[Alvin]

Originally Posted by Alvin

This thread is another one of those funny as chit "Paul asking a 'your opinion' questions"... thanks – again – for the entertainment Paul!

4-spd & Auto: Personally I own, enjoy and drive both.

The answer really depends on what roads and conditions the vehicle in question will be used:

• Congested “Low Speed” Urban Driving or “High Speed” Open Road Rural or Highway driving.

Can tell you, nothing like blowing the doors off of a 4-spd thru the twisties or from a standing start with a Turbo 350 or 400 with, say, a 2:56 LSD gear...especially fun against an over geared MOPAR, etc. running 3:90s, 4:11s etc... Up in smoke while I'm down the road.

Have used a Turbo Trans to down shift with engine torque thru apex on the open back roads...beat same vintage L-82 4-spd Vettes, etc. for over 100,000 miles on an original Poncho. It can be loads of fun. Ask anyone who's learned how to use a factory consol mounted Dual Gate or T/A Automatic “Slap-shifter”.

So you asked about “vintage” cars…Here’s my take on one in our possession:

• ’73 Grand Am 400 Turbo 400 w 3:08 – Excellent “Grand Touring” drive, low speed stop and go or sustained 70mph highway speed no problem. Nothing like downshifting and winding this Poncho out in passing gear; docile “boat” comes alive, often surprising others like all “heck” has broke loose. Perfect for all around Texas driving.

Same w using our modern VW tiptronic auto in "manual" mode...I've left many a Beemer, etc. in the dust on the beltway by "dropping down a gear or two" and spooling up the Revs and Turbo...when the other vehicle did one of those speed up to keep us from passing on the open highway. Excellent RPM, Engine HP & Torque control…downside is an immediately noticeable decline in MPG. The Autos that I dislike are the 2-speeds for the street...but that’s my opinion. Lot’s swear by them.

It's always nice "rowing thru the gears" in a manual trans vehicle...and blipping the throttle...here’s my take on a few in our possession:

• '67 GTO 400 4-spd w 3:55 - 1st gear over way too soon, 4th gear looking for more/another gear, usally gets a thumbs up, 'back in the day' positive comments.
• ’78 T/A 6.6 4-spd w 3:42 – 1st through 4th gear all seem fine; around town, until @ Highway speed of 70mph, looking for more/another gear. Same trans with minor gear difference than below – big difference in open road manners. Great for drag strip ¼ mile and around town.
• ’79 T/A 6.6 4-spd w 3:23 - 1st through 4th gear all seem fine; around town, great to cruise @ 100 mph on Highway with A/C on ‘cruising” along. Ex: Return on I-45 south from Ennis DAPA meet to Houston driving with hi-speed traffic for over 100 mile distances.

IMO it takes talent to performance drive ANY vehicle period. That's how (pick your other favorite sanction body) competition began in the old days. Post that "man card" next to your "man cave" signs on your wall if it makes you feel better.

Automatic or 4 speed what’s your pleasure? Buy and drive whatever you want: And do it quick! Before they outlaw it! Peace Out.

Originally Posted by Old Blue 66

Another post by Alvin that makes no sense to me.

Did your '66 have a manual or a 2-spd? Also makes no sense to me why you'd ask for opinions again if
1. You already know what you want
2. Opinions asked for will be discounted due to predetermined agenda

No matter really. Reminds me of your recent "tire date code" Q then "Never Mind"...

Buy whatever what you want to. Enjoy the day.