Growing up I've always been told that if you have a fast ride then manual is the only way to go. Now that I commute everyday I'm considering getting an automatic. I've also heard that todays automatics are a lot better and it doesn't make that much of a difference. I was thinking of getting a 98-02 SS. Would it be pointless to have such a strong engine with an automatic transmission? What are your guys thoughts.

 

The 4L60E is a pretty nice transmission, with the manual you'll get a bit better mileage, but if you're into running fast 1/4 mile times, an auto with a high stall will be best. I have an auto in my car and I'm not displeased at all, it shifts hard and fast when I want it too, but if you're easy on the gas, it'll shift very smoothly. The manual has a more agressive 1st gear than the 6-speed anyway(that's including the 3:73 final drive on manuals and the 3:23 final drive on the auto). I like my auto, but some people swear by manuals, it's really a personal preference thing I guess...if you like one better, go for it, but if you don't care, the auto will be cheaper.

 

I want a daily driver that I can still have fun with. A manual in bumper to bumper traffic isn't fun to me. I'm leaning towards an auto and maybe putting a shift kit in it. All my buddies swear by manuals and I see there point of being able to be in full control of your shifts. I still think its not that big of a difference performance wise to worry about. I just wanted to hear arguments for or against autos. Thanks your your reply 95slvr.

 

GM makes very nice auto's compared to other competitors *cough* ford *cough* But yea if you gita 4th gen Maro dont wory about performance from the auto it shifts HARD and witha shift kit/stall youll be set for the strip and this is comeing from someone witha manual.

 

autos don't miss shifts - end of story.

 

On the note of being able to completely controll the shifts: I can get my car to shift into the next gear at any RPM I want, you just have to control it with your right foot. Believe me, the auto doesn't take away from the fun factor of the car...

 

Some days im glad i have an auto but when people **** on it i get pissed. I would deffinetley say its a peresonal choice. What do you plan to turn the car into?

 

The biggest differece between the auto and the manual is the auto is quicker off the line ............... other then that its just a personal preference.

 

Alright A4 it is. Appreciate all your input fellas. I just thought from a rolling start already with some speed, driving a manual would have an advantage. As far as whatI paln on turning the car into.. Nothing super special. Just a nice daily driver with a few budget bolt on mods. Intake,cat back exhaust,cold air and lowering it are just about all I'd do it to it besides a few freebie mods like tb bypass. I'm not trying to take it to the extreme. Don't even know if I'd ever take it to the strip but I like doing my thing on the street and highways. Just something I can enjoy driving to work and what not. Maybe after a long time I might think about retiring it to just weekends and thats when I might put more in to it.

On another note with something like a trans-go kit would you guys recommend upgrading the tranny cooler or will the tranny last just as long with the stock one?

 

yep yep you can shift by leting yer put off and puting it down again the auto in a camaro are nice and you can still light the wheels when it shifts if ya want