For the fast guys out there...what is the "limit" of a manual t-56 before you are just giving up too much to a big stall converter car in a full out drag race class? If you aren't keeping up with the efi f-body racing series(ls1tech, thunder shootout, etc.) the 360 cubes and below class is getting very very fast. These guys are in the 1.3 60s and running 10.3-10.4 at 129-130 mph in 3400 lbs cars. I'm stepping up my combo to bring more power...hopefully a good bit more but i was wondering where to draw the line at with the manual? Now remember...My tranny is a max effort 6 speed and a very agressive suspension under it. I'm going 1.45 60' and I know I can bring that down even more. Lets say I match the rwhp of the auto cars(between 475-490 rwhp), can I keep up with them on the track? This is doing full power shifts 2nd - 4th, launch off the two step at 5200 now..hoping to bring that up to 5800-6000.

So whats the feelings out there...am I giving up too much or should I be able to run them down on top end if I can stay within .1 of their 60' with the same rwhp? As an example..I raced the thunder car in their old setup. We cut just about the same 60' and reaction time but he still put about 3 cars on me out of the hole because of the stall and after the launch I still have to climb back up through some low rpms to really hit my power band. I started running him down at the top of 3rd but missed 4th and aborted. I need suggestions and help in deciding what would be the best thing to do. I Love shifting this car....but also hate to loose..lol.

Tim

 

Seems like you answered your own question

 

well i was starting to catch him..lol. I've made up about 3 cars on top end on an equal et converter car..had 4 mph on him but lost by a nose.

 

As a general rule a high stall auto will 60' better, but not have the mph on the top end due to the converter slipping and the tranny having more HP loss. The trick is to find the right balance of converter vs. power band, etc. so you'll have a minimal loss on the top end and still 60' good. JMO

 

I agree with you...with the new technology going into converters they are becoming very very efficient on top end..while giving that blast out of the hole. I'm so torn..I truely think I would be faster but I love shifting. I would be pissed if I only picked up like .1 and lost 2 mph. I have seen a cam only ls1 car convert...picked up .3 and lost under 1 mph in the same air. That is what is coaxing me into converting. What I would really like to see are some more examples of fast cars that have done the conversion. I'm pretty good at the stick but I've been told that around 11.5 is where you start loosing to an auto car..and once you get in the 10s your giving up alot of ground.

 

I made my decision to switch from the 6 speed to the th400 after I broke the output shaft on my T56. I think I could have gotten the car into the 11.6 range with a few more passes on it (only got 10 passes total before I broke). My best 60 ft was a 1.6560 ft 11.88@117 with the 6 speed. I changed to a th400 and dropped to a 1.57 60ft and ran 11.4@119 first time out albeit in much better weather. However, my car is setup for the bottle so my gains are not as good as they would have been if I had set it up NA. Setup NA I think the car would go a 11.0-11.1. I have a very tight nitrous converter that is made for a 250rwhp hit. I think you would be much better off with an auto. Just make sure you get a t-brake and a reverse manual valve body. That way you still can shift and it will "feel" like a stick launching off the t-brake. I love my auto and I am happy that I went to it. I do miss highway driving though but the auto keeps me from getting speeding tickets...lol. Go auto and make sure the converter is perfectly matched to your car. If sticking with NA only, you might want to go with a th350 instead of th400 as they take less power to turn.

Later
Matt

 

don't do it!!! whatever you think is best for ya! but just wait until i get down to louisiana, lol!!!

all i can seriously say is if you drive it on the street, then i think i know what your answer is then, especially since you like to shift! probably as much as i do

 

Tim Tim Tim Tim I have answered this time and time before you will go faster man. go for it and come and play with the big boys.

 

don't worry tanner...if it happens it will be after this good weather season. My plans are to set the 6 speed bar pretty low...heheheheh....and small cubes to boot.

Clint....I know it may be alittle faster...but which is more fun...lol. I'm sure that at some point I will need to do it .... until then...I'm shiftin. I was just wondering if there were any actual results out there from people that did this. Like I said..if I only pick up .1 or so..its going back up for sale..lol.

 

its real tought to miss a gear with an auto

car will be qwicker and 60 foot will improve, not to mention the consitency of the car. Your only other option is to keep the 6 speed and just have Taner drive it at the track

 

How about a compromise? Put a manual valve body in the auto so you have to manually shift it, which means you still have to hit the shift points manually too. I know it's not the same as pushing the clutch in and yanking gears, but it would be more fun than a straight auto. Just a thought.

 

lmao @ Coach !!! my rental fees are cheap, just toss me the keys

Raptor, I dorve a friends car just like that....i found it to be BORING! you can't down shift, etc...... though for consistency an auto probably can't be beat!

 

Yeah, it may be boring, but who cares if you cross the finish line first? Just trying to find an up-side for you youngsters who like to bang gears Don't matter to me 'cause I can't yank the stick any more anyway (separated right shoulder), so I'm "confined" to an auto and I'm...well, ummm...more consistant!

 

I'd rather be bangin gears in the lane BESIDE him than watching him drive my car

I know the car will be more consistant and alittle quicker. I guess my only saving grace is I also have an old corvette that has a full manual valve body TH350 with 3800 stall in it sitting at home that I'm gonna put a t-56 in. at least I can get my shifting fix on that car when i need it. I'm sure it will happen eventually...not untill next year though for sure. Low 10s in a 355 lt1 6 speed is my goal.

 

Raptor,
thank god i run heads up races, no need to dial her in, just get her down the track as fast as i can oh and that's bangin' gears all the way, yee haw!

Tim,

lol! i hear ya on that! so Low 10's on motor....with a 355! awesome! maybe i will get to see that in La. this year.

it is nice to have a more "normal" car. i enjoy driving the wifes 94Z ALOT! i did a complete 1LE suspension package on it and the car loves corners and the highway! it puts a big smile on my face when i drive it!

i have to see if the wife wants to go to La. this year

did you get your alt. belt squared away?