Hey guys, It's getting to be that time again, every spring I get a new car. I've had my fun with LT1's though, after the first 2 they kinda get old. So... I'm thinking its time to try out an LS1. So far every Fbody I have ever owned (3rd or 4th gen, all Z's ) have come with manual transmissions. While I love shifting my own gears, it's starting to get old. I have heard that while the fastest LT1's are sticks, the fastest LS1's are A4's. Is this true? I know nothing about A4's, they have never interested me, until now. Whats the cost of a shift kit and something like a 3200-3600 stall converter? Am I better off sticking with the 6 speed? They're harder to find but I'm willing to wait. Thanks guys.

 

From the factory, the M6 will be a little faster.
But put a higher stall torque converter in an A4 car, and it'll blow away an M6.
Most LS1 owners that drage race prefer the A4, as do I.

 

ilstening

 

First define faster..

Otherwise

the stick cars are faster
and the auto's can be quicker

that being said a manual tranny aways transfers power better.. so everything being equal (ie traction and shift speed) the stick wins both

 

Faster at what?

1/4 mile, stock for stock with equal drivers, the A4 should be a little faster due to the computer controlled shifting

Autocross, stock for stock with equal drivers, the M6 will be faster due to the ability to pick the precise gear needed

Add a 3,000 stall TC and/or 3.73 rear and the A4 will really liven up for straight line running.

 

I hate this topic................there is no "right" answer EVER. I know that manuals use less power to turn, so less driveline loss = more rwhp, BUT, not every engine is 100% identical in power output, and once you start changing "little" things here and there (ie: new lid, exhaust, whatever) and boost the fly-wheel horsepower of one car more than another, if that car has an auto, it's still gonna make more power and be faster than the 6-speed car if all else is equal (ie: weight based on interior, excess amps/subwoofers, ground effects kits, and full or empty tank of gas ).

It sounds like you like driving standard, but if you're getting tired of it, get an auto. Either way, you will not regret it --- not based on "speed" anyway. Get the TRANSMISSION you want.

That's my $.02 --- I know this will still get beat to death AGAIN though.

 

If you're a badass with the stick, M6. (stock)

If your're anything below that, A4. (stock)

If you get a good stall convertor, kiss the M6 good-bye.

I think that's the best way anyone can put it. The A4 is more consisent because you just have to worry about launching it (which is easier with the A4) and the computer takes care of the rest. I have an A4 because of that.

 

True dat......A4's can be crazy quick with a higher stall tc. Going from stock to a 2800 you can cut a 1/2 sec of your q-mile time. And consistantly get good launches. Plus A4's are not as mean to our weak rear ends.

 

See.. thats what I'm saying. I dont mean a stock auto vs a stock stick... give the M6 an aftermarket shifter, and give the A4 a higher stall converter and a shift kit. The A4 should be much faster, right? And what about longevity? I would of course add a somewhat large tranny cooler.

 

Any time you build an engine with serious power its good to prep the rest of the car for it as well. So if your engine is putting out tons of power, you should get your tranny rebuilt to hande that power, regardless if its a manual or stick. But I do believe that the A4 is able to hold more power from the factory than the M6 is. But the A4's are built pretty damn tough if I do say so myself.

 

The M6 gets an aftermarket shifter? $150

The A4 gets a converter and a shift kit? That's gotta be well over $1000 installed. And you have to add the tranny cooler too, to make it perform dependably.

There's a reason why the prices are different. How about giving the M6 a 12 bolt?

With an equal 60ft and a driver who know's what he's doing in an M6, the M6 is a faster car from the factory. More power to the ground and better gear ratios (close ratio) adds up. Better trap speed=more to work with. No one's going to launch hard on the goodyears anyway..best case, you can get a 2.0 or a 1.9 60ft in either car (if you know what you're doing).

But it hardly ever plays out this way. Many close to stock A4s outperform M6s at the 1/4. Neither car has a tremendous advantage..I say pick the transmission you have the most fun with (for me, it's an M6).

 

And now for the double post.

How many stock LS1s have you heard of hitting the 12s? What transmission were they running?

What did you run stock? 13.3 here..on a 2.2 60ft! And 107-108 mph all night (60 degrees). The ET is always all about the launch..but I like to enjoy a car's speed in other forms, too. On the highway..from a roll. You're not always at a dragstrip or racing from a dead stop. What exactly does "faster" mean? More powerful?

 

Gotta love a stalled Auto baby!!

 

yeah, a4's are faster with stall and shift kit...but a 12 bolt with slicks would be just as expensive...I think, but if you ask me i would rather have a slower car that is more fun to drive...

 

I base my decision on repair costs.. I went through 6 4L60E's in 3 years.. Decided I wanted a stick when I got the new car..