[3whiterag]

Originally Posted by 2KZ28_For_Now

Soooo....with the L99 we get an "Eco" engine thats only rated about -20 HP over the regular LS3. And, we get an auto with "optimized" shift points that BEATS that same engine by a 10/th or so in 1/4 mile times. And, we will get BETTER economy for those that will drive it daily, and not look for the next "Stang to beat." : -p

For those that ALREADY drive an auto --- would you be willing to learn a manual, and get that extra 20 HP, and be more open to the modifications that can take it to 500+ HP?

Yes, the manual is more "fun," and it takes a steady discipline to get the rev-matches and "short-shifting" right. And, the manual LS3 WILL eventually beat the "projected" automatic times in the end, with a great driver.

But until then, if the PRICE is equal, or LESS than the LS3 manual, is it worth getting the "guzzler" over the "green V8?"

I am sincerely torn over the options Chevy have given me.

I guess it boils down to: Can the L99 be modified, while retaining the AFM features, to meet the LS3 mods?

I've been saying for a long time - that while I'd prefer to finally own and learn a stick - if the auto can hang with the "mods," why bother with a stick???????

Please, let's not get into a "automatic is for poozies" discussion -- I've been there. Let's discuss the fuel savings, the performance, and the "mod-friendly" factors.

I'm still leaning towards the manual LS3. But, I need some discussion that legitimately talks me OUT of the L99 Auto.

What do you die-hard gear-heads have to say? :seesaw:

Let me see, an LS3 a gas guzzler? I talked to a gentleman two weeks ago who called me to register for our show. He has a brand new Corvette and he just had to tell me that he drove from Toronto to Ottawa and got almost 35 MPG on the highway. Now, the rest of the story goes like this. He bought a brand new Neon, as a winter beater, which doesn't get that kind of mileage. Go Figure! The LS3 is very kind to you as long as you don't tramp on it. Just like any other car but better!!