Better for Dragging?

[Ilikecars]

Probly a stupid question, whats the best for dragging, manual or auto?

[Zenom F1]

Manual if you can handle right, but an auto is okay if you can change the gear ratios so it shifts perfect in the sweet spot all the time.

[BullDog71ss]

It also depends on the motor's powerband, and the efficiency of the auto tranny/convertor. Most v6/4cyl motors are going to be much better off with a manuel tranny just to get the power to the wheels, drag racing or not. I've got a 3 spd turbo 400 auto tranny in my car (and love it) but my motor has tons of tourqe and it's a very built tranny with a nice stall, so it's going to be an advantage for me while drag racing from a stop. Less things to fuss with you're hauling ass down the track.

But it all just depends on what vehicle and motor setup you have. Your question is pretty hard to answer because it's so open ended you know?

[Vtec913]

what would be good for a powerful V8, such as a late 60's Camaro?

[Sleepr awd]

if your going low cost racing, manual is best<< manual goes a long ways too even into 9 sec. range
if you've got money auto w/ a shift kit and all that junk rocks

[Ilikecars]

thanx for the help

[turbo2nr]

turbo+auto=fun.. its quicker b/c you do not loose your boost between shifts.. its always there.. you never have to build it back up.. but manual can shift quicker..
1

[Sleepr awd]

you dont' necessarily have to release the gas entirely and you can keep boost up taht way w/ turbos

[Ghost96Gt]

Manual u lose less hp though the drivetrain
Auto offers more consistent times when bracket racing Manual two things happen u get a awsome launch and shifting and u get a awsome time but one little mess up and its all over auto u dont worry about that stuff. Auto is preferred in the drag racing world for its consistincy sure u can run a 9 sec time but can u run it 5 times in a row? i mean if ur really good yeah u can but its a hell of alot harder to do then for a auto.

[2000LS1Z28]

Automatic hands down. Slap in a torque converter and you'll murder anyone off the line. A pro street powerglide 2 speed is always gonna out do someone at the track (In the right combination of course). Basically autos are infallible compared to most drivers. Don't get me started on my arguments with GTP owners about how an LS1 with a stick is harder to get out of the hole.

[SpaceManSpiff]

Well, it depends on one crucial thing. Torque. If you have enough torque, a tuned auto trans is better. If you don't have much torque, e.g. you drive a honda, a stick is better. Personally, I can't stand driving automatics, faster or no.

[chevytrucks92]

Like everyone else has said, for drag racing you want an automatic simply for there consistency (especially if you bracket race).

We run a Powerglyde trans. with an electric shift in our car, so it shifts itself once it reaches a certain RPM (6500 in our case). It's so much better becuase the car will always shift from 1st to 2nd at the same time, compared to if I had to slap the shifter into 2nd (ours is an auto but if you leave it in 1st, it will stay in 1st, that's why we have an electric shift).