Originally Posted by Maxwell
so basically the automatic trans needs for better performance over a stick is; proper gearing of final drive gear, adjusting the valve body solenoids for higher line pressures, and a correct stall speed converter. All of this can be done on most mass produced auto trannies. SO here we are again the Automatic is a better setup for a boosted motor. As long as you know how to tune it to work in conjunction with the power band you will have the advantage over all the manual cars with same hp.
mmm not that simple... that kind of work even on a lowly 4 speed automatic will run about 2 - 5 grand mattering on what brand ...
also drivetrain loss is 5 - 10% higher on a automatic than manual so there is that to fight against...
so why not go with a stick and a high performance clutch for $600 - $1,000 dollars and whip the automatics *** ? so long as the car is pushing less than 400 hp on a 3k lb package ... its the way to go ...
but i see your point, it just really only starts to make sense when you get UP UP there in the power levels and dropping that kind of change on a tranny build up seems trivial compared to the rest of the investment ...
however 80% of the production vehicles out there i'd still take the stick over the auto ... cause they will never be practical at the power levels it would make sense to chose the auto at...