Stick verses Automatic (Stock Eliminator)

[Jeff Lee]

For once I have to disagree w/ SSdiv6. For the purpose of this discussion, I am talking about the use of adjustable base pressure with adjustable counter-weight sintered-iron drag race clutches. And I'm assuming the vehicle's suspension and chassis are capable of transfering the HP / TQ to the track effectively.
A stick, if using the proper clutch will be quicker, regardless of engine size, all else being equal. It will MPH faster due to the lack of HP loss in the transmission (assuming a "racing" transmission such as Jerico or G-Force). The problem is antiquated theory's on clutch management which are amplified on higher HP applications, i.e., big-blocks.
A properly designed clutch will allow the user to launch at an RPM equal or nearly equal to the shift RPM (example: 6500 RPM launch, 7000 RPM shift). That will lead to the lowest ET as opposed to the racer forced into launching at a low launch RPM (example: 4500 RPM launch, 7000 RPM shift). The reason I said "forced" into lower RPM launches is that clutch'es that are set-up to operate on heavy base pressure and / or counter-weights must launch at a lower RPM than the engine is capable in order to retain traction.
Launches at higher RPM with proper clutch management will allow the engine to accelerate at a quicker rate while at the same time not pull down the engine down as drastically as what is seen in a low RPM launch (sometimes alleviated by setting the car to spin the slicks).
Typically, a stick will 60' slower than an auto trans vehicle. That's because the converter multiplies torque. I believe as you see more lite-weight clutch assemblies used by those that know how to adjust them, you will see more favorable comparisons between both transmissions and their 60' times. You should know 60' times with a stick car can be skewed by the point the 1-2 shift is made (an improperly timed 1-2 shift can really mess up a run). More realistic comparisons should be made comparing the 330' increments.
My favorite math formula is 1320 / MPH = optimum ET. It's simple and it's accurate. Works on both auto trans and manual trans. Those that have the clutch figured out will be right on. Those that really have the clutch / chassis figured out will exceed those expectations. My present car and previous other's fall in line exactly. John Duzac recently set the D/S record .08 quicker than the formula predicts with a 1.38 60' time. I'd be willing to bet that isn't far from the D/SA record holder's 60' times!
I'm sure there will be disagreement...so let's hear it!