Can't Decide - Auto or Manual

[gm4life05sle]

Originally Posted by attymf

I thought I'd return to the thread I started just to let all of you know I ordered a manual. Just seems like the LS3 has a crap load of mods out already and who knows about that L99 thing.

Glad to hear that you selected what you wanted. With the launch control feature a manual is more tempting... Any more advice for me? Still trying to make up my mind.

[Vash]

Originally Posted by attymf

I need help. I can't decide if I should get the automatic or manual.

I'll make it REAL easy for you....

If you can afford it get the auto.

When your stuck in traffic you'll thank me.


You have driven a stick I assume? You would know if you liked / wanted it by now. I drove over half a million miles on RX7's with 5 speed so it's not like I don't know how to drive a stick. Just bones get old... and I like the GM auto's they run strong.

I am getting a lvl 3 raptor from PATC for my vette soon. Complete with Raptor blood (point being there are performance options for auto's too).

[robby]

I well understand the confusion.
Others mentioned and I agree, if your doing a lot of stop and go the auto is easier to deal with.
If you are blessed w/ a fair amount of country 2 lane and Inter-state with reasonably light traffic you might find the 6M a joy.
From the driving involvement standpoint, you really can't beat the control a manual provides.
If you are calm and short shift it you will often exceed the automatics mileage numbers, sometimes as much as 2/3 M.P.G.
My 02 is a 6M, but, for me, it's an occasional car, not my DD, so the above situations don't come into play (rush hour traffic etc.)
I however, really enjoy the involvement the manual requires.

My thoughts,
Rob

[attymf]

I'm getting the stick mainly because I just think I'd enjoy it more than the auto. I think the bottem line on buying the damn car is enjoyment. I don't think anyone here can justify buying the car cause its economical, can haul your family or tow your boat.

Also, the LS3 engine, cause its been in the vette for so long now, has a ton of proven mods for rather cheap than can really make the car push out some big HP and still be driven daily.

I'm curious if the L99 can be modified as easily as the LS3.

[zebra]

Originally Posted by attymf

...I'm curious if the L99 can be modified as easily as the LS3.

short answer... pretty much.

there's a few discussions around here on that topic. it's late & i don't feel like compiling a list here, so i'll let you find them either with the or in this forum
http://www.camaro5.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=11

[Rahn]

I'm glad I'm wasn't the only one with that dilemma.... however I received some good advice from another thread. When I'm at the dealer...I'm going to flip a coin and let fate decide.

Either way I should be pleased. As long as it's a 2SS, RS w/ SR and black or any other color.

[Wm Holden]

I still say Auto....JMO....again...

[JonJuice]

Originally Posted by BeermanSS

If you actually take care of your car, the maintainance on a auto is higher. What are you talking about changing a clutch on a manual at a recommended 50k. Do you guys not know anything about cars? Are any of you real car guys? Maintain your car properly. Change your auto fluid at recommended intervals. Don't be one of those retards that runs 100k on it. Listen, decide whatever you want. But don't make statements like these. Yeah if I don't maintain it properly, and its a car where the manual costs more, and assuming he never has to rebuild the auto for having done so, and blah blah blah. Of course it'll cost less, my god. I'm talking about a car guy, who maintains his cars properly. It will cost him less for a manual than an auto. But I will agree with this. If you can't drive a manual, don't get one.

If i don't know how. how long will it take to learn to master it? im getting an SS

[Atomic Autosports]

You will never get your answer...those of us who like the stick will tell you its better and more fun...most who have the auto will tell you the same thing. My opinion is look back at past cars and try to remember what was more fun to drive....Manual or auto....good luck.

[rudack]

Stick, go for the LS3 you will be happy!

[WhiteCrane]

I can "get where im going" with a stick but its a rough ride, and im very scared ill burn the clutch on the beautiful new camaro.

I also feel shifting is a bit of a pain in the ass at times... Will that get better as time goes on? Some people say they dont even think about it.

[FAF]

sick to LS3 you wont regret it.

[Standard]

Originally Posted by WhiteCrane

I can "get where im going" with a stick but its a rough ride, and im very scared ill burn the clutch on the beautiful new camaro.

I also feel shifting is a bit of a pain in the ass at times... Will that get better as time goes on? Some people say they dont even think about it.

Don't worry too much about this.

Here is some advice:

Learn to drive stick. There are theories behind it, including the absolute truism that you have to think an extra 2 seconds ahead. But eventually you'll get it by feel. As a more advanced exercise, learn to rev-match to truly understand your machine - that will let you do things like a 6th-3rd shift without the passengers feeling it (out of 6th, rev up to right spot, into 3rd. . . . )

The hardest thing if you're really new is casually launching, particularly on a hill where you may have to mix in handbrake use. But learning this won't mess up your car too much.

The real damage comes from doing hard power launches. Don't do these until you are comfortable doing normal driving as second nature. Otherwise, your chance of big pointless clutch-burns (with no actual good launch) is very very high.

[chappy48]

And don't do what I did when I drove my buddy's manual focus for the first time. It's not good when after 40 minutes of driving around you smell something, look down, and realize the parking brake is still engaged! Whoops! Not used to using that thing on an auto haha.