Stick or Automatic

Jeff Lee · 10-20-2011, 01:42 PM

When properly set up, a stick is MORE consistent than an automatic.
I have been through an entire weekend at a national event with qualifying, class run offs and final round of eliminations. The ET was 10.62 to 10.64 over 3 days. Automatics retain more heat and that heat affects the engine also. A/T's are more prone to ET fluctuations due to fluid temperatures.
Where a stick car will run into problems is with those that set up the launch with a bog. Bogs are not nearly as predictable in ET. Neither is letting the tires spin because you can't control a bog or spin to repeatable levels.
And once set up properly, a stick requires little maintenance to the clutch. The question is, is the racer willing to do it the right way or his way? The two are not always equal.

And Ed Wright is exactly right..Wright! Start thrashing on that DP car when you start loosing heads up races (and it will happen). You'll love R&R'ing that pile of $900-$1200 convertors you will acquire!

Rory McNeil · 10-20-2011, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff Lee

And Ed Wright is exactly right..Wright! Start thrashing on that DP car when you start loosing heads up races (and it will happen). You'll love R&R'ing that pile of $900-$1200 convertors you will acquire!

Not to mention the pink stained T shirts that go with it!
With todays modern low pressure clutches, I can change the static pressure of my clutch to hit harder or softer in less than 10 minutes, 5 if I have an assistant. With the window bellhousing, centrifugal can be changed in another 15 minutes. These minor changes can make a major differance in how the clutch responds. How fast can you change one of those $1000 + convertors in the pits?

Ed Wright · 10-20-2011, 04:03 PM

A stick car is a lot more fun to drive too.

55 Chevy · 10-20-2011, 10:35 PM

I would put an automatic in my car.............if I decide to sell it.

james schaechter · 10-21-2011, 06:23 AM

Stick is the best fun choice. The clutches that are out there now make it really fun. Also, you can run a true clutchless so look into your options. Mod vs. Super mod Mod can run a 5 speed, SM a 4 speed in SS anyway. If I was going to buy a 4 speed, I would look at the Jerico Hybrid that has a clutchless 4 speed in the 5 speed case.

Only downside is that the rules baby the automatic guys with a weight break. My opinion is that NHRA should re evaluate it and drop it or at least reduce it. Automatics drop a bunch of weight and can run under the minimum weight.

10-20-2011, 01:42 PM	#1
Jeff Lee VIP Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Anthem, Arizona Posts: 2,766 Likes: 0 Liked 3 Times in 3 Posts	Re: Stick or Automatic When properly set up, a stick is MORE consistent than an automatic. I have been through an entire weekend at a national event with qualifying, class run offs and final round of eliminations. The ET was 10.62 to 10.64 over 3 days. Automatics retain more heat and that heat affects the engine also. A/T's are more prone to ET fluctuations due to fluid temperatures. Where a stick car will run into problems is with those that set up the launch with a bog. Bogs are not nearly as predictable in ET. Neither is letting the tires spin because you can't control a bog or spin to repeatable levels. And once set up properly, a stick requires little maintenance to the clutch. The question is, is the racer willing to do it the right way or his way? The two are not always equal. And Ed Wright is exactly right..Wright! Start thrashing on that DP car when you start loosing heads up races (and it will happen). You'll love R&R'ing that pile of $900-$1200 convertors you will acquire! __________________ Jeff Lee 7494 D/S '70 AMX Last edited by Jeff Lee; 10-20-2011 at 01:45 PM.

10-20-2011, 04:03 PM	#3
Ed Wright Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Sand Springs, OK Posts: 8,132 Likes: 896 Liked 390 Times in 170 Posts	Re: Stick or Automatic A stick car is a lot more fun to drive too. __________________ Ed Wright 4156 SS/JA

10-20-2011, 10:35 PM	#4
55 Chevy Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Calgary,Alberta area Posts: 229 Likes: 23 Liked 20 Times in 15 Posts	Re: Stick or Automatic I would put an automatic in my car.............if I decide to sell it.

10-21-2011, 06:23 AM	#5
james schaechter VIP Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Cumming GA Posts: 1,992 Likes: 1,293 Liked 1,436 Times in 299 Posts	Re: Stick or Automatic Stick is the best fun choice. The clutches that are out there now make it really fun. Also, you can run a true clutchless so look into your options. Mod vs. Super mod Mod can run a 5 speed, SM a 4 speed in SS anyway. If I was going to buy a 4 speed, I would look at the Jerico Hybrid that has a clutchless 4 speed in the 5 speed case. Only downside is that the rules baby the automatic guys with a weight break. My opinion is that NHRA should re evaluate it and drop it or at least reduce it. Automatics drop a bunch of weight and can run under the minimum weight. __________________ James Schaechter 3163 STK