Standard vs. Automatic - HELP ME DECIDE

[The Rebel]

I can hear him now: Vroom, vromm, vroom, screech and a chirp!

here......even Little C likes pulling gearsView attachment 359730

 

[Mike67]

I thought about the same thing for my Coronet and actually went as far as purchasing the 4 speed...
After going to a couple of shows in the 55 that we typically don't go to due to distance, we sat in traffic....That's something that is getting worse by the day in my area, I decided to sell it and go with the auto with a manual valve body...
Hey, I'll still get to shift but won't wear my leg out in traffic...

 

[mopar 3 B]

If you have knee problems forget the manual trans.

 

[The Rebel]

Thanks but I ain't that old, LOL!

If you have knee problems forget the manual trans.

 

[moparjohnny]

Thanks but I ain't that old, LOL!

how much driving are you planning on doing with it?

 

[PRND21]

If you have knee problems forget the manual trans.

Or shoulder problems!

 

[The Rebel]

Mostly weekends and occasionally to work on a Friday.

how much driving are you planning on doing with it?

 

[PRND21]

Thanks but I ain't that old, LOL!

The trouble is I AM!

 

[threewood]

I like standards but the fun wears off in a hurry with me. I really enjoy cruising with my coffee in my hand lol. If the auto is set up correctly they are as fun to drive as a stick. I have mine set up with stock valve body, new guts, governor with shifts set at 5800rpms and a loose torque converter. It's also a push button tranny and always makes me smile.

 

[440fish]

I see you're in CT. Ill offer you a ride in my auto 69 SB with mild converter and shift kit if that helps. Pretty amazing how quick those 727s go through the gears.

 

[Speedbird]

You CAN push start an early cable shift 727!

I've never been sure what the old saying means, but that must be the "exception that proves the rule".
Oh, and the Dead Battery Start scenario should be mentioned with a manual verses an auto.

 

[The Rebel]

Thanks again guys for all of your help & comments! I'm not going to think on it anymore as it's not like these are still rolling off the assembly line. Gotta move on what ever comes up and I like what I see.

 

[krandall]

Automatic is nice if you plan on sitting in traffic a lot. It definitely does get old. I live near DT Minneapolis and my daily is a 5sp. There's something to be said about being able to "control" what you're doing or where your RPM's are sitting at. If I need to kick it down, the car doesn't get to decide what it downshifts to etc. 4sp's are tons of fun

 

[threewood]

I've never been sure what the old saying means, but that must be the "exception that proves the rule".
Oh, and the Dead Battery Start scenario should be mentioned with a manual verses an auto.

Old pushbutton trannys have a front AND rear pump. With it rolling in gear the rear pump spins to pressure up the system and gets the tc to spin, which will turn the engine over. Pretty slick!

 

[moparjohnny]

Old pushbutton trannys have a front AND rear pump. With it rolling in gear the rear pump spins to pressure up the system and gets the tc to spin, which will turn the engine over. Pretty slick!

be careful about driving car to work,unless it is gated and there is security,car will disappear on you if you can not watch it,crooks are always looking, be careful.

 

[old guys rule]

I basically have never driven std (only a few times 20+ years ago) but I'm looking to go Std in a 68-69 Charger as I feel that makes it really fun to drive. You're one with the car.

Does a 383-4bbl or a 440 engine make a difference as to how the clutch / gears engage? Perhaps a 383-4 is easier to learn on instead of a 440?

My concern is that when I find my car I'd hate to get so frustrated with the std that I'd wish I had gone with an automatic.

Thanks in advance,
Roger

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[]If your going to race semi seriously or drive a lot in heavy traffic I'd go with the auto but don't discount the man trans, in 4 days time you'll be able to do it in your sleep, which I wouldn't recommend. Personally I've always thought the purpose of the hobby was to have fun which to me is shifting all day long. It gives more feeling of being in control and enhances the HP seat of the pants experience,but that's just me. The key phrase here is "Maximum Fun".
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[l.l.l.l.l.

 

[GetX'd]

Frankly I'm an automatic guy. Used to have a reverse manual auto. When I refreshed the car I went with the stock auto rebuild and find myself shifting it manually anyway. Not a fan of the 4 spds. Maybe it's just because I'm lazy - but LA traffic is not conducive to extra work in the car. As far as a 440 vs a 383 I don't think the transmission you choose makes any difference. Get what you want in either size motor.