manual or automatic
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 253
Likes: 0
From: new jersey
manual or automatic
Hey guys, I have been thinking about what to run in my 54 when it comes time, i know i will definitely be going with a big block ford at around 450 hp 
just don't know if i should go with manual or automatic. 
i'm leaning toward manual because it seems like the cool 
factor way to go, but not sure if its a good enough reason to go that way, 
Could you guys tell me what you are running and why you like it that way. I know it sounds like a school assignment, 
but its just driving me crazy not being able to decide.
Thanks Ernie
just don't know if i should go with manual or automatic. i'm leaning toward manual because it seems like the cool factor way to go, but not sure if its a good enough reason to go that way, Could you guys tell me what you are running and why you like it that way. I know it sounds like a school assignment, but its just driving me crazy not being able to decide. Thanks Ernie
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,190
Likes: 2
From: Riverside, So Cal
Fever -
I get the cool part about manual trannys. Sometimes I miss revving it at a light. That was always cool. And, that was before my left knee got busted up.
But, I run an auto (FMX). And I wouldn't change back. I also remember what a PITA it was to be shifting constantly in So Cal Freeway and stop-and-go traffic.
Since mine is a daily driver, the auto is the way to go for me.
I get the cool part about manual trannys. Sometimes I miss revving it at a light. That was always cool. And, that was before my left knee got busted up.
But, I run an auto (FMX). And I wouldn't change back. I also remember what a PITA it was to be shifting constantly in So Cal Freeway and stop-and-go traffic.
Since mine is a daily driver, the auto is the way to go for me.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 4,489
Likes: 5
From: Valley Center, CA
289/C-4. No Manual for me. I live in Sacramento and the street lights are thicker than Vermont syrup. Stop and go driving is no fun, and it's even less fun when you are pumping a clutch every 15 seconds. 
My 68 F100 is a manual and it's a pain. My buddy is building a 55 F100 with an engine that should put out about 1000 hp. He's going with a manual for the strength. Good luck, Jag
My 68 F100 is a manual and it's a pain. My buddy is building a 55 F100 with an engine that should put out about 1000 hp. He's going with a manual for the strength. Good luck, Jag
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Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 8,813
Likes: 13
From: Littleton, New Hampshire
A manual shift is cool but in my opinion not worth the extra fabrication you have to do to set up the clutch linkage...plus it's built-in maintenance because eventually you will have to replace the clutch, pressure plate, throw-out bearing, etc,.. 
Vern
Vern
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Elder User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 863
Likes: 2
From: Grain Valley Mo.
Sticks are cool......
My last rod had 302-4speed. When I'd pull in to a cruise-nite and rev the motor just a little with both hands on the steering wheel, people would take a second look just because that is way unusual around here.............. Wayyyy Cool... 
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xfordman
'53 F100
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xfordman
'53 F100
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 59
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I always felt like a manual trans makes a truck feel like a work truck. Too much bouncing around, and doesnt feel sporty like in a car. I have a viper 6 spd setup and thought about using in the 55 for the cool factor, but I wouldnt enjoy the truck at all. also having a big block, with mountains of torque, It would definitley feel like a work truck, Probly woundnt even need to use 1st gear in it. But thats my oppinion
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 6,682
Likes: 12
From: Saskatoon SK Canada
I wanted a manual as I grew up around them. My dad's daily driver has to be a manual. It's just the only ford truck 5spds are hydralic clutch (other than heavy duty trannys). They need to make an automatic but is shifted like a manual (have a lever with a shift pattern). None of those useless bumped up or back shifters on the new vehicles.
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,190
Likes: 2
From: Riverside, So Cal
Packrat -
YES. The 4th gear in an AOD is 0.67:1 (overdrive). It allows you to run a low rear end for zip off the line and still run low rpms at freeway cruise in 4th gear.
Example: my 56 has an FMX auto tranny and a 3.50:1 rear end. At 70 mph, I'm running 3200 rpm. With an AOD, I would be turning only 2200 rpm to do 70 mph.
I'm planning on an AOD in the future.
YES. The 4th gear in an AOD is 0.67:1 (overdrive). It allows you to run a low rear end for zip off the line and still run low rpms at freeway cruise in 4th gear.
Example: my 56 has an FMX auto tranny and a 3.50:1 rear end. At 70 mph, I'm running 3200 rpm. With an AOD, I would be turning only 2200 rpm to do 70 mph.
I'm planning on an AOD in the future.