I just recently bought a automatic 99 GT, and as of now is completely bone stock. But that will change as soon as i get the money for some future mods. My question however, is the fact of it being an automatic going to affect its performance drastically, or is it relatively the same as the 5 speed. I would have got a 5 speed but my father wouldnt let me buy one so I was forced into buying the auto. I have no regrets but still would like to know if I am missing out without the 5 speed. If it makes any difference my racing intentions are mainly for the dragstrip.

 

Depends on your skill level with the stick a good driver can be .5 sec quicker in the quarter but that difficult and consistence is difficult. Also you can break the manual easier if you do it wrong.

 

I agree with greywolf on a properly driven manual is usually faster up to a certain point. You can easily mod your 4r70w tranny to out-handle the 5-speeds in HP, consistency, and reliability.

I think you made a great choice for a mainly drag car. I had a 2000gt with auto tranny and at the strip it was very very consistent. few things I would defintely add though.

• biggest tranny cooler you can get (B&M made a nice 24000 setup that came with all hoses and fittings)
• Check out the Jerry Mod.. http://www.tocca.com
• get a stall if you are serious about drag racing (3200rpm on a n/a car is awesome)
• get a chip after any tranny mods or even if you arent going to do tranny mods. Using the SCT software, a chip can increase shift firmness and open your rpm range up nicely. I recommend http://www.bamachips.com
• get some 15" slicks or drag radials. This will help the most at the line.

 

Sounds like my dad. And I quote... "When I was in the army I had to drive manual jeeps and I hated it." "You need to get the automatic so you won't destroy the clutch and you will get tired of constantly shifting."

 

Thanks for the advice. I'm definitely going to try and get my trans to its peak, and man is that a load off my back. Hopefully I'll get to take my car to the track soon and see whats its capable of.

 

if you dont do anything to teh tranny, at least get the cooler and a chip. It will make the car much more enjoyable and the cooler will extend the life of your 4r70w drastically