills. Oh yeah the WS6 is just for looks hood and 17 inch wheels, power is very close to a TA, maybe 5rwhp more on a WS6. Its all in the exhuast and youd change that anyway <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" /> just FYI

 

In addition to the above, you can get tuning to turn off or lower the torque management values in the PCM. It is notorious for killing torque when the values exceed the prescribed limits of the system. An M6 car has it, too, but with a clutch it's easier to...shall we say...show it who's boss! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />

 

Thank you guys for all the info, i think if you guys are right about the shift kit and the converter, then i won't feel as bad buying the automatic. now i am wondering which converter can i get and still have a good every day drivability, and which kit should i get too????

 

Also keep in mind that the convertible is a little heavier than the t-top car (weight hurts acceleration obviously) but the open top can be a lot of fun.
I'm surprised the prices are even that close considering the normally far more expensive (when new) 'vert is ALSO in better shape.
Good choice of car and good luck. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />