Auto or manual?

[Frankzl1]

Auto

[Klinsmann]

Originally Posted by cbass

The 5% less drive train loss is nice as well.

Which means nothing when you cannot outshift the automatic.

[mlee]

Originally Posted by Klinsmann

Which means nothing when you cannot outshift the automatic.

LMAO....

[Hellfighter]

Manual, always, lol , seen this thread so many times now.

[cbass]

Is the engagement still so high on the ZL1? That's something I disliked about the SS.

And you are correct that the autos are pretty good. Not sure about the ZL1, but on the SS you have fuel sipper mode, then sport mode, then the paddle shifters. You have a lot of options.

Problem with the SS though is that the automatic version L99 comes out to 40 less rwhp than the manual LS3.

Originally Posted by garfin

I'll start off by saying that I have always had a manual transmission vehicle and agree that the connection that a driver feels with a manual car is one of the most rewarding aspects of driving a high performance vehicle.

I had the privilege last weekend of driving both manual ZL1s and automatic ZL1s back-to-back (and the ZR1 'Vet) on the track at Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch in Pahrump, Nevada with the rest of the Disciples. I must be honest and admit that I was very skeptical about the level of performance and amount of enjoyment/satisfaction the auto would provide, given that I have always been a 100% devout fan of manual transmissions in a car like this. The manual performed pretty much as I expected, given it's the same setup as the manual in my CTS-V. The ZL1's shifter had a little shorter throw than what I'm used to and seemed to have a slightly more positive shift action than the V.

But the automatic was a real eye-opener for me. Driving around the track in manual mode, my skepticism began to disappear after the 1st upshift, which was instantaneous and strong. This automatic transmission differs from the V's slushbox in that there is a "preloading" feature in the ZL1's unit that maintains a higher pressure in the lines which translates into noticeably quicker upshifts. It's as if the transmission is anticipating the upshift. A lot of the guys with automatic Vs are tuning their trannies (bye-bye warranty) to provide quicker upshifts/downshifts. I can't see that being necessary at all on this car... and of course the downshifts done with the paddle are rev-matched perfectly, every time. There's not much that's better in terms of satisfaction, than downshifting manually and blipping the throttle just right and coordinating the clutch to achieve that seamless transition into the lower gear, but none of us are perfect and sometimes it just ain't so smooth with the manual. The auto is foolproof in this regard. If only there was a way to heel-and-toe with the auto!

Would I buy the auto? Probably not, given my background and experience with a manual, but after tracking a ZL1 with the auto, at least I'd have to give it some consideration simply because of just how good it is and how consistent it is. The bottom line is that I would gladly take an automatic ZL1 out on a lapping day and not expect to have much, if any tradeoff in my enjoyment of the car.

For those who have good reasons to consider the automatic and are struggling with the choice, don't think for a second that you will be making a compromise by choosing the automatic.

Best regards,

Elie

[cbass]

Which means nothing when you cannot outshift the automatic.

It takes more skill to drive a manual for sure. What is the difference in times between auto and manual in the ZL1 then?

I also don't like other people driving my cars. Most people are stopped at "It's a manual, do you know how to drive one?".

[Blownhotrodder]

Manual.

[garfin]

Originally Posted by cbass

Is the engagement still so high on the ZL1? That's something I disliked about the SS.

Clutch is a dual disc setup. Engagement is not high at all and it is very light, believe it or not. Again, same setup as on the V, which is the easiest and most pleasant manual transmission to drive and live with on an every day basis that I have ever experienced.

Best regards,

Elie

[BSR-1]

@garfin

Thank you very much for posting your insights.
I would have never even considered an auto but after reading your post, I'm with you, I'd have to at least consider it as an option.

[Camaro Fred]

Manual transmission is the only way for me. American Muscle Cars and manual transmissions go together. If I was buying my ZL1 for commuting in traffic I would certainly consider an automatic, but the manual allows a driver to be more engaged with the car and that is important to me.

[Dave K]

Manuel for sure, I have an auto in my Mustang, this was a no brainer, it's my sunny day car and much more fun with a stick.