This is my first post to Camaro Forums
I am looking into a 2000 Camaro SS. One owner, Black, 58k original miles, T-Tops, Tinted Glass, Black Leather, obviously has the LS1. Car is completely stock except for Magnaflow exhaust. Basically, it was owned by an older couple who upgraded to a new Camaro. All of the original documentation comes with the car. All of the repairs/maintenance were done at the dealer which the car was bought (folder of reciepts to prove this is true). I was somewhat saddened to discover it has the 4 speed auto instead of 6 speed manual.

My question is, which transmission is more reliable? It will be used as a summer only driver/show car. I am expecting to put less than 5k miles on per year. Likely will add some bolt ons but not planning on going over 400 h.p.

 

if reliability means fun factor then 6speeeeed there are various things that one could argue to go either way but I would say a manual is more reliable (assuming you know how to drive one already). aslong as you dont grind gears all day manual is more reliable.

 

I just purchased a 2000 SS couple weeks ago, completely stock and automatic , I couldn't find any 6 speeds anywhere but it's all good.

 

The 4L60E trans is one of the best auto transmissions GM has ever built. It is based on the 700R4, which is based on the venerable TH350. Dont fret over the auto trans, it will be reliable. The 6 speed will be more fun tho. Oh and dont think about swapping the trans to a 6 speed. That is almost as complex as swaping a V6 for a V8 in these cars.

Massey

 

First off Gratz on finding such a sweet ride. How much are they asking for it? I have a 97 Z28 with the 4 speed auto and its never given me any trouble and its still hella fun to drive. Works great at the track never have to worry about missing gears

 

I was definately going for the 6 speed since every car I have owned has been a manual except my grand prix. The asking price was $13,800. As much as I love the car, I'm not sure I want an automatic since my heart is definately set on the 6 speed. I offerred them $12,500 and they are going to let me know today what they can do. If they don't stay under 13k, I'll probably keep looking for the "one". Thanks for the input everyone.

 

Mine was 11k and dropped them down to 9500

 

Wether a manual or an automatic is more fun to drive depends on where you drive. In heavy city traffic working a manual box and a clutch can get old fast, while driving a manual on curvy coutry road can be fun. An automatic on the same country road is OK but not very interesting. For drag racing, all things being equal, a properly set up automatic will usually produce better ETs then a manual, but the trap speed will be a little lower. As for reliability, both are pretty good unless you drive a dunderhead.

 

if you're going to bracket race the car then the auto will be consistent. If it's just for pleasure driving, then my preference is I prefer to DRIVE the car rather than RIDE in the car.

My daily driver (stang) is a manny tranny as have been all of my personal vehicles. My project 3rd gen and the 4th gen are auto's.