Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Auto or Manual

[RPA]

Due to my recent horsepower increases (twins and Injectors) I have the strange feeling my trans is not long for this world. I am currently trying to take it easy on the fairly stock trans with exception on TC and VB.



My question is which way to go manual or automatic. I have tried to do a fair amount cost comparisons and I think that for about the same money I can either have a fully built auto or convert to a 5 speed with most of the goodies.



I plan to do a fair amount of sled pulling and maybe a few drag racing passes but probably a lot more sled pulling. Which way would you guys recommend.

 

[JVolpe]

I would post this in the Competition Forum. Those guys can give you the pro and cons for your needs pretty quick it seems like. No experience with pulling, but I do some drag racing. From watching and reading I would think manual for pulling and auto for racing, but you need real experience to answer.

 

[TomGolden]

Congrats on the new toys



I have never gotten up the nerve to pull the sled, but I have done a few passes at the drag strip. I grudgingly have realized that for drag racing, at least, the auto actually is better than the manual transmission, as you don't lose boost so badly between shifts. Not to mention the ability to launch with a fair amount of boost off the line...



Now as to sled pulling, I really can't say which is better.



Personally, I have never liked auto trannies. I want to decide when to shift, not be at the random mercy of the transmission and engine computer thinking it knows best.



I do know guys that sled pull a lot with both types of trannies, so hopefully some of each will lend you their expert opinions with regards to sled pulling.



Tom

 

[tractorface]

FWIW A nicely built Auto is an absolute blast to drive. Several companies can put together something for your needs. If your going to spend the $$ an Auto is the way to go. Now if you told me you were buying a work truck or tow truck and wanted to keep the $$ down I might say use a manual. Once you part with your $$ for an Auto you will be all :-laf :-laf

 

[RPA]

Tractorface,



I see in your sig you have the Goerend Brothers transmission and converter. What has been your experience with this setup. I am leaning toward their transmission if I keep to the auto.



Thanks for the input.

 

[tractorface]

Since you asked

Great from first call to Dave to driving in traffic every day. My triple disc is tight and the shifts are smooth but positive. I would suggest calling several vendors and tell them what you expect. Be honest, The main players have a different approach from one another. I like GB transmissions approach and am very happy with my transmission. Customer service has been out of this world, so good I almost don't want to tell anyone for fear that I was treated special. Certainly no reason for me to be treated special so I guess every customer gets treated that way. FWIW the issues I had were not Daves fault but he sure went out of his way to fix em for free



If you can drive one of these bad boys all the better. I know I spent my $$$ at the right place