Yes the stock 5-speeds are rather weak. Also, the sbf's short rod (because of short deck height) is another down side as far as high horsepower durability. Oh, not to mention the whole cracking the block in half problem
. Sure they move but they can't be made into 500+hp monsters without spending $$$ over the similarly built chevy.
About the automatic shifting being faster but they also tend to rob more horsepower. I've argued this in the past but for 13 second cars and slower you're better off with a manual, faster than that and if you've got big sticky tires, the auto is for you. Just look at the history of drag racing to find the answers.
__________________
, Jon
Owner of a Red Sled.
If it\'s EFI I can tune it. Specialize in 82-95 GM (yes Lt1\'s)
\"If you can leave black marks on a straight from the time you exit a corner till the time you brake for the next turn.......Then, you have enough horsepower\" - Mark Donohue
