[Jeff Lee]

Bruce, I'm only assuming you didn't follow the chart on post #1 or maybe you don't believe it. There ARE upwards of a 1/4 second differences on index, stick vs. auto, same class designation. And I guess I could spin it right back to you, what advantage are you trying to protect?
The bottom line is I picked a stick combination because I wanted too for the fun & challenge of racing a stick. I'm pretty sure that mentality would apply to the other stick racers. But I just fail to see why there should be any spread on indexes. The stick has numerous gear choices available just as the auto does, both OEM & aftermarket. I'm not even going to go what can be done to adjust a stocker trans for different leave times but we all know the technology is available and in use. Convertors and clutches have evolved tremendously in the last
10+ years. I've seen the significant improvements of putting a T-200 in place of a trick T-350, well over a tenth just as I've seen the significant improvements offered by new design / lighter clutch assemblies, also good for over a tenth. My point is not to show partiallity to either transmission; both have made huge advances over the factory offerings used in years past.
The direction of NHRA has been to let the AHFS handle any disproportionate ET advantages. And "whoppin'" the throttle to scrubb off ET is not something you really want to do in a stick car in order to avoid the AHFS. That seems to be something the autos do with ease...and regularity.