automatic vs. manual

[juju4uofa]

I'm about to do a h22 swap on a 5th generation accord. However I haven't decided between an automatic and a manual transmission. I realize that I will get better performance from the manual but I would like to know how much more. My main concern for this car is driveability so an extreme light weight flywheel is out of the question as well as a racing clutch. So how much difference will I really tell and how well does a stall torque convertor work on Honda automatics. Thanks.

[crxlvr]

well here is my , a manual will be better on the street because you can always choose what gear that you want to be in, letting the honda and their top end power more useful, however, they cant handle a lot of power and tend to break down faster. they also will not be good if you bracket race, as your times will not be consistent.

An automatic is better for track use, as you will get consitent times each run, great when racing in bracket. they also can acheive insanely fast launches. they can also handle a whole hell of alot more power running through them, plus everyday cruising is just easier. although street racing is harder, since you cant really downshift to get going faster, like in a manual.

Many companies make torque convertors for the honda b-series motor and a few make em for the d16 motors. they have been tested to drop over 1/2 second off 1/4 mile times as well.

so weigh out the pros and cons of each. and see which one fits you best.

[juju4uofa]

Thanks for the great reply. I was surprised to hear that the automatic will handle more power than the manual. You talked about insane launches with the automatic, how exactly is this achieved. Are there other upgrades besides a torque convertor. Also, will a torque convertor harm the transmision. Thanks.

[T!mmy]

I could be wrong but I don't think he meant the autos could handle more power it's just that the auto oyu won't be able to downshift like you could in the manual.

[knorwj]

actually i think he was correct in saying that autos can handle more power. Automatics can handle alot more torque than a manual because they are fluid driven.

[T!mmy]

well in that case my bad...sorry for the misguidance

[crxlvr]

automatics can get better launches because they are always in gear, whereas a manual, you need to first shift, before you start moving. there are many products on the market that allow automatics all the fun of driving a stick. www.levelten.com offers many of them. torque convertors can only affect an engine which cant support them, it wont damage anything though.

[T!mmy]

lol I don't know what is up with my sis's auto grand am (she didnt do any mod, trust me) but she can floor it an get redline in every gear. It won't shift until she lets off gas. Very neat IMO.

[juju4uofa]

Levelten.com is a great site, thanks for the info. Within the site it talks about shiftronic. If I buy a JDM H22 auto, what are the chances of it being shiftronic.

[crxlvr]

well you would have to buy the shiftronic kit, they dont make em like that.

of course you can just shift the thing yourself, also known as power-shifting, where you start the car in 1 or L then just keep moving it up along the gears.

[frozen_Joth]

thanks for the link crxlvr. You're going with an auto B16 aren't you?

[crxlvr]

yes sir i am. it wont be no stock auto either, there will be many improvements to the tranny itself, nevertheless the motor.

[frozen_Joth]

Have you got it in yet. How much did you pay for your auto setup? sry for the questions, I'm just interested in going the same way. I was saving for it but I needed a motor fast and got a dohc zc for now.

[crxlvr]

well im just about done with the rebuild and addition of all my performance parts, im still deciding on smaller add-ons, like ignition, fuel delivery, etc, but the hardware side is complete, for now.

not including the cost of the motor, id say i spent around $2,000-$2,500 on extras. the motor itself was $1500 shipped.

[juju4uofa]

I know they make some like that because i've driven one. However it was newer and I just wasn't sure how long that option has been offered.