OK. You can see by my avatar I am no where near ready to drive my '72 GS. But mine was originally a 350 auto. I am considering switching to a 4spd. Some have told me trying to find the clutch assy, linkage, bellhousing, flywheel and drive shaft are a hassle, stay with the auto. What are peoples thoughts honestly about conversion, parts avx, and cost. Or should I just go back to an auto. I appreciate your time. Scott :laugh:
What is that contraption in your avatar? Looks like it does what a rotissirie (sp?) does?? Need to know more??? I get good chirps on upshifts with my auto, and its cool to hear the dude you're racing grind a shift next to you. Autos don't 'miss' shifts. Ever.
Automatics...only way to go in my opinion. You'll find some pretty fun things to do with it, and if you get a shift kit later on, you'll find that automatic really fun :Brow:
Auto`s are boring,i can see the difference between my cars,theres nothing like shifting through the gears in a big block buick. Thanks
I guess it depends on what your needs/wants are as well. Manual shifts are fun and good for street useage, while autos are best for the strip and good for daily driven conditions. Like I said before, if you don't want to shift all the time just get a shift kit and you'll have the gear grinders looking out for you. It all depends on what your needs and wants are. :TU:
I drove a 4spd 68 GS400 for about a year back in the late 70's (brother's car). That car is the reason I bought a 68 3 years ago. But it's an AT car. I didn't think I would mind an auto, but after 3 yrs, I'm wishing I would have shopped for a stick car. The real bummer, is I had the Muncie and some of the linkages from that old car, but sold it all in the last 2 years. Should have kept it and worked toward the conversion on my car... ou:
A four speed might not be as consistant at the strip as an automatic, but it is 100 times more fun then one. When I 1st bought my current Buick my intensions were to convert it back to an automatic. After my 1st hammer session in it that idea went out the window real quick. :grin: Muscle cars were meant to be beat on, and there is no better way to beat on a car then when your jamming gears and side stepping the clutch. It's a whole other world. An automatic is too controlled, too, well, automatic. :sleep: A manual requires total concentration and a fair amount of skill to drive it. Anyone can drive an auto. :sleep: Learn how to bang a four speed and you'll never enjoy an automatic trans again. :grin: Real men row gears!!! :3gears: :laugh:
4SPEED IS THE WAY TO GO,THEY ARE WORTH THE TIME AND EFFORT GATHERING THE PARTS. I have raced all my cars with manual trannys,including Lenco's and even the old clutch turbo's . The great part about these tran's are that if you granade a gear\cluster\syncro, you can rebuild it at the track in no time, and half the mess! Try that with a auto! Good luck with your project. Glenn
I wouldn't trade my 4 spd for the world. It's hard as heck to run good times with but I'll only see the strip a few times a year. It's up to you, do you like shifting yourself? On the other hand it's easier to find parts for the auto's!!
The first car I drove was a 65 GTO with a 4 speed. Ever since I loved the 4 speed. My current car is a 67 Cutlass that iam looking to go 4 speed with. I have to drill out the crank(spun a rod bearing so it has to go to the shop anyways) I have drive shaft, yoke, 3 4 speeds, bell housing,clutch, flywheel, shifter all I need now is pedal set up, Z bar, rods and a hole in the floor. And ill be banging gears again :3gears: If you plan to drag race with slicks you need a trans that will take that kind of abuse.
I don't think I can really answer. Auto's are fun, manual's are fun. Once you get used to a manual, you don't really even think about it, just a few quick arm movements. Manual's offer greater gear control and an auto never misses a shift. One of each is a good thing. A manual would probably get you better gas mileage and the auto is point and go. If other people drive the car, an auto is always good to have. One thing is for sure, you sure did start a debate in my head. ( ou: * ou: _ :spank: * :rant: :Smarty: ) :moonu: p
Awh yes, 4 speed is soooo fun on an open road!! :3gears: Especially in hilly, swervy rural roads. But in traffic, I'd rather have a root canal. :Smarty: :laugh:
JohnK, I did not have the money for a rotisserie, so I built a 4X4 wooden box on castors, to wheel in and out of my garage. I can work all around my body. I will send a better pic in your email. Let me know if want specifics.
I will second what Dan said! 4 speeds are more fun to drive on the weekends. An auto is more "fun" when you crawl to work in rush hour traffic.
