The Great Tranny Debate

[binder56jd]

TOF--u have a well controlled set of parameters

case in point

pick any multi-car nascar shop(or any other format NHRA-IRL)

identical cars(everything from fab to race day)

one is much quicker and faster(with same driver)

go figure

[averagef250]

Any stick is more efficient than an old 3 speed non-lockup auto. An auto that lacks a lockup converter is an antique.

Newer overdrive lockup autos are very efficient.

In a perfect world, even with the extra drag in an auto taken into consideration, a modern auto is more efficient with your average driver in a varying speed state. Steady state stick rules.

[dolinick]

I drive tractor trailers (eighteen wheelers). At our terminal one of our trucks is equipped with an auto shifting transmission. It was very strange at first to simply stomp on the accelerator and have the thing shifting away by itself. I felt out of control. I don't normally drive that particular truck but I am now getting used to it. I think it actually allows you to concentrate more on driving because you are not thinking about which gear you need. Plus you can keep both hands on the wheel. I also have pain in my hands which is probably arthritis and it is a big relief to be able to drive the automatic all day. Driving around town, the type of driving i normally do, will tire you out. On the open road it wouldn't be as bad.

[MadMaxetc]

Any stick is more efficient than an old 3 speed non-lockup auto. An auto that lacks a lockup converter is an antique.

Newer overdrive lockup autos are very efficient.

In a perfect world, even with the extra drag in an auto taken into consideration, a modern auto is more efficient with your average driver in a varying speed state. Steady state stick rules.

Well said.

[Chaseman]

Any stick is more efficient than an old 3 speed non-lockup auto. An auto that lacks a lockup converter is an antique.

Newer overdrive lockup autos are very efficient.

In a perfect world, even with the extra drag in an auto taken into consideration, a modern auto is more efficient with your average driver in a varying speed state. Steady state stick rules.

wooooo! I drive antiques (the cruise o matic in my car)

[price2757]

Take a drive along northbound I-5 between Boeing Field and Downtown Seattle on any non-holiday Monday through Friday between 9 am and when the Northbound Express lanes open. An automatic is the only way to go.

[rjewkes]

Don't forget that on autos equiped with 1st and 2nd manual selections there is still the ability to use only 1st or second.

Having said that I would prefer the manual like an NP435 or T18/T19 For the ability to select the gear and get the crawl on ice ability going. For congested and stop and go traffic i prefer an auto.

For wide open road, and 4 wheelin. Manny Tranny's need only apply.

[cdeal28078]

My truck is old enough to shift it's own gears and I am old enough not to want to go shifting gears all day long. Shifted gears long enough in all kinds of cars and trucks.
Drove from Dallas to Charlotte in a 28ft straight truck with busted clutch that wouldn't release so I know how to float a gear as good as anyone. Just don't want to in my truck.
Drove my 71 F100 as a 3 speed column shift for some 25 years until I changed it to an auto. I will never change it back.
Had a 71 Sportsroof for a while with a 4 speed in it. Wouldn't have changed it to an auto for anything though but it wasn't a DD
It all comes down to personal preference.
I wouldn't want to go off-roading in a straight drive. Had a 76 F150 with a 4 speed and now have an 86 Bronco with an AOD. I have more fun with the AOD off road
clint