Manual or Automatic?

I am at the point in my project where I can go with a manual trans, or an automatic. Really I am undecided, and can go either way.

My Vette came from the factory with a Turbo 350, which I don't plan to use...it is going into storage with the number matching small block.

I bought a wrecked tow truck for the Big Block, and it had a five-speed manual. So I have all the components for a manual...hydraulic clutch release, flywheel, etc.. The five-speed is unusable in the Vette because of the physical size of it.

I have to buy a trans for the Vette, and have looked at the Bowtie 700R4s, and other auto trans. Also looked into the Richmond 6 speeds, which I really like, but are pricier.

Should I spend the extra for the manual, or be conservative and go for the Auto?


Bill

Go with manual, there's nothing, I mean NOTHING like driving a high HP big bloc with manual. I paid 1400$ for my 5 speed Richmond Road Race, I know it's not an overdrive transmission, but with all the BB torque and the lower gears (2,73) I got I'm still pretty much in the 4 sec 0-60 and 180mph top speed range, and the highway milage is reasonable with the low gears.

If you do much road racing go manual, if you want to drag race or cruise go 700R4-the later model the better.

Thanks!

With the direction I am going with the Big Block...shooting for about 500-530 crank HP, I think I will concentrate on finding a manual trans.

My driving plans are for weekend fun, not necessarily racing, but I would like to try road racing sometime. I do want to have overdrive for those day trips from time to time.

Thanks again,

Bill