I am about to convert my chevelle from an automatic to a 4-speed. I heard from a friend that a chevy is faster with an automatic than with a manual. I am not really concerned with speed, but I have never heard anything like this. Does anyone know if it is true?

1967 Chevelle-
*454 w/350 Turbo
*454 is bored out .020
*9 1/2.1 compression
*Edelbrock 750 on a
Edelbrock Air-Gap Intake

LOL
Depends on who is banging the gears! Da Grump sez "No Way!" :D
Seriously. looking at the NHRA Stock and Super Stock class records is inconclusive. Some Automatic classes are faster, some stick classes are faster. (ie: A/S v A/SA, SS/C v SS/CA)
Hey, Rocky...I am planning a 454 transplant into my 67 Elky. Are you running that air gap under a stock hood? I have read that they don't fit (I have a 396 with a 2-0) I will prolly go to a 4 way in the future too. Just for the fun of it!
John

On the street it might be faster,at the track you'll just break more parts. Especially with a big block in front of it.

Did your buddy say its only Chevys that the theory applies to ? :rolleyes:

Its one of those things, where there are an aweful lot of variables.
The question of whats faster a stick or an automatic.

Depends upon the driver the weight of the car, the gears inside the transmisson, the convertor the clutch the shifter, the charateristics of the engine, even the tires matter.

Like was said above, a stick is so much fun behind a big block, its a real kick.
A stick will make a car feel faster even though it might no be as fast.

I you were going to race alot, an automatic, is easier, a lot less likely to break stuff, and more consistant.

A previous owner had installed an automatic in my 68, which had been a stick car.
So the swap was probably a little eaiser for me to change back to a stick.

I had never drag raced the car, before the swap back to the stick, but I'm not sorry I did it.
Not even a little bit.
Drag racing is a ton, of fun, and the 72 is an automatic, I intend to race it regularly eventually.
but I'll never change that 68 from a stick to an automatic, its too much fun the way it is.

Hey phocksphyre. No the air-gap will not fit under a stock hood. I have a 3.25" fiberglass cowl induction. I have about 3/4" of play between the scoop and breather.

Dude,
I'm going to tell you one thing. If you like shifting gears and it feels good. Install a manual, but if want to win races. Install an Automatic. I know It's fun banging gears but, you have to be pretty good to race and win with a manual. It's like all the control with out changing the stall speed. See Ya

John

If you want to have the best thrill when just fooling around there is no better feeling then a 4 speed and a big block.that's just my 2 pennys worth. graemlins/thumbsup.gif

For consistencyon race day...automatic. For the feel of real muscle....4 speed. My personal preference is a 4 speed. Automatics are for old men.....hey wait....I am an old man. Still rather have a 4 speed!