Auto or standard

[super_dave]

Hi guys, I'm new here and would appreciatte your opinion on something.  I'm underway restoring a 69 charger and have options available for how to finalize all the details.  I'm kind of hung up on a tranny choice.  The car is an original 318 SE, but I am having a 440 built for it, 480HP, 510 trq.  Having a 5 speed really appeals to me for drivability, but will a 737 have to modified to the point I am spending the same $ as a aftermarket 5 speed?  If you have a 5 speed do you feel like it's an improvement to drivability, or is an auto just as much fun with 480HP?  The car is going to be driven for pleasure only.  Thanks.  Dave

[Ghoste]

Just for driving fun I find it hard to beat a manual transmission.

[super_dave]

Yeah, I'm kinda leaning that direction, I guess I'LL have to pay for the fun.  Is aftermarket the only way to get into a 5 speed?  I read some posts about TCI tranny's, though not all good, is there  good 5 speed bolt on for around $4000.00?

[oldschool]

i love the man pedal in my car 

[Ghoste]

Man pedal.   I'm stealing that.

[Cooter]

Yeah, I'm kinda leaning that direction, I guess I'LL have to pay for the fun.  Is aftermarket the only way to get into a 5 speed?  I read some posts about TCI tranny's, though not all good, is there  good 5 speed bolt on for around $4000.00?

Better Research the 5-speed thing and how much you will have to modify your Car's floor board before you drop a wad....The shifter for the Tremec 5-speed conversion requires the shifter come out in the MIDDLE of the hump...I think there's a company out now that allows the Factory location for the shifter, but haven't seen it for anything but E-bodies of course....

I've found with a stroker, or even a well built 440, it doesn't matter if it's a stick or auto, as it's leaving two nice, rich black marks on the asphalt either way you go...

[femtnmax]

I've found with a stroker, or even a well built 440, it doesn't matter if it's a stick or auto, as it's leaving two nice, rich black marks on the asphalt either way you go...
[/quote]
YES, instead of the 5 speed, I'd spend the extra $$ for a sure grip rear axle and performance rear leaf springs.  The auto trany will also be easier for the misses to drive.

[Paul G]

Go for the 5 speed! Put a little taller gear to get better stop light to stop light acceleration and have overdrive to make highway cruising more enjoyable.

I am contemplating doing the same thing. I have 3.91 gears now with a 727. It's plenty fun, but letting the clutch out to a little, or a lot, of tire squeel cant be beat. Pulling in to cruise night just aint the same with an auto. I had manual transmissions before. I could blip the throttle a bit to move people, or at least wake them up while idling through. Cant do that with an auto. Rowing your own gears is the way to go.