CLASS RACER FORUM - 4 speed or 5 speed...That is the question

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Re: 4 speed or 5 speed...That is the question

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmir55 (Post 536645)

I think G-FORCE makes a 6 speed based on the Doug Nash Tranny. A friend on mine has one in his 59 Vette. This is a street trans, but I think they said they could build a race version. Six speeds in our car, you would be busy.

Wow. 6 speed? I don't think my attention span could handle that.

Re: 4 speed or 5 speed...That is the question

Quote:

Originally Posted by JMan (Post 536529)

I am in the process of ordering a manual transmission for my FS/D-E Challenger.
By rule, I can run a 4 or 5 speed as the OEM 6 speed has two OD gears.
Talking to the Transmission companies, I hear claims that the 5 speed is worth a tenth over the four. I'm not sure I buy into that.
As an engine builder I am constantly hearing parts vendors from oil pumps to piston rings to valve train, all promising their product is worth 12 to 15 HP or better. Although they all are gain, if all the 15HP claims came to fruition, I may be closer to fielding a Top Sportsman car than a Stocker.
I also have to factor in that the extra gear change may make consistency 1 gear more difficult, not to mention the added rotating mass will have some parasitic loss.

Whats can the the stick shift community tell me?

Thanks*

Todd,

Don't rule out the possibility of a tenth faster ET with the 5-speed. I'm thinking about a black COPO that was always a LOT faster than it should have been with a given engine combination.

Re: 4 speed or 5 speed...That is the question

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob Wright (Post 536748)

Todd,

Don't rule out the possibility of a tenth faster ET with the 5-speed. I'm thinking about a black COPO that was always a LOT faster than it should have been with a given engine combination.

Thanks Rob, good point. I believe I know which one your talking about.
Hey, good to hear from you. Going to be at Indy this year?

Re: 4 speed or 5 speed...That is the question

If your running stock with a small tire I would go automatic. All that horsepower on a small tire is gonna be hard to get hooked up. Even if you are slipping the clutch. If your running super stock big tire. Thats the way to go. Just my 2 cents

Re: 4 speed or 5 speed...That is the question

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cameron Collins (Post 536847)

No doubt the automatic may be the smarter avenue for hooking up and consistency, but I never claimed to be smart....No comments please*
Actually I like the challenge of the clutch. Have never had a competition vehicle with an auto and I guess I'm too old to change now.

Re: 4 speed or 5 speed...That is the question

Quote:

Originally Posted by JMan (Post 536885)

I would like to hear how this works out for you. I am another of those die hard or just hard headed stick guys.
Jerry

Re: 4 speed or 5 speed...That is the question

Ask a PRO stock racer how many gears they would use, if they could. The more the merrier!