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Jun 14, 2003 | 07:22 PM

FastTruck44

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Joined: Jun 2003

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manual or automatic

well i just got a quick easy question. So if your looking to build a fast sports truck. is it better to have a manual or automatic transmission. What are the pros and cons of each. is it better to have a 5.4L engine auto or 4.7L manual.. Well my main question is what is better to have if your looking for high perfomance. Is one faster than the other. I think i know the answer but i want to know some other people opinions? THANK YOU

Jun 15, 2003 | 12:35 PM

gamehunter

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Joined: May 2001

Posts: 692

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From: Coon Rapids, MN

manual or automatic

Well, since the 4.7L is Mopar based im not completely sure I fallow you. Are you talking about the 4.6L modular? The manual trans will allow more power to reach the rear wheels compared to the automatic, but if its a race between a stock 5.4 auto and 4.6 5 speed, then the 5.4 would walk all over it. However, the 4.6 now has alot more availability to aftermarket parts due to the mustang ans SVO cobra.

Jun 15, 2003 | 08:40 PM

EPNCSU2006

Lead Driver

Joined: Nov 2002

Posts: 9,555

Likes: 40

From: Concord, NC

manual or automatic

A lot of times automatic trucks are faster simply because the shifter is so long and slow. In cars, stick shifts are usually a little quicker up to a point, but I don't think you'll be making that much power in a street driven truck.

Jun 17, 2003 | 02:53 PM

71swissaqua

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Joined: Jul 2001

Posts: 602

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From: Huntersville

manual or automatic

As a buddy of mine is known to say. " A full grown Ford truck should be able to shift it's own gears"
I like my automatic.
Clint

Jun 17, 2003 | 03:27 PM

TorqueKing

Posting Guru

Joined: Feb 2002

Posts: 1,712

Likes: 1

From: Atlanta, Georgia, USA

manual or automatic

.....That is a wise friend, 71swissaqua!

Automatics rule, so do Windsor V8s. A 5.4 will get walked all over by any well-built 302 that breathes with its own lungs, it doesn't need a supercharger to make awe-inspiring power. I've got a simple formula for recognizing powerful and dependable engines:

more than 1 cam= Boat Anchor

TK - out

Jun 24, 2003 | 09:48 PM

f100guy

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Joined: Jun 2003

Posts: 2,656

Likes: 5

From: shepherd

manual or automatic

i have a 302 project in progress. it is bored .060 over with speed pro hypereutectic pistons and a 474 lift cam. i got my heads totally redone with a 3 angle valve job and all new seals and also got them shaved. i will get them ported and polished one of these days but not until i get over 500 dollars.650 edelbrock weiend intake long tube headers i want a holley double pumper but i got this one instead.c4 which will soon have a shift kit i am putting it in a short wheel base 71 f100. do you all think this is a good setup

Jun 25, 2003 | 08:02 PM

71swissaqua

Elder User

Joined: Jul 2001

Posts: 602

Likes: 0

From: Huntersville

manual or automatic

Hey Ford guy, just get you a die grinder and some 6" long carbide burs. Several good articles on the web about home porting. I think Standard abrasives is one and Fordmuscle has a good article. I ported and gasket matched my C9OE myself and could tell a pretty good bit of difference, cost me about 50 bucks.
Clint