Automatic VS. Manual
 

I'm in the process of having a 67' fastback restored. I am having a dilemma whether to make it automatic or manual. Could someone post some pros/cons? For example, I've heard that manual transmissions are faster, but then again I've heard a person can't shift as fast as a automatic. Can someone give me some insight?

Having both a 65 FB with a C4 with pro-ratchet shifter, and a 65 with a T5, there is really no comparison...no thinking with the auto....just click 2, click 3. With the T5 you can't help but miss a shift once in a while something goes haywire with the clutch.

Ron

All depends how you plan to drive the car when you are finished. If you are going to be driving it real aggressive (racing?) an automatic will hit the shift every time and be the most consistiant performance wise. If the plan is for more of a street cruiser, in my opinion, nothing beats the sound, feel and pure fun of hammering on a good shifting 4 or 5 speed when heading on down the road - I would not have it any other way.

Unless you are bracket racing or going faster than 11's in the 1/4, go with stick. You will feel like you have 50 horse more.

No better feeling than side-stepping the clutch(while rolling) And fryin the tires, start sliding sideways, then hook and go.

Unless you meet the above criteria you will have more fun and be faster with the stick.

I agree.....I don't think I could even drive another Mustang with an auto.....gotta have a stick.

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66 GT Fastback 5.0, 5-speed, cable clutch, JBA's, 3.40 gears, EFI coming soon?

Well, I really dont plan on racing the car - unless somebody at a stoplight tests me. My dad and close friend are talking me into dropping in a 351. With that size engine would stick make any difference in speed?

When placed behind the same motor, a 4 or 5 speed will always make more rear wheel horse power than using a C4 or C6 transmission. These are great automatics, but the reality is that due to its basic design, the automatic will always take more of the engines power to do its job of getting the power to the drive wheels - it takes power to drive the pump to move all that fluid, engage the clutches etc., while the manual uses only direct gear multiplication to transmit the power from the flywheel. The biggest factor in making an automatic run and feel more like a stick, will be the intelligent choice of a torque converter thats ideally matched to your specific engine and rear end combo.

my 67 is fast w/the C-4, but I still want a 5 or 6 speed.

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67 Fastback - Arctic White Pearl paint
351W 415 hp, Trick Flow Alum. Heads, C-4 Trans, 3.55 gears, Front Disc Brakes, 1-1/8" Fr. 3/4" rear sway bars.
http://www.mustangworks.com/mustangs...1245-slot2.jpg

If you go with a performance C4 like a full roller with some trick parts, your loss of HP is minimized.

Ron

Man go with the stick I have a 68 fastback 302 the car is sweet. I have a t-10 4-speed with 575 rear wheel horse I ran in the 11's with the auto but with the stick 10.30's man. Yea you'll mis a shift every once in awhile but who cares sticks are just better sounding more fun and it a lot more impressive. So unless your planning on feeling up a chick while your driving(which if you are get a wagon) go with the stick

68 Fastback...sounds like an awesome ride. I am in the process of building a 68 (4 years and running) and was curious about your suspension setup. With that much HP it has to be hard to hook. Did you go with ladder bars or 4 link? Are you running a shortened tube? I went with a Detroit locker but am seriously thinking full spool at this point. Also want more info on your roll bar setup if you have it.

Ron

Real cars have 3 pedals!

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Neal

69 stang
351C/4sp

If you like driving aggressively (or enthusiastically), I'd go with the stick. I'm in the process of changing the old C-4 to a Toploader in my '65 coupe. It'll be great for road racing and drag racing. I have a new T-5 sitting on the shelf, but I don't think it will be strong enough.

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'91 LX
Procharger, 3 row intercooler, extrude honed Cobra intake, Mac full Length Headers, 30# inj., 73mm C&L, 75mm tb, E303 cam, 289 rods, ported E7 heads, MSD, T-Rex w/255 lph Walbro, 5 lug conversion, Cobra R wheels, 3.27 gears and Moser Axles.

I would have to say that my 68 would not be the same if it was an automatic. That 390 wouldnt be the same! As a matter of fact... I don't think I know how to drive an Automatic!!! http://www.mustangworks.com/interact...oard/smile.gif Even my dailydriver stang is a stick.

Jodi
Red 68 GT FB M4
BLK 99 GT CP M5