Stick or Automatic

[Rich67stang]

I have been thinking about putting a stick in my SS/modified car. What would be the +/- of stick/auto. I was looking @ Gforce or Proflite. any advise, thanks

[Mike Taylor 3601]

+ alot of fun,can make adjustments in bellhousing without sending conv. off to be worked on or change.
- I'm biased can't give any negatives
Mike Taylor3601

[NewHemi]

Adjustments on a stick setup aren't just possible, constant adjustments on a stick setup are needed.

Once you get an automatic set up right, you just check the fluid occasionally, and adjust the bands once every X number of runs..

But if HP ratings are of interest, they could be significantly different between auto and , so that might be a reason to do one or the other.

David
The New Hemi Guy

[Ed Wright]

Originally Posted by NewHemi

Adjustments on a stick setup aren't just possible, constant adjustments on a stick setup are needed.

Once you get an automatic set up right, you just check the fluid occasionally, and adjust the bands once every X number of runs..

But if HP ratings are of interest, they could be significantly different between auto and , so that might be a reason to do one or the other.

David
The New Hemi Guy

Maybe with a stocker. Not in SS if you are thrashing your combo to go faster, then you might have a few expensive converters laying around. If your combo is soft enough you don't have to do that until you finally get hit with enough hp to have to step it up. I have only tested three different converters this past year, I have friends with up to five converters. Change your SS combo then you start all over again.

[Jeff Lee]

When properly set up, a stick is MORE consistent than an automatic.
I have been through an entire weekend at a national event with qualifying, class run offs and final round of eliminations. The ET was 10.62 to 10.64 over 3 days. Automatics retain more heat and that heat affects the engine also. A/T's are more prone to ET fluctuations due to fluid temperatures.
Where a stick car will run into problems is with those that set up the launch with a bog. Bogs are not nearly as predictable in ET. Neither is letting the tires spin because you can't control a bog or spin to repeatable levels.
And once set up properly, a stick requires little maintenance to the clutch. The question is, is the racer willing to do it the right way or his way? The two are not always equal.

And Ed Wright is exactly right..Wright! Start thrashing on that DP car when you start loosing heads up races (and it will happen). You'll love R&R'ing that pile of $900-$1200 convertors you will acquire!

[Rory McNeil]

Originally Posted by Jeff Lee

And Ed Wright is exactly right..Wright! Start thrashing on that DP car when you start loosing heads up races (and it will happen). You'll love R&R'ing that pile of $900-$1200 convertors you will acquire!

Not to mention the pink stained T shirts that go with it!
With todays modern low pressure clutches, I can change the static pressure of my clutch to hit harder or softer in less than 10 minutes, 5 if I have an assistant. With the window bellhousing, centrifugal can be changed in another 15 minutes. These minor changes can make a major differance in how the clutch responds. How fast can you change one of those $1000 + convertors in the pits?

[Ed Wright]

A stick car is a lot more fun to drive too.

[55 Chevy]

I would put an automatic in my car.............if I decide to sell it.

[james schaechter]

Stick is the best fun choice. The clutches that are out there now make it really fun. Also, you can run a true clutchless so look into your options. Mod vs. Super mod Mod can run a 5 speed, SM a 4 speed in SS anyway. If I was going to buy a 4 speed, I would look at the Jerico Hybrid that has a clutchless 4 speed in the 5 speed case.

Only downside is that the rules baby the automatic guys with a weight break. My opinion is that NHRA should re evaluate it and drop it or at least reduce it. Automatics drop a bunch of weight and can run under the minimum weight.

[Ed Carpenter]

Originally Posted by NewHemi

Adjustments on a stick setup aren't just possible, constant adjustments on a stick setup are needed.

Once you get an automatic set up right, you just check the fluid occasionally, and adjust the bands once every X number of runs..

But if HP ratings are of interest, they could be significantly different between auto and , so that might be a reason to do one or the other.

David
The New Hemi Guy

That statement is just plain false. There is no constant adj on a stick car. Simply not true. Ask Brad Zaskowski. He's pretty damn good to. Check his stats. My 2 cents.