[Shotimes] OT: Pontiac GTO

[Mark Nunnally]

> An auto can shift much quicker than a manual could ever hope to, something
> like .080 sec. (Definately not this way from the manufacurer). An auto can
> be tuned for a specific purpose, like the dragstrip, and the consistency
> will amaze you. Specific RPM, shift points, launch points, etc. The torque
> multiplication is a plus, and you lose 40 lbs of rotating mass in the
> flywheel/clutch, so it revs quicker and puts more power to the wheels. They
> could be faster still if someone could make a decent "loose" convertor for a
> good launch, that would also "lock-up" 100% to save the MPH at the end of
> the drags.


How do you figure more power to the wheels with an auto?  With the TC, big
fluid resistance, etc, an ATX is virtually always is less efficient.
Generally as well, an ATX unit will run 100+ lbs heavier than an MTX due to
a pysically larger unit, coolers, way more fluid, etc.

Also a 5 speed auto is just a 3 speed with a couple of OD's.  So the gear
spacing is going to just suck, unless it's a custom done C6 unit for racing
or something!

An MTX car will have better ratios and typically 1 more "gear" in going from
1st to 1:1 ratio, typically 4th gear on probably 99% of all MTX cars.  5
speed or 6 speed just either gives you 1 OD or 2, like Don said.

If a stick car was .5 sec slower, I'd still drive it :)

The GTO runs well because the LS1/2/6 series motors are fantastic, not
because of a good or bad A4!

The 01-04 Z06 uses the M12, which is a MM6 with different ratio's (and a
temp sensor), biased towards closer ratio's and quicker accel.  Probably
could pick up a used one for reasonable, would be a nice drop in if you like
to drag your GT0.  Plus you got the old OEM to stick back in if anything
ever breaks :)

Interestingly the C5 Z06 tops at max at ~175 mph gear limited because of a
shorter 5th over the base C5 coupe (which is faster, even with 55 less hp).
The coupe also has a better cd vs the "notchback" Z06.


 
MM6               M12

1st Gear
2.66:1           2.97:1

2nd Gear
1.78:1           2.07:1

3rd Gear
1.30:1           1.43:1

4th Gear
1.00:1           1.00:1

5th Gear
0.74:1           0.84:1

6th Gear
0.50:1           0.56:1

Reverse
2.90:1           3.28:1

Mark