Auto vs Manual poll

1BadElky · Posted: Wed Apr 02, 2008 7:18 pm Post subject: Auto vs Manual poll

let's hear it. I'm putting in a nice 350 using 3.42 GN rear end.

I'll put my 200-4r back in till it fails (I'm too poor to build it now), but then I'll have to choose to spend money to have it built up, build it myself, or swap to a manual.

I'm thinking either mechanical linkages T5, or hydraulic clutch T56. It should be noted that I know nothing about how an automatic works, but I can learn I f I rebuild it. Therefore I'm open to input on necessary upgrades to handle 400HP.

I have the links to conversions and know the labor involved in the swap.
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rbohm · Posted: Wed Apr 02, 2008 7:30 pm Post subject:

my opinion is to stay with the automatic for a daily driver.
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1BadElky · Posted: Wed Apr 02, 2008 7:50 pm Post subject:

My main problem would be that I like to cruise the strip in PC when I go, and it's not as enjoyable with a manual.

Other than that my beater truck is a 5spd and I love it. Drive 50 miles per day.

I don't like autos because I get bored when not shifting, and they break too much. you can't possibly look under an auto vehicle and not see fluid leaking somewhere.

2004r=.67 OD
T56=.50 OD

IDK about the first gear ratios, but I assume t56 has a lower one.

edit: this will be a DD.
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Formerly 86Conquista

Currently undergoing resto.
Planned:
-350/?/3.42
-ZQ8 wheels
-Disc Brakes
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elcamino74guy · Posted: Wed Apr 02, 2008 8:45 pm Post subject:

You could always do an automatic with a manual valve body Happy

My 74 is an automatic and that's fine. My Mustang is a five speed and that's fine too. In stop and go traffic the Manual is no fun at all. No fun parallel parking either.

It used to be that Manuals had better ratios in the high gears so you could get better mileage but now with 6 speed automatics that advantage is pretty much gone.

If you doing lots of long distance driving then it won't really matter as you'll likely be in high gear most of the time no matter what. It is more fun stoplight to stoplight in a manual but again it kind of stinks in rush hour.

Sometimes I wish I had a 5 speed in my 74 though. I plan on a gear vendors overdrive next year though so I can get some more gears..

Happy

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mnunn · Posted: Thu Apr 03, 2008 5:13 pm Post subject:

Sounds like the classic argument to me, between fun factor and driveability. Best solution would be to have 2 cars. Automatic for daily driving and a 6 speed for the weekends and sporting around.

Personally, I think an automatic can be set up to rival a manual, but not yours until you rebuild it. Manual valve body, stronger internals, a shift kit and a higher stall converter would all be a must.

On the other hand, swapping to a 5 or 6 speed manual isn't cheap or easy either.

Flip a coin?
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1BadElky · Posted: Thu Apr 03, 2008 8:17 pm Post subject:

I want to get the most out of the 350, but is a stall converter necessary?

doen't that hurt mileage?
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Formerly 86Conquista

Currently undergoing resto.
Planned:
-350/?/3.42
-ZQ8 wheels
-Disc Brakes
-More

awest · Posted: Fri Apr 04, 2008 6:41 am Post subject:

Go MANUAL, much more fun and easier to maintain !

7d8ss · Posted: Fri Apr 04, 2008 12:17 pm Post subject:

Price a good converter, a th400 rebuild, along with a matching purse & heels and you'll find that a 4 speed conversion is really a bargain. Smile

. Please, no offense ladies. Just joking, ( kinda) - Jon
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1BadElky · Posted: Fri Apr 04, 2008 4:21 pm Post subject:

I don't care how much HP a th400 can take. I need OD, higher top end and better gas mileage. at 3.30+ per gallon and climbing I need all the help I can get.

granted a th400 could take neutral drops and j-burns, I'm not into that.
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Formerly 86Conquista

Currently undergoing resto.
Planned:
-350/?/3.42
-ZQ8 wheels
-Disc Brakes
-More

7d8ss · Posted: Fri Apr 04, 2008 10:59 pm Post subject:

Uh, change th400 to 700r4.
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66trar · Posted: Sat Apr 05, 2008 12:15 am Post subject:

Well, a manual conversion will be a bit costly to do compared to just rebuilding an auto for your car. However, for fun factor, owning both auto and manual cars, manuals are MUCH more fun to drive. For in city traffic, get a torquey motor and just skip shifts with your manual if you don't want to constantly shift, it'll improve gas mileage too. Up to you really, but cost is always a major factor.
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1966 El-Camino 327, M22 4-speed.
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1BadElky · Posted: Sat Apr 05, 2008 4:26 pm Post subject:

I was leaning toward t56, but found out that even if the trans was free, I'd spend over $1000 in parts. clutch, pedals, shifter....

I was thinking t5, but even the WC is too weak without upgrades. and I'll still need the same basic parts the t56 needs.

back to the 2004r, I'd lose gas mileage and need a stall converter. I might just get a video and learn to rebuild/upgrade it myself... cuz I'm about as competent as any of these tranny shops Albany has to offer. They'll cut all the corners they can by reusing worn/stock parts.

[/rant]
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Formerly 86Conquista

Currently undergoing resto.
Planned:
-350/?/3.42
-ZQ8 wheels
-Disc Brakes
-More

conquista90 · Posted: Sat Apr 05, 2008 8:08 pm Post subject:

I say get a 700-R4. They're readily available and have overdrive. You'll need a shorter drive shaft since they're a little longer, but you won't have to do the whole manual conversion with shifter, pedal, etc. Having a 700-R4 put in should probably cost about a grand.

I'm actually thinking about swapping my TH350 out for one, but I won't have the funds until this summer.

1BadElky · Posted: Sat Apr 05, 2008 8:43 pm Post subject:

well, for you the 700r4 wil be easy, all you have to do is elongate the x-member hole. I'd have to move my x-member or get a new one, plus probably reroute cooler lines and prolly modify the shift linkages and all that with my luck. then I've still got an auto Sad

I'd rather just build the 200 and bolt it in if I stick with auto. Cuz I see all those minor details becoming an issue Confused

_________________

Formerly 86Conquista

Currently undergoing resto.
Planned:
-350/?/3.42
-ZQ8 wheels
-Disc Brakes
-More