which is better for dragracing an auto trans or manual trans? which is capable for handling more torque and power?

not a simple question. most drag racers in the 2000+ HP range use heavy duty built 1.82 first gear ratio powerglides, which range from $2000-$2500. the reason for this is that PG's have two gears and a high first gear. most dragsters in the higher HP and RPM ranges like smaller gears becuase of top end speed. you need a high stall converter to keep yourself in the higher RPM range.

a built manual with an air shifter is also very fast to shift but expensive. they dont fool around when running 3-7 second 1/4 miles. the reason for using a manual is that you can rev the engine and let in the clutch, kind of like a torque converter.
my father has a friend running a 7 second nitrous car with a manual trans and a shifter. he's running about 1500HP.

it all comes down to the exact application, and if you like to shift or not. i'm sure theirs alot of others on the forum that can help you out a little more. i need more info to help you out, like how much HP, street/strip? or trailer queen. (you dont wanna run a 5000 stall on the street, trust me)

a stick is a lot more fun, and you get to feel more manly after a succcessful run..by successfull, i mean no missed shifts. i hear a manual will have a slightly quicker and faster time-driven correctly-but an auto will be more consistent. depends what you want. i personally like to shift, and not just bump a lever forward one click. no inline shifters, either. H pattern all the way.just adds more excitement to it all..

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1971 Nova(looks like 69 camaro from underneath!)
355sb, vortec heads, HOT cam,T-10 tranny, 3.70 gears 16" IROC wheels

i am going to be putting out 1500 hp and 1200 lbs/ft of torque. if any one can tell me where i can buy a manual trans capable of handling the power please let me know. also are there any other things i would need to buy with the trans?


01 camaro project,full tubed chassis and in stalling 540cid big block chevy engine supercharged.

i just found a website that sells transmissions that handle the power.can someone please go to this link and tell me what i should get? http://www.api-racing.com/index.html

What racing class we're you looking to participate in ...Friday Nite challenges? or Top Fuel?

The only manual trans that will handle that much power is a Lenco.

sleepy. top fuel usually runs 7K HP, i think he's probably in the nitrous class, i could be wrong though.

incon some of the built powerglides sold in jegs and summit racing will handle up to 2k HP. you should check into them.

Incon - you may be interested in this link... http://www.chevelles.com/feature/aug98.html This is one of the fastest cars on the Team Chevelle site. He uses a TH400 automatic. It would be near impossible to hook a clutch with as much power as you bring up.

I must ask what your goals are with this gen four car?

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...Dennis
'69 RS Convertible w/SS trim (http://www.camaroslimited.com/memberscars/den.htm)
'96 Z28SS #1679 of 2410 (http://www.camaroslimited.com/graphics/memcars/96ss.jpg)
"The Club" (http://camaroslimited.com)

i dont use nos but the 540 ill be installing will come twin wipple supercharged and im using it for local drag shows and my own personal thrill.i finally found a trans that can handle up to 2500hp and comes in a six speed.
thanks

If the automatic trans is set up correctly there is no man in the world that can shift as fast as an automatic, a person would have to be out of his mind to run a 2 or 3 stage nitrious with a manual trans.

Speedy he "don't use NOS!!" it's gonna be a twin wipple 540!!!! http://www.camaros.net/forum/biggrin.gif

Incon, Is your beast a '67 or an '01? I recall a question about motor mounts...

[This message has been edited by DjD (edited 08-23-2001).]

So speedy Z you are saying that there is no manual trans that can be as quick as a auto???

I don't think speedy z knows about Lencos or other clutchless trans. Lets not start a war. I opened the link on the trans looks impressive but looks can be deceiving. I will ask some of my friends that are still hardcore racers and see what they say. 400s are tough but not that tough and I don't think you really need much low gear. I would assume the best glide you could find would work but if you figured out some way to hook it up I don't know. CamaroNOTcarero you can double your prices for a good glide with all the trick parts.



[This message has been edited by oger (edited 08-23-2001).]