Originally Posted by Maxwell
1st-2nd is fine if you know how to drive a stick, also some 04 models have had problems with synchros. 2-1st gear shifts are flawless if you can double clutch and blip the throttle to get the cones and synchros up to speed. like silk baby!
there are technical upgrade to the 6 speed that can make it handle 480hp, requires some machine work. the good thing is the jeep guys use the same trans, so maybe in a few years some one will come out with a heavy duty kit.
It has been verified by several tuners that the manual trans can handle about 350 torque without much drama, the 430 engine isn't grossly powerful, can't imagine why it would have any trouble. If benz would have sold this car with this engine from the jump, it would have sold like crazy and could have actually kept up with 350z's.