VS - Manual Conversion or Work the 4L60E???

[LittleAlex]

Hi all,

i am facing a bit of a dilemma. I dont know whether to convert my 1995 V6 VS Calais to a 5 speed, or to work the Auto.
I have heard that the V6 manual isn't a great gearbox, but i have had mates who have shift kitted their rides saying it wrecks the internals.
Just something like a shift kit and stally if the auto stays.

Thoughts? Anyone done either?
Cheers

[RazzaCaine]

i was going to go with the manual gearbox conversion but got told by a lot of people that the automatic box is a lot tougher and can handle more power and abuse, and it also requires a lot more stuffing around than working the automatic gearbox. its also more expensive, so i decided to go with the shift kitted auto approach.

i bought a transgo stage 2 shift kit, corvette 1-2 servo and a couple of minor pieces to strengthen the gearbox from furious performance for $290, including postage. im yet to have it fitted so cant comment on how good the product is, although ive heard only good things about it. ive also heard that as long as the gearbox is in good shape before you fit the shift kit, and you get a good size gearbox oil cooler for it, there should be no problems with the gearbox internals. i plan on giving my gearbox a bloody good service and fitting up a larger aftermarket trans cooler before i put the kit and servo in.

one of the most common things i got told when i asked this question was that it depends on what you want to with the car. a manual would be more fun on twisty roads and for circuit work, but a worked auto is better for drags and cruising on the highways. the major deciding factor for me was the cost difference, the availabilty of parts, and the difficulty difference between the two approaches. just make sure to have a good think and decide on what sounds best to you. hope this helps in some small way.

p.s. would love to see some pictures of the lancia beta coupe you have! i loved the one jeremy clarkson drove in the top gear africa special, such a cool rare car!

[LittleAlex]

anything will help - got no idea of how an autobox works lol
cheers

[RazzaCaine]

yeah my understanding of it is pretty vague but im starting to learn. the instructions that came with the shift kit gave a really useful insight into the workings of an automatic gearbox

[hsv91ss]

I have driven both a Manual and a Stage 2 shift kitted auto V6 Ecotec

And this what I thought

Manual had the fun factor and a sporty feel especially on curvy roads, and when you put the boot in it would spin 2nds and chirp 3rd with ease performance wise it was great

Now the Stage 2 auto with Vette Servo, Felt like a cruiser but when you put the boot in there was no way in hell you would ever be able to shift up that fast with a manual box, the shifts were solid and quick like the manual it would easily chirp into gear on throttle.

We then ran them side by side, first stand still the manual got off the line quicker but struggled for traction in 1st and 2nd, the auto didn't have the traction Issues during shifts and came out on top. 2nd run rolling start 20-100 from 2nd the Auto Kicked down into first and banged straight up the gears faster then the manual could and once again came out on top but not by alot. for racing the manual just don't like to keep traction.

[Phoenix21]

at the end of the day it more on what you wanna drive did ya wanna drive the manal with the sporty feel good on twisty roads but crap in peak hour traffic or go the shift kitted auto so a lot of fun on twisty road but not as much of a pain to drive in peak hour lol look me personally i'd prefer a manual but i've got an auto cause i used to do a lot of city driving

[LittleAlex]

yeah something to consider at least, btw i posted some photo of our Lancia's...great cars...cant wait until mine finally sees the road
good to find someone who knows what they are :-)

[RazzaCaine]

nice one, ill have a look at them now. im originally from the uk, lancias are more popular there than they are here in aus. i didnt know the exact model until i watched that particular top gear special though

[pedrotski]

shift kit isnt a worked auto haha

[RazzaCaine]

yeah i know but its a basic start though