Turbo 5-Speed vs Auto

[Ian-PT-GT]

I have raced the car in the strip 6 times already (3 passes in "D" and 3 in "Auto Stick") and the difference in the "Drive" mode and in the "Auto Stick" mode was half a second and ten miles Difference. <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle> In racing, that is almost one car difference.

Ian

[Mean Green]

I've driven both 5-speed and autostick. The autostick is quick, but if you REALLY know how to drive a stick you will smoke the autostick. No ifs, ands or buts about it.

'03 Onyx Green GT 5 speed

[Rolo]

hehe, reviving the dead here...

I am surprised nobody mentioned the pertinent fact that the automatic usurps 1/3 more power than the manual, stipulating that the 5-speed has 15% loss and the auto has 20% loss.

[CHROMEDCRUISER]

FlamedCruiser, it sounds to me like you don't drive 5 speeds very much, or at least, not very well. It's ok though, not everyone was born with a clutch foot. As for your Grandma beating 5.0's, if this is true, I think she oughtta go talk to NASCAR.

[brngrhd]

i work at a dealer so i get to "beat" the new cars now and then the 5 spd is faster, but i chose the auto for ease of driving and if i have a 5 i always play with my stick...in the car...the one that shifts the trans.

[PTGT_Boy]

I been anxiously watiting for a member with a stock 2003-2004 GT (Manual) post some quarter mile times for awhile. Kinda tough to find times for a stock manual GT on the web [:0]

Nice post on the auto times IAN!

[PTGT Redman]

You ram the gas in first and you have juice, cause when I let off my BOV gives a whistle.
Second is a great pull gear and I hit 14psi with that.
I like my five speed. I was disappointed with the auto stick cause it shifts when the computer wants it to. Ideally, I know it's probably a better combo as you never have to take your foot off the gas, but I love my 5spd and will buy them until they stop making them.

[flashbk2]

I have to believe Flamed drove a lemon 5-speed ! Mine gets 6-8 lbs boost in first without MBC and 12 with . Problem is once boost hits tires spin so it's almost better to quick - shift and crank the boost in second . But if I'm a real "ass" I can chirp shifting in gears 1-3 try that with auto-stick ! That being said it's still personal choice and I have no problems with auto versus 5-speed and if wasn't for Ian I wouldn't even have an MBC !

[Dalite]

Identical units, Auto VS Stick have always given a general result of .5 second faster in the quarter with a stick.

Having said that, the Getrag 5-sp manual trans has been known to twist (break) an axel in first gear. Haven't heard of any autos doing this. It is a torque issue. From what I have read here, the PCM programming was made less agressive in the first gear range to protect the transmission (on the manual trans).

This was "relaxed" with Stage I. A respectable "Chirp" in 3rd gear isn't uncommon with Stage I, as long as you are on enough of a curve to relieve some of the weight of the driven wheel.

Looking at the Torque/HP curves for both Stage I and Stock, you will see a "wind down" of 500 to 700 RPM just before redline. The Manual allows you to shift before the torque runs out. The Auto just holds to redline (at WOT) and looses momentum.

If you were driving downhill, in a vacuum, with no co-efficient of friction between the tires and the road.... Then the issue of the wind down between 5200 RPM and Redline wouldn't be an issue.

Anyone here been driving off planet lately?

Based on the above, the Stick should have every advantage possible; given the 2 choices. However, the Auto takes less efford to drive, and we aren't trying to drill asphalt 24/7.

[8)]

[cruisergt]

A few months back the dealer replaced the pcm . The engine now holds the rpm up between shifts better. I do not have stage 1. Some times I which there was no boast in 1st gear because when driving it fast the wheels just let go when the boast comes on at about 3500 rpm. It forces you to shift it fast to second gear. Am I the only one who thinks the car should have a sixth gear. [8)]