Hellcat-- Manual trans vs Auto

[ws23rt]

I've made up my mind about getting a Hellcat challenger but one question is left for me to move on.  I'm at 95% on choosing the 6sp manual but it seems the chatter is all about the 8sp auto. Little info on testing the 6sp with this car seems to be out there.

Does my sales pitch radar pick up something?

As we older folks recall Mopar added the dana rear end and a few other items when a hemi or 440 was ordered with manual trans.

I think they know their is much interest in the 6sp but sure are pushing the 8sp auto.

I've tossed the idea of future value as being a consideration for me. When that time comes I won't care and I'm buying the car for me today just like I bought them in the 60s/70s.

Has anyone heard about possible warranty differences?   Or other?

[Aero426]

Auto will be faster, but the manual will be more funner.   With a car like that, you want the man's transmission anyway.  

A couple other purchase considerations I have not seen mentioned are:

What will the car cost to insure?   

What will the running costs of the car be?    There is going to a bunch of proprietary parts on that car that will not be cheap to replace.   

[Finoke]

My gut feel is the manual will be more collectible. they are pushing the automatic so I'm guessing the number of manual cars will be lower.

Young people today don't even know how to drive a stick and most manufacturers are phasing out manual transmissions. I'm not sure how that will affect the collectibility. Could go either way.

[Indygenerallee]

On that car I would go Automatic all the way... Have you ever driven a 500 HP stick car?? It's hairy for sure I could only imagine a 707 HP stick car..

[ws23rt]

On that car I would go Automatic all the way... Have you ever driven a 500 HP stick car?? It's hairy for sure I could only imagine a 707 HP stick car..

I have driven high hp stick cars.  The horsepower in my cars is under my control as is the transmission.
My 09 srt8 (6sp)has less than 500hp but not alot. My 69 hemi 4sp coronet the same but different.
My motorcycle has 500hp and that is under my control as well.

The 707hp of the hellcat is not automatic. One has to make it do that.

These are toys to be played with not animals to be tamed.

[Hessian]

I'm glad someone is asking this question... I'm also seriously considering ordering a Hellcat and the thought of 707/650lb under manual shift sounds like you'll need your full bag of nerves... and some clean shorts.

I've had an 08 SRT Challenger which I didn't like (the auto trans that is). I now have a '14 challenger R/T with 6spd and while not as fast as my '08 it's more fun to drive.

While i like my '14 Challenger that will get traded back in but my main decision is... do I sell my '69 Charger to make this happen...?   

One is already a timeless classic, the other is destined to be.  My dealer said they expect the allocation to be sold out the first day....

[SRT-440]

If u wanna be as fast as possible buy the auto...if u like a manual then buy the 6sp.

Either way it's a win win.

[Aero426]

While i like my '14 Challenger that will get traded back in but my main decision is... do I sell my '69 Charger to make this happen...?   

As I see it, you have the best of both worlds right now with your new car which already has all the performance you really need.   There is no way would I give up the real deal '69. 

There is a lot of assumption that these new cars will be collectible.   But anyone who saved an '08 Challenger new in the wrapper is upside down now.     Because there has been a succession of newer, faster, better cars each year.   How far is the horsepower insanity going to go?   It can't go much farther than 707 HP.   But it's hard to predict exactly when the music is going to stop.

[Indygenerallee]

If u wanna be as fast as possible buy the auto...if u like a manual then buy the 6sp.

plus with the paddle shifters you still get to manually shift without the leg action....

[Aero426]

plus with the paddle shifters you still get to manually shift without the leg action....

There is something about the manual transmission that engages you as the driver.   I know the paddles will beat it every time on the race track, but it's just not the same. 

[myk]

plus with the paddle shifters you still get to manually shift without the leg action....

There is something about the manual transmission that engages you as the driver.   I know the paddles will beat it every time on the race track, but it's just not the same. 

I would wager that the "connection" between man and machine is much more visceral with an old-school manual transmission.  Auto's and paddle shifters may be faster and more consistent, but the sensation of rowing your own gears and cogs has no equal; that other stuff is too "clean" IMO...

[chargerman69]

I'm glad someone is asking this question... I'm also seriously considering ordering a Hellcat and the thought of 707/650lb under manual shift sounds like you'll need your full bag of nerves... and some clean shorts.

I've had an 08 SRT Challenger which I didn't like (the auto trans that is). I now have a '14 challenger R/T with 6spd and while not as fast as my '08 it's more fun to drive.

While i like my '14 Challenger that will get traded back in but my main decision is... do I sell my '69 Charger to make this happen...?   

One is already a timeless classic, the other is destined to be.  My dealer said they expect the allocation to be sold out the first day....

If you side to sell the 69 letme know, if it was me i woodet

[Mytur Binsdirti]

The problem with the 8 speed auto is thatthere are so many gears that it will be shifting up and down all the time. Yes, it will be faster, but I still ordered mine with a stick for the fun factor. 

[Hessian]

The problem with the 8 speed auto is thatthere are so many gears that it will be shifting up and down all the time. Yes, it will be faster, but I still ordered mine with a stick for the fun factor. 

Were you actually able to physically place the order?  Our local dealer says Aug 10 is the earliest date I can.

[myk]

Man....lotta ballers up in this place...

[War wagon]

I've ordered the stick as well and can expect delivery in time for spring. Ordered the upgraded Laguna leather seats which are on restriction ATM so I have too wait for the car.

Gives me time too sell my 69 in the meanwhile. My car is posted in the for sale section with a half serious ad which I will soon add to. I wasn't sure IF I could even get a hellcat when I made the post. Since my order has been accepted and I've traded my truck. Only have room for one toy the charger will have to go to a new home

FYI up here in the great white north the car COMES STANDARD WITH AUTOMATIC TRANS, and it costs you 1k too upgrade to stick.

Just something to think about here but dodge has rated the new 8spd for the Hellcat as having a MAX torque rating of 663tq yet the car comes with 650tq.... What happens to trans after repeated abuse with Slicks? Torque would be multiplied with slicks and I think you'd be fixing trans or buying a new one in no time...
Imagine the replacement/ repair cost VS stick car and a clutch LOL just my opinion!

I traded my 2013 ram sport 4x4 8spd in as a deposit and while the 8spd has proven to be an amazing transmission in the truck application for me personally the stick was the ONLY way to go.
The stick cars ALSO have launch control LMAO . Having run a 6spd 9 sec car down the track many times I'm VERY excited to try and get a 10.99 out of this beast with some decent rubber.
Fastest time I've found for a stick car is 11.8 and the driver had to start in 2nd LOL.
They did the 10.85 pass on Nitto 555 drag RADIALS 305 35 20 , just imagine a set of sticky Hoosiers /:D LOL
Either way it's going to be epic trying and a whole lot more fun than flappy paddles IMHO

[Mytur Binsdirti]

The problem with the 8 speed auto is thatthere are so many gears that it will be shifting up and down all the time. Yes, it will be faster, but I still ordered mine with a stick for the fun factor. 

Were you actually able to physically place the order?  Our local dealer says Aug 10 is the earliest date I can.

I pre-ordered the car with a dealer who in turn will immediately place the order (and many others) the moment the order banks open.

[Arkgl01]

Could you imagine a hurst pistol grip in that car!! 

[Ghoste]

Yes, yes I can. 

[War wagon]

That's what I ordered 
I know you guys love pics LOL
I have 2 sets of personalized plates already that could be used but am still debating others if anything at all.
One set is CNU LTR. And the other is currently on my truck which leaves today DRIIVN either one might look good on the Hellcat?
Opinions? Thoughts?!

NastyCat, BADPUSSY, SCRATCHES, BADKITTY lol not hard to think of cool plates for that car

[wingcar]

While i like my '14 Challenger that will get traded back in but my main decision is... do I sell my '69 Charger to make this happen...?   

As I see it, you have the best of both worlds right now with your new car which already has all the performance you really need.   There is no way would I give up the real deal '69. 

There is a lot of assumption that these new cars will be collectible.   But anyone who saved an '08 Challenger new in the wrapper is upside down now.     Because there has been a succession of newer, faster, better cars each year.   How far is the horsepower insanity going to go?   It can't go much farther than 707 HP.   But it's hard to predict exactly when the music is going to stop.

I purchased my '08 Challenger to enjoy, not because I thought it would be an investment (it may or may not be).  Buy the car to enjoy and drive, not because of it's possible future valve...the true valve of any muscle or collectble car is it's enjoyment factor.....

[Aero426]

Just something to think about here but dodge has rated the new 8spd for the Hellcat as having a MAX torque rating of 663tq yet the car comes with 650tq.... What happens to trans after repeated abuse with Slicks? Torque would be multiplied with slicks and I think you'd be fixing trans or buying a new one in no time...
Imagine the replacement/ repair cost VS stick car and a clutch LOL just my opinion!

The repair cost is probably going to be high no matter what, but the 8-spd would scare me a little bit.    I wonder if the dealer will be able to look at the last data in the computer and determine what you were doing when the trans failed?   "Sorry, 27 seconds at wide open throttle.   That's not covered under your warranty, sir."      They must have a lot of faith in the powertrain to be able to put it out there.  

[War wagon]

While i like my '14 Challenger that will get traded back in but my main decision is... do I sell my '69 Charger to make this happen...?   

As I see it, you have the best of both worlds right now with your new car which already has all the performance you really need.   There is no way would I give up the real deal '69. 

There is a lot of assumption that these new cars will be collectible.   But anyone who saved an '08 Challenger new in the wrapper is upside down now.     Because there has been a succession of newer, faster, better cars each year.   How far is the horsepower insanity going to go?   It can't go much farther than 707 HP.   But it's hard to predict exactly when the music is going to stop.

I purchased my '08 Challenger to enjoy, not because I thought it would be an investment (it may or may not be).  Buy the car to enjoy and drive, not because of it's possible future valve...the true valve of any muscle or collectble car is it's enjoyment factor.....

Well said!! I told the dealer I will have the highest mileage hellcat in Ontario LOL.... If it's sunny it will be on the road, just like my 69 is now!!! Life is wayyyy too short, enjoy everyday!

[War wagon]

The automatics finish the 1/4 in 5th gear and the stick finishes in 3rd. BUT!!!! The best times so far for a stick car have come from a second gear start, that means one shift Lmao to third and you're done...
On Real slicks I think it will be interesting... Especially with Launch control on the stick!!!!!!!!!!
To each their own but just the thought of a 10K Bill for a new trans from Dodge should the automatic go BOOM is enough to scare me away. Maybe in a few years but even the trucks and other cars with 8spds have already had serious issues. 6cyl versions had input shaft snapping off , just imagine that happens at the track while you're testing some slicks....
Either way you can't lose if your interested in the car as a TOY. Think of it as an investment and i think you end up disappointed.
Personally I have been waiting for this car my whole life.... Always wished I could have ordered a 71 HEMI Cuda NEW but I was only born in 69
This car is MY 71 Cuda, and I will cherish every moment

[Ghoste]

Either way you can't lose if your interested in the car as a TOY. Think of it as an investment and i think you end up disappointed.
Personally I have been waiting for this car my whole life.... Always wished I could have ordered a 71 HEMI Cuda NEW but I was only born in 69
This car is MY 71 Cuda, and I will cherish every moment

Good advice all around.

[Mytur Binsdirti]

Man....lotta ballers up in this place...

Someone's got to turn this economy around; might as well do it with Hellcat purchases.

[Ghoste]

Hell yeah!!

[charger_fan_4ever]

Whats the color options ?

They available in purple ?

[68pplcharger]

On that car I would go Automatic all the way... Have you ever driven a 500 HP stick car?? It's hairy for sure I could only imagine a 707 HP stick car..

I'm a 4 manual driver all the way. I've got around 1,100 hp in my Charger with a 4 speed and love it. You drive it like you would a really powerful motorcycle. these cars have traction control so getting out of control is unlikely unless your trying real hard.

[ws23rt]

The problem with the 8 speed auto is thatthere are so many gears that it will be shifting up and down all the time. Yes, it will be faster, but I still ordered mine with a stick for the fun factor. 

Were you actually able to physically place the order?  Our local dealer says Aug 10 is the earliest date I can.

I pre-ordered the car with a dealer who in turn will immediately place the order (and many others) the moment the order banks open.

I just talked to the guy that sold me my 09 SRT at sticker price.

He said that the latest he got from the factory was that there will be only 500 hellcats made.  This is very easily faulty info. because very few are in the loop of real information.

If this is true than this dealer (largest in my area) may only get 1 or 2 because there are 3500? or so dealers.  He also said that his current high offer is 20K over sticker. If they only get two cars than that tells the story for that dealer

If it's true that the FIRST run will be only 500 and people are bidding for a slot than it looks like I will be waiting longer that expected.

I expect that many are calling around to find a dealer that will order for them but wanting is different than getting.

When the ordering opens it's first come first serve and if they need to build X number of chargers with little engines to make sales they will do that and we will have to wait.

[Mytur Binsdirti]

  He also said that his current high offer is 20K over sticker.

[War wagon]

The problem with the 8 speed auto is thatthere are so many gears that it will be shifting up and down all the time. Yes, it will be faster, but I still ordered mine with a stick for the fun factor. 

Were you actually able to physically place the order?  Our local dealer says Aug 10 is the earliest date I can.

I pre-ordered the car with a dealer who in turn will immediately place the order (and many others) the moment the order banks open.

I just talked to the guy that sold me my 09 SRT at sticker price.

He said that the latest he got from the factory was that there will be only 500 hellcats made.  This is very easily faulty info. because very few are in the loop of real information.

If this is true than this dealer (largest in my area) may only get 1 or 2 because there are 3500? or so dealers.  He also said that his current high offer is 20K over sticker. If they only get two cars than that tells the story for that dealer

If it's true that the FIRST run will be only 500 and people are bidding for a slot than it looks like I will be waiting longer that expected.

I expect that many are calling around to find a dealer that will order for them but wanting is different than getting.

When the ordering opens it's first come first serve and if they need to build X number of chargers with little engines to make sales they will do that and we will have to wait.

I'm not sure if it's possible from your side of the fence but I know LOTS of Canadians who buy cars in the States, why couldn't an American buy a car in Canada? Is it possible??
Buy a Hellcat in Canada at MSRP!! LOL
I paid MSRP for mine, the only drawback would be the warranty. We get the shaft and have less warranty on a car that's made here lmao. For some reason it becomes more reliable when it crosses the border and the factory is willing to stand behind it longer?? Go figure?!?!
I dealt with Wellington Motors who are the sponsor of Moparfest and have been a dealer for 75yrs!!!! Largest SRT dealer in Ontario, and I've had a fantastic experience with them so far. They refused to take my truck on trade until they could gaurentee me a Hellcat. Well I have a VON # and no more truck.... Very very happy with them
Don't pay a penny over sticker!!

[Troy]

Dealer markups are a joke. My boss waited on a new Viper for a while then the original dealer cancelled his order (because they weren't actually able to order one like they thought). The next dealer he talked to wanted $30k over sticker. It took less than an hour on the phone to find a dealer elsewhere who wouldn't mark it up so he bought it on the spot. Sure it was in Tennessee but transporting a car is cheap. The dealers only get away with it because someone out there pays it. Sort of like Spammers/Scammers: it only takes one person in a million to fall for that Nigerian Bank scam to make it worthwhile.

Troy

[Lord Warlock]

according to the CEO, the hellcat will not be a limited production model,  if you want one they'll build it  for you.  The challenger boards were floating 3000 as the production estimate, which has been clarified by mopar that there is no limit on production.

There are only two options available to me, sell my challenger rt classic (2010), my stealth turbo, and finance about 30k which is what I financed on the classic  OR Sell the charger RT and challenger and pay cash.  Not too keen on selling 69,  however, a recent diagnosis of prostate cancer has me looking at ways to simplify my hobby,  the hellcat would give me the means to go and enter car shows and attend national meets, even moreso than the charger would.  so I'm still considering my options, my 2010 only has 25k miles on it and has all I want except 707 HP.

[Troy]

I wonder who starts all these rumors about severely limited production? Probably dealers who jack up the price! One of our companies makes the heads so I know how many were ordered...

Troy

[redmist]

I am also thinking about selling my 68 Charger to get one of these.

[Lord Warlock]

If it wasn't my 1st car and was ready for the road, I'd have it on the market now,  but it still needs a few minor things to be done to drive on the street, mainly bleeding the brakes and priming the fuel lines with fuel.  Engine ran fine before I took the plug wires off to detail the engine bay.  The fact that it is my first car, and I've held on to it for 37 years, makes it real difficult to part with just for another  new car.  However, having the chance to buy today's version of the Hemi Cuda of yesteryear is strikingly compelling.

[ws23rt]

It looks like a majority here (at least posters) would chose the manual trans.  Some of the points made pushed me to 99% pro 6sp.

Their is still a question that maybe can't be answered here because we don't represent the greater/ overall hellcat buyer.

So back to the question about why all the hype for the auto?  Is it to help sell something scary to the public?---don't be scared it will drive like a race car for you ---just point and go--  (Their is much talk about how to turn the good stuff on and off.)

Just trying to put myself at the table and listening to the discussions. All I hear at the table (in my head) is that the manual is a no brainer. (those are sold already).  What we need to do is sell this car to a world of new drivers for muscle cars.  ----Ok (still in my head) lets give the those that want a cool muscle car something they can drive off the lot without stalling

I must say they have done a good job of making this car attractive from many angles.

[Lord Warlock]

Many of us "car enthusiasts" drive an automatic, even with the newer challengers.  Personally I bought my challenger with an automatic in 2010, and haven't missed the stickshift much, certainly not enough to trade in the auto and get a 6 speed on the hellcat.  I'd much prefer that the car be easy to drive for daily traffic duties as eventually I'll go back to work and have to commute again. 
The auto hellcat is faster than the 6spd is, and a large majority of drivers today prefer an automatic trans.  I did teach my daughters how to drive a stick shift before they left home, so at least they can consider a manual shift car in the future.

While I don't know how many hellcat buyers will get a 6spd or how many will get an auto, going by the current challenger owners there is about a 2/3 to 1/3 ratio of Auto/Manual owners.  If I do get a hellcat, there is a good chance it'll be an automatic, even though it costs extra in 2015.  I love driving a six speed, but being stuck in traffic to and from the office is absolute hell with a stick shift, and the car gets driven more to and from work than it does on weekends. 

[hatersaurusrex]

Just something to think about here but dodge has rated the new 8spd for the Hellcat as having a MAX torque rating of 663tq yet the car comes with 650tq.... What happens to trans after repeated abuse with Slicks? Torque would be multiplied with slicks and I think you'd be fixing trans or buying a new one in no time...
Imagine the replacement/ repair cost VS stick car and a clutch LOL just my opinion!

The repair cost is probably going to be high no matter what, but the 8-spd would scare me a little bit.    I wonder if the dealer will be able to look at the last data in the computer and determine what you were doing when the trans failed?   "Sorry, 27 seconds at wide open throttle.   That's not covered under your warranty, sir."      They must have a lot of faith in the powertrain to be able to put it out there.  

27 seconds at WOT?   Wouldn't you be going about 275MPH at that point?

[68pplcharger]

Just something to think about here but dodge has rated the new 8spd for the Hellcat as having a MAX torque rating of 663tq yet the car comes with 650tq.... What happens to trans after repeated abuse with Slicks? Torque would be multiplied with slicks and I think you'd be fixing trans or buying a new one in no time...
Imagine the replacement/ repair cost VS stick car and a clutch LOL just my opinion!

The repair cost is probably going to be high no matter what, but the 8-spd would scare me a little bit.    I wonder if the dealer will be able to look at the last data in the computer and determine what you were doing when the trans failed?   "Sorry, 27 seconds at wide open throttle.   That's not covered under your warranty, sir."      They must have a lot of faith in the powertrain to be able to put it out there.  

27 seconds at WOT?   Wouldn't you be going about 275MPH at that point?

LMAO probably 

[Ghoste]

As far as the trans choice, at the end of it all don't buy it as a future investment anyway, buy it because you like it and get what you want and enjoy it.

[68pplcharger]

As far as the trans choice, at the end of it all don't buy it as a future investment anyway, buy it because you like it and get what you want and enjoy it.

[odcics2]

It looks like a majority here (at least posters) would chose the manual trans.  Some of the points made pushed me to 99% pro 6sp.

Their is still a question that maybe can't be answered here because we don't represent the greater/ overall hellcat buyer.

So back to the question about why all the hype for the auto?  Is it to help sell something scary to the public?---don't be scared it will drive like a race car for you ---just point and go--  (Their is much talk about how to turn the good stuff on and off.)

Just trying to put myself at the table and listening to the discussions. All I hear at the table (in my head) is that the manual is a no brainer. (those are sold already).  What we need to do is sell this car to a world of new drivers for muscle cars.  ----Ok (still in my head) lets give the those that want a cool muscle car something they can drive off the lot without stalling

I must say they have done a good job of making this car attractive from many angles.

Could be as simple as better mileage figures for the auto trans.   It all helps to keep the CAFE up!!   

[chargerman69]

Lord Warlock, If you decide you want to sell the 69 shoot me a msg

according to the CEO, the hellcat will not be a limited production model,  if you want one they'll build it  for you.  The challenger boards were floating 3000 as the production estimate, which has been clarified by mopar that there is no limit on production.

There are only two options available to me, sell my challenger rt classic (2010), my stealth turbo, and finance about 30k which is what I financed on the classic  OR Sell the charger RT and challenger and pay cash.  Not too keen on selling 69,  however, a recent diagnosis of prostate cancer has me looking at ways to simplify my hobby,  the hellcat would give me the means to go and enter car shows and attend national meets, even moreso than the charger would.  so I'm still considering my options, my 2010 only has 25k miles on it and has all I want except 707 HP.

[Lord Warlock]

I had to give up my Hellcat dream, had to spend 44k for dental implant surgery this week.  Still have radiation treatments to deal with, 9 weeks of it in fact, for the prostate cancer.  There is a possibility, albiet a small one, that I may have to sell the charger, a car I have owned since i was 17 back in 1978.  If I do decide to go that route, I will be happy to contact you first, and/or advertise it here on this site before I put it up elsewhere.  

I plan to sell the stealth turbo as soon as I get it started again, and repaint it.  It will make a dent in the dental surgery bills, (and the cashout of a smaller retirement acct)

[myk]

I had to give up my Hellcat dream, had to spend 44k for dental implant surgery this week.  Still have radiation treatments to deal with, 9 weeks of it in fact, for the prostate cancer.  There is a possibility, albiet a small one, that I may have to sell the charger, a car I have owned since i was 17 back in 1978.  If I do decide to go that route, I will be happy to contact you first, and/or advertise it here on this site before I put it up elsewhere.  

I plan to sell the stealth turbo as soon as I get it started again, and repaint it.  It will make a dent in the dental surgery bills, (and the cashout of a smaller retirement acct)

Sorry to hear that.  Then again without our health we don't really have anything.  I hope you fare better and get to keep the Charger...

[ws23rt]

I had to give up my Hellcat dream, had to spend 44k for dental implant surgery this week.  Still have radiation treatments to deal with, 9 weeks of it in fact, for the prostate cancer.  There is a possibility, albiet a small one, that I may have to sell the charger, a car I have owned since i was 17 back in 1978.  If I do decide to go that route, I will be happy to contact you first, and/or advertise it here on this site before I put it up elsewhere.  

I plan to sell the stealth turbo as soon as I get it started again, and repaint it.  It will make a dent in the dental surgery bills, (and the cashout of a smaller retirement acct)

Sorry to hear that.  Then again without our health we don't really have anything.  I hope you fare better and get to keep the Charger...

Sorry to hear as well.   But don't give up on your dreams of a Hellcat or any other dream for that matter.
When we say to ourselves--I can't do this anymore because---What we are doing is giving in.

I agree with myk that ones health comes first and it can take much of what we have worked for over the years.
Would like to add though that things that we want to do are important factors in healing. If we give up too much of what we want to do than healing slows because the payoff for getting better diminishes.

[Lord Warlock]

Thanks for the support, I am trying to remain as positive as I can, the charger being so close to completion would in essence fill my desires as far as musclecars go, my 2010 challenger is very nice, but it isn't a hellcat.  But we've been going thru some tough times of late, I've been out of work since last october, had taken some time off to get as much done on the charger as i could, finally got far enough to start looking for work again in May, only to find out about the cancer which then put the job search on hold again, In the past I could always take a few months off because the wife worked (and gets paid almost double what i earn) but she got laid off recently and now we are living off savings and severance pay.  The insurance is only good through January, hopefully I'll be done with radiation by then, but the cancer drugs are hellishly expensive....one hormone shot to kill off testosterone production (giving me hot flashes) costs 5000.00 per shot, and I get one every six months for two years.  The scans cost between 5k and 15k each, and i've been thru 5 of them so far.  Luckily insurance has covered 80% of the costs so far, but our deductibles are killing us financially.  If the wife doesn't find something by January, we could be in ruin.  I plan on going back to work as soon as i'm 2/3 thru radiation which starts on Monday.  9 weeks worth, every week day.   The dental work was a surprise we hadn't planned for, I had set aside about 10k for it, but found out it was gonna cost 4x what i thought.  At least i will be able to chew when we have to start eating the grass outside. 

I can always hope that things turn around and we will be able to afford luxury items in the future, and the hellcat is a luxury item.  Previously I had thoughts of cashing out my Roth IRA to buy one, but it'll be gone in 3 months of house payments and college tuition for my daughter.  Right now my sole hope is to outlive my own parents.  We already lost one brother to cancer 4 years ago, I'd hate to put them thru another.  So I'll will myself to survive this at all costs.  Lord knows the new healthcare law isn't helping any.  So far the treatments have been successful, and the prostate is shrinking after the hormone therapy, but the cancer is very aggressive, a gleason score of 9 out of 10.  Glad we caught it when we did or I may not have made it another year.  Make sure you go to the doctor whenever things don't seem right, don't wait till the body starts bleeding where it shouldn't.   

If I got a Hellcat, I would probably go for the automatic, even though I love to shift manually, I have lived with the auto in my RT challenger, my 69 charger was an automatic, every other car i've owned for 40 years has been a stickshift, only the wife's cars were autos.  The Hellcat has a special meaning for me, my dad flew Hellcats when he first became a pilot in the Navy, he's into musclecars himself, used to own a chrysler 300-J in 63 (413 w dual quads and ram induction), drove several hemi's when new.  I don't easily give in on my dream cars, held on to one of them now for 40 years, and the 2nd for 20+, One will definitely be sold, I'm trying to hold on to the charger as long as i can. 

[6spd68]

On that car I would go Automatic all the way... Have you ever driven a 500 HP stick car?? It's hairy for sure I could only imagine a 707 HP stick car..

The trick to driving a high horsepower car with a manual transmission is experience.  You kinda need to graduate yourself to that level, instead of just hopping right in.  Had I put the 347 right in the T-bird at the age of 20, I'd have surely killed myself.  Instead, I'd had a turbo engine making 220, then moved on to a 5.0 pushing around 350, now I've got the 347 which depending on the tune and setup(different pulleys, so on and so forth) can go from 420-440.  As cool as it would've been to go crazy fast that young, I'm glad I didn't have that engine until I was at least 24, and had experience with slightly less power.

Just look at what I did with a mere 350HP...  When I was young at stupid of course...  (Circa 2005, age 20)

[Bobs69]

plus with the paddle shifters you still get to manually shift without the leg action....

There is something about the manual transmission that engages you as the driver.   I know the paddles will beat it every time on the race track, but it's just not the same. 

A co-worker has a Camaro with the paddle shifters.............kind of lame.  It's not an instant shift, still soft and lady like like the automatic.

[Kern Dog]

"Auto will be faster, but the manual will be more funner."

More funner? Really?