Automatic vs. Manual..whats your favorite? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

chevytruckclassics · 04-05-2013, 04:57 PM

so what do you prefer as a trans auto or stick? and what kind of trans is in your truck? i have a four speed manual

Southcity · 04-05-2013, 05:01 PM

I've always preferred manual in all my vehicles (new or vintage) especially trucks. Able to get more power out of the engine, easier and more controlled braking (brakes sure last a lot longer in a manual) and there is just something about rowing through the gears that makes driving more satisfying. Currently running a Saginaw 4 speed in my 68 and love it.

**kwmech** · 04-05-2013, 05:05 PM

Ah, the debate continues........Well, I have both. Currently swapping out an NP435 in my '68 for a SM465+ranger O.D...In my dually flatbed I have a t400 with a gear vendor behind it. My other '68 also has a t400, with an Art Carr low gear set (2.75) in it

shawno72 · 04-05-2013, 05:05 PM

I had a 4 speed manual for over a year and I just swapped in an auto 700r4. Night and day differance. My truck is a real joy to drive now

*Mister-B* · 04-05-2013, 05:16 PM

Well, I really like manual transmissions, but if it's in a truck and I'm not a bachelor, I'd say auto has its benefits too. The reasons being, that I like having my wife ride next to me in the bench seat. That'd be tough with the gear shifter right in the middle, not to mention trying to shift through the gears with her there. Also, I've noticed younger chicks tend to not know how to drive a manual transmission, so if you're ever in a situation where she needs to drive the truck, you're sort of screwed.
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**TBONE1964** · 04-05-2013, 05:45 PM

That's a good question and for me it depends on the truck and what I use the truck for. My 72 Cheyenne has a 350 turbo automatic and the only thing I would prefer more is a 400 turbo. I cannot imagine that truck with a manual trans.

On the other hand, my 64 has an old granny gear four speed (not sure the correct name for it) and I love it. I love to cruise around Junction City and listen to the gears whine. It belongs there and I could never imagine it with an automatic.

**TBONE1964** · 04-05-2013, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mister-B

Well, I really like manual transmissions, but if it's in a truck and I'm not a bachelor, I'd say auto has its benefits too. The reasons being, that I like having my wife ride next to me in the bench seat. That'd be tough with the gear shifter right in the middle, not to mention trying to shift through the gears with her there. Also, I've noticed younger chicks tend to not know how to drive a manual transmission, so if you're ever in a situation where she needs to drive the truck, you're sort of screwed.
Posted via Mobile Device

That seating position would be a great place for her to learn how to shift. You have to teach them in baby steps. First how to shift from one gear to the next and then work on the clutch. Do not add the gas peddle in with the clutch right away, that can be a little overwhelming for some.

I taught my daughter to drive a manual trans and she said she was shocked that I did not yell at her. I ask, what is there to yell about and she said other people would yell when she did something wrong. I don't get that or what it accomplishes. If it breaks, fix it and move on. She can drive a manual trans now better than most men.

BugzC10 · 04-05-2013, 05:58 PM

Auto....shifted for too may years.

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Square_78 · 04-07-2013, 09:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BugzC10

Auto....shifted for too may years.

Posted via Mobile Device

I have to agree with this. When I was younger I hated automatics, now I wouldnt buy a truck without one. The ONLY time i would get a stick was in a sports car, but even then I would prob get paddle shifters instead.

*Mister-B* · 04-05-2013, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TBONE1964

That seating position would be a great place for her to learn how to shift. You have to teach them in baby steps. First how to shift from one gear to the next and then work on the clutch. Do not add the gas peddle in with the clutch right away, that can be a little overwhelming for some.

I taught my daughter to drive a manual trans and she said she was shocked that I did not yell at her. I ask, what is there to yell about and she said other people would yell when she did something wrong. I don't get that or what it accomplishes. If it breaks, fix it and move on. She can drive a manual trans now better than most men.

That's cool that you were able to teach your daughter how to drive stick. Just calmly talking to my wife that I'd like to show her how to drive a stick one day, results in her getting all frustrated. Can't even fathom the real thing. I guess everybody is different.
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DesertCat · 04-05-2013, 06:17 PM

Driving a stick is a life skill like swimming. Everyone in my family drives stick.

That said and back to the topic, I like both but given the choice for fun... car 4 speed in my truck, 6 speed in my Mini Cooper S!

**TBONE1964** · 04-05-2013, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mister-B

That's cool that you were able to teach your daughter how to drive stick. Just calmly talking to my wife that I'd like to show her how to drive a stick one day, results in her getting all frustrated. Can't even fathom the real thing. I guess everybody is different.
Posted via Mobile Device

That is true my friend, very true.

69GWC · 04-05-2013, 06:57 PM

It is for sure easier to drive a auto just set and push the go peddle. That said I bought my 69 because it was a stick and I like rowing threw the gears on it.
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sstone69 · 04-05-2013, 08:05 PM

Three speed on the tree here, and she can still ride next to me!
A few years back here in Atlanta I read about some punks that car jacked a 5 speed and got caught because they didn't know how to drive it.
So it is built in car/truck theft prevention.

Mr Handy · 04-05-2013, 08:07 PM

I have to admit that at 28 years old I have driven stick in only 3 different vehicles.
First was a 79 Porsche 914, second was a VW Jetta 07 I think... and 3rd is my buddys old jeep cj2a.
There just were no standards around when I came of age to learn to drive, so auto it was... I have a strong desire to own a standard car or truck, and have my wife learn to drive it as well...
My 70 has a th350, and will most likely go to a 700r4 at some point in the future.

I also think they should make people take their drivers test in a manual trans/steering vehicle. I would say that a majority of people under the age of 35 have no clue what they are doing behind the wheel... they are used to getting in, turning the key and beating on the gas and breaks. Pretty much everyone trusts their breaks way to much for my liking...

67anthony · 04-05-2013, 08:20 PM

Auto but my dd is a 4 seed .

**jeffahart** · 04-05-2013, 08:22 PM

Whatevers in it, keep that. It's what I always do, it's easier.

But if I were buying new; Auto everything!

Longhorn 70 · 04-05-2013, 08:29 PM

My truck has gone through several transmissions in the 30 years I have owned it. I has had a TH350 which was OK. It was dependable and smooth.

A Muncie M22 when it was first changed to the Olds engine. Gears were too close and fuel economy was terrible.

A granny 4 speed, 465 maybe, and it was great for pulling. Fuel.

TH400 came next. It was OK but the input shafts and sprags kept breaking. BEEFED up TH400 next....GREAT but fuel economy, again...11 mpg.

NOW it has a BUILT 700R4 and that seems to be a good balance of pull, reliability and fuel economy. If I keep my foot out of it, things don't break and I get 15 MPG with the big Olds in it. DONE...well I may try a 6L80E next.....but I have to get a lot of stuff done first.

Maybe a manual with overdrive. My other 2 cars are 6 speeds..... I guess I like manual better after all.

Shyguy · 04-05-2013, 08:51 PM

I like the old style truck 4 speeds myself. My wife can drive anything we own, but she tends to like automatics better.

My 1967 swb stepper has a 454 backed by a SM-465 out of a 1971. That engine seems to like the old style 4 speed with 3.73 gears.

I just picked up a 1975 C-30 dually with a 350 and it has a NP-435 heavy duty 4 speed.

We bought a 1992 GMC K-3500 dually new with an automatic to pull our 5th wheel travel trailer and I have got into places I wish it had a 5 speed manual pulling in out of lakes in the Sierras.

My wife has a Soul with an automatic that she drives to work and we take long trips with.

snj8198 · 04-05-2013, 10:34 PM

I love rowing my 5 speed.

**70cst** · 04-05-2013, 10:41 PM

I like manual but since I have a 400 its staying plus...it makes drinking coffee easier

Lattimer · 04-06-2013, 12:37 AM

Manual for anything thats fun, auto for everything else.

Just finished up putting a car 4-speed in my truck. Loving it.

My DD is a 2012 Toyota Tundra, 6-speed auto.

**jocko** · 04-06-2013, 03:29 AM

67 or newer: auto (o/d preferred)
66 or earlier: manual (5 speed preferred)
I don't know why.
I think of the 67 and newer trucks more as "trucks" than hot rods (i.e. like I consider the 66 and earlier trucks).

54belair · 04-06-2013, 09:20 AM

Well, I like both. For every day work or transportation, Im lay enough to prefer an auto.

I have an auto in my 54 chevy street machine but in my current 68 stepper project I removed a 700r and Im installing a muncie m 20 four speed. Itll be my last affair with a 4 speed----and when I give the truck to my grand son, it will insure that he will have to learn the ancient art of driving a stick!! In the meantime, grandpa may lay a little rubber!

**JJorgensen52** · 04-06-2013, 09:35 AM

I've owned both, but I usually end up switching to manuals.

'93 Typhoon - built 700R4 (there is no readily available manual to convert this one, wish there was)

'10 HHR - 5 speed stick

'69 - NV4500 5 speed
'72 - SM465 4 speed

04-05-2013, 04:57 PM	#1
chevytruckclassics Registered User Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: New York Posts: 58	Automatic vs. Manual..whats your favorite? so what do you prefer as a trans auto or stick? and what kind of trans is in your truck? i have a four speed manual __________________ 1967 Chevy K10 4 Speed

04-05-2013, 05:01 PM	#2
Southcity Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Redwood City, CA Posts: 1,174	Re: Automatic vs. Manual..whats your favorite? I've always preferred manual in all my vehicles (new or vintage) especially trucks. Able to get more power out of the engine, easier and more controlled braking (brakes sure last a lot longer in a manual) and there is just something about rowing through the gears that makes driving more satisfying. Currently running a Saginaw 4 speed in my 68 and love it. __________________ 66 GMC Suburban Custom 66 Chevy K10 Suburban

04-05-2013, 05:05 PM	#3
kwmech Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Colfax-California Posts: 8,439	Re: Automatic vs. Manual..whats your favorite? Ah, the debate continues........Well, I have both. Currently swapping out an NP435 in my '68 for a SM465+ranger O.D...In my dually flatbed I have a t400 with a gear vendor behind it. My other '68 also has a t400, with an Art Carr low gear set (2.75) in it

04-05-2013, 05:05 PM	#4
shawno72 C/10 junkie Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Stockton Ca Posts: 9,093	Re: Automatic vs. Manual..whats your favorite? I had a 4 speed manual for over a year and I just swapped in an auto 700r4. Night and day differance. My truck is a real joy to drive now __________________ Shawn 70 LWB C10 current driver/project http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=663051 68 SWB C10 Work in progress.....SOLD http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=559520 72 LWB C10 Sold 71 LWB C10 Sold 68 LWB C10 CST Sold http://youtu.be/kbB0QrBIs9k My mom always had the best advice. It was just a tad late. After a fall that involved blood, she'd say....."Careful!"

04-05-2013, 05:16 PM	#5
Mister-B Account Suspended Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Salt Lake City, Utah Posts: 3,331	Re: Automatic vs. Manual..whats your favorite? Well, I really like manual transmissions, but if it's in a truck and I'm not a bachelor, I'd say auto has its benefits too. The reasons being, that I like having my wife ride next to me in the bench seat. That'd be tough with the gear shifter right in the middle, not to mention trying to shift through the gears with her there. Also, I've noticed younger chicks tend to not know how to drive a manual transmission, so if you're ever in a situation where she needs to drive the truck, you're sort of screwed. Posted via Mobile Device

04-05-2013, 05:45 PM	#6
TBONE1964 Cluster King Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Junction City, OR Posts: 5,263	Re: Automatic vs. Manual..whats your favorite? That's a good question and for me it depends on the truck and what I use the truck for. My 72 Cheyenne has a 350 turbo automatic and the only thing I would prefer more is a 400 turbo. I cannot imagine that truck with a manual trans. On the other hand, my 64 has an old granny gear four speed (not sure the correct name for it) and I love it. I love to cruise around Junction City and listen to the gears whine. It belongs there and I could never imagine it with an automatic.

04-05-2013, 05:58 PM	#8
BugzC10 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Green Valley Arizona Posts: 1,351	Re: Automatic vs. Manual..whats your favorite? Auto....shifted for too may years. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 1970 C10 Short Stepper with 71/72 front clip.

04-05-2013, 06:17 PM	#11
DesertCat Registered User Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Valley of the Sunstroke, Arizona Posts: 1,210	Re: Automatic vs. Manual..whats your favorite? Driving a stick is a life skill like swimming. Everyone in my family drives stick. That said and back to the topic, I like both but given the choice for fun... car 4 speed in my truck, 6 speed in my Mini Cooper S! __________________ My build thread - Devastation and Reform http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=567131

04-05-2013, 06:57 PM	#13
69GWC Registered User Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 1,089	Re: Automatic vs. Manual..whats your favorite? It is for sure easier to drive a auto just set and push the go peddle. That said I bought my 69 because it was a stick and I like rowing threw the gears on it. Posted via Mobile Device

04-05-2013, 08:05 PM	#14
sstone69 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Tucker, GA Posts: 128	Re: Automatic vs. Manual..whats your favorite? Three speed on the tree here, and she can still ride next to me! A few years back here in Atlanta I read about some punks that car jacked a 5 speed and got caught because they didn't know how to drive it. So it is built in car/truck theft prevention. __________________ "You gonna pull them pistols or whistle dixie ?"

04-05-2013, 08:07 PM	#15
Mr Handy Registered User Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Spring Hill, Florida Posts: 465	Re: Automatic vs. Manual..whats your favorite? I have to admit that at 28 years old I have driven stick in only 3 different vehicles. First was a 79 Porsche 914, second was a VW Jetta 07 I think... and 3rd is my buddys old jeep cj2a. There just were no standards around when I came of age to learn to drive, so auto it was... I have a strong desire to own a standard car or truck, and have my wife learn to drive it as well... My 70 has a th350, and will most likely go to a 700r4 at some point in the future. I also think they should make people take their drivers test in a manual trans/steering vehicle. I would say that a majority of people under the age of 35 have no clue what they are doing behind the wheel... they are used to getting in, turning the key and beating on the gas and breaks. Pretty much everyone trusts their breaks way to much for my liking...

04-05-2013, 08:20 PM	#16
67anthony Registered User Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: mississippi Posts: 444	Re: Automatic vs. Manual..whats your favorite? Auto but my dd is a 4 seed .

04-05-2013, 08:22 PM	#17
jeffahart Senior Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Scottsdale, AZ Posts: 1,897	Re: Automatic vs. Manual..whats your favorite? Whatevers in it, keep that. It's what I always do, it's easier. But if I were buying new; Auto everything!

04-05-2013, 08:29 PM	#18
Longhorn 70 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Chandler AZ Posts: 1,149	Re: Automatic vs. Manual..whats your favorite? My truck has gone through several transmissions in the 30 years I have owned it. I has had a TH350 which was OK. It was dependable and smooth. A Muncie M22 when it was first changed to the Olds engine. Gears were too close and fuel economy was terrible. A granny 4 speed, 465 maybe, and it was great for pulling. Fuel. TH400 came next. It was OK but the input shafts and sprags kept breaking. BEEFED up TH400 next....GREAT but fuel economy, again...11 mpg. NOW it has a BUILT 700R4 and that seems to be a good balance of pull, reliability and fuel economy. If I keep my foot out of it, things don't break and I get 15 MPG with the big Olds in it. DONE...well I may try a 6L80E next.....but I have to get a lot of stuff done first. Maybe a manual with overdrive. My other 2 cars are 6 speeds..... I guess I like manual better after all. __________________ 1970 Longhorn, Front Disc, 350/4 bolt, 882 heads, HEI, Edelbrock, 700R4, HO-52/4.11. 1996 Corvette, Collector Roadster, LT4, 396, 450RWHP, 6sp, 4.11/Dana44/posi 5 point roll bar And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. Gal 6:9

04-05-2013, 08:51 PM	#19
Shyguy Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Southeast Missouri Posts: 2,436	Re: Automatic vs. Manual..whats your favorite? I like the old style truck 4 speeds myself. My wife can drive anything we own, but she tends to like automatics better. My 1967 swb stepper has a 454 backed by a SM-465 out of a 1971. That engine seems to like the old style 4 speed with 3.73 gears. I just picked up a 1975 C-30 dually with a 350 and it has a NP-435 heavy duty 4 speed. We bought a 1992 GMC K-3500 dually new with an automatic to pull our 5th wheel travel trailer and I have got into places I wish it had a 5 speed manual pulling in out of lakes in the Sierras. My wife has a Soul with an automatic that she drives to work and we take long trips with. __________________ '67 Chevy C-20 short stepper - build complete, 454/SM-465. '75 C-30 Single Cab DRW-350 small block/NP-435. '77 GMC-6500 Dump Truck, 427 Tall Deck. '92 GMC K-3500 Duallie, 454/4L80E.



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04-05-2013, 10:34 PM	#20
snj8198 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Star Valley, WY Posts: 2,038	Re: Automatic vs. Manual..whats your favorite? I love rowing my 5 speed. __________________ Steve 1971 GMC Longbox. Full Roller Stroker 489 w/ FiTech EFI, Chris Straub Cam/NV4500/205/D60/14B w. Grizzly Locker and 4.11's. 2" Lift on 33's

04-05-2013, 10:41 PM	#21
70cst Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: New Madison, Ohio Posts: 21,365	Re: Automatic vs. Manual..whats your favorite? I like manual but since I have a 400 its staying plus...it makes drinking coffee easier __________________ A husband can be right...or...A husband can be happy. 67-72 Chevy and GMC Trucks...The Classic Truck for the Classic Folk. 1970 CST Two tone green, 402BB, 400 Automatic, Tach, Buckets, AC, AM-FM, Tilt, GM CB, GM 8 Tract, LWB, etc JOHN 17:3...The better side of "LIFE" Remember: Everyday is a good day...Some are just gooder!

04-06-2013, 12:37 AM	#22
Lattimer Registered User Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Mickleton, NJ Posts: 1,776	Re: Automatic vs. Manual..whats your favorite? Manual for anything thats fun, auto for everything else. Just finished up putting a car 4-speed in my truck. Loving it. My DD is a 2012 Toyota Tundra, 6-speed auto. __________________ Shawn 1970 Chevy C-10 SWB, 350, TKO 600 5 speed My build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=559881

04-06-2013, 03:29 AM	#23
jocko Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Godley, TX Posts: 17,938	Re: Automatic vs. Manual..whats your favorite? 67 or newer: auto (o/d preferred) 66 or earlier: manual (5 speed preferred) I don't know why. I think of the 67 and newer trucks more as "trucks" than hot rods (i.e. like I consider the 66 and earlier trucks).

04-06-2013, 09:20 AM	#24
54belair Registered User Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: bolivar, mo Posts: 839	Re: Automatic vs. Manual..whats your favorite? Well, I like both. For every day work or transportation, Im lay enough to prefer an auto. I have an auto in my 54 chevy street machine but in my current 68 stepper project I removed a 700r and Im installing a muncie m 20 four speed. Itll be my last affair with a 4 speed----and when I give the truck to my grand son, it will insure that he will have to learn the ancient art of driving a stick!! In the meantime, grandpa may lay a little rubber! __________________ 1997 shortie stepside 1968 short stepside 1966 mustang 1966 chevelle ss Dont always go the cheapest route--You can save yourself into the poorhouse! My Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=489030

04-06-2013, 09:35 AM	#25
JJorgensen52 Simple? What's simple? Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Southeast CT Posts: 1,472	Re: Automatic vs. Manual..whats your favorite? I've owned both, but I usually end up switching to manuals. '93 Typhoon - built 700R4 (there is no readily available manual to convert this one, wish there was) '10 HHR - 5 speed stick '69 - NV4500 5 speed '72 - SM465 4 speed __________________ CURRENT '50 GMC 100 shortbed Gen IV 4.8 LS - 4L65E (Secret truck, Shhh!!!) Build '63 Buick Wildcat Coupe 401ci Nailhead (Very much in pieces) Photos '66 Impala SS convertible 327-QJet-glide (4 speed swap one of these days...) Photos '69 CST/10 4x4 SWB Stepper 350 2bbl - NV4500/NP241C (Broken Truck!) '72 Sierra Grande 2WD LWB fleetside 350-TH350 Refresh '99 K2500 Silverado RCLB 5.7 Vortec - NV4500/NP241C (Daily) '99 K2500 Suburban 7.4 Vortec - NV4500/NP246 (still working out the bugs) SOLD '71 Custom/10 2WD LWB fleetside - '72 GMC K/3500 Dually (Sold to redryder)

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