1st Post , simple question, tried search.

[3kGtJames]

Hello everyone !

Clearly I'm new here... Let me tell you all something about myself.

My friend had a DSM 10 years ago (Talon TSI w/ upgraded turbo and bolt ons)
I loved it, and decided I was going to get one. 3 years ago I started searching for a TSI or GSX. Never did find the right one for me.

I ended up with a pearl white 93 VR4. Low miles, good condition close to stock. I have loved it ! My only issue is that I'm driving it as a DD and just killing it, things are needing more attention that I can give as I cant put it up for the weeks to work on it.

So .... This brings me to now, I'm again looking for a DSM , cheap Turbo and not destroyed to be a quick, fuel efficient DD. I also want my wife to be able to drive it, she is intimidated by the VR4 and I don't want her to wrap it around a tree

I have found a 95 Eclipse GS-T, w/ 100k pics looks good, haven't driven yet, will tomorrow. Price is on point with what I want to spend.

Here's my problem, the one I found is an Automatic.. I've never had turbo automatic before. I'm wondering weather or not I should keep looking for a manual. I love stick for the ability to control gears, however, I'm sure my wife would prefer auto.

I would appreciate some feedback on the choice. How sporty are the automatics? Do they even compare to the standards in terms of boost and winding out gears on high RPM rolls. I wouldn't race per say, I have the VR4 for that, however I do get competitive on the road.

 

[603CRIT]

I have driven an auto recently when I was looking to buy and it really takes a lot of fun out of the car. for me personally I wouldn't buy an auto

 

[3kGtJames]

Thanks for the input.

 

[Tanro]

The auto trans are almost bullet proof. You can get a shift kit, and do a line pressure mod... If your capable enough to do those 2 mods it will be nearly as much fun to drive as a manual. And TBQH you are gonna start seeing more and more drag racers switch to either autos or dogboxes.... The 5-speeds just cannot handle torque nearly as well as an auto can.

I plan on switching to an auto and I plan to Auto cross. So uhm. Yeah.

Benefits of the auto :
Handles 2-Stepping better (Full Boost Launches)
No loss of boost pressure between shifts
Durability

Cons:
No Clutch foot interaction
Less gears

W/E this is the one car I would consider an auto in.

 

[3kGtJames]

The auto trans are almost bullet proof. You can get a shift kit, and do a line pressure mod... If your capable enough to do those 2 mods it will be nearly as much fun to drive as a manual. And TBQH you are gonna start seeing more and more drag racers switch to either autos or dogboxes.... The 5-speeds just cannot handle torque nearly as well as an auto can.

Thanks, lets assume I never do that, not because I can't but because I'm building on my 3k and this will be a DD, Its already got the following..

14b turbo
tial external wastegate
FMIC + hard pipes
DSM 1g BOV
tein lowering springs
full 3" exhaust + downpipe
full tune up done (new brakes, plugs, wires, alt, belts)
upgraded gears and syncros

 

[GRAVEDIGGER]

The auto trans are almost bullet proof. You can get a shift kit, and do a line pressure mod... If your capable enough to do those 2 mods it will be nearly as much fun to drive as a manual. And TBQH you are gonna start seeing more and more drag racers switch to either autos or dogboxes.... The 5-speeds just cannot handle torque nearly as well as an auto can.

Yes, yes, and yes to the above.^^^
The auto can be easy for your wife to drive while the car is not a full race car, but it also has the potential for big power and fast times if you want to go there some day.

 

[3kGtJames]

Yes, yes, and yes to the above.^^^
The auto can be easy for your wife to drive while the car is not a full race car, but it also has the potential for big power and fast times if you want to go there some day.

Now before I get killed... I am NOT asking what my 1/4 mile times would be or for exact figures.. I know 3ks, not DSM's.

Stock Gen 2 GS-T and GSX = 210HP
I have no idea about the mods already on this but I am researching.. What kind of difference would there be for the upgrades I listed?

 

[Tanro]

Yeah... And if you can get the wife to take it to the track on weekends maybe she will get more wheel confidence etc.

Honestly I would get the Auto DSM. If I ever find a clean auto I am gonna pop on it... Especially if it where a clean 2gb talon awd

 

[Aceman]

How sporty are the automatics?

Oxymoron

Do they even compare to the standards in terms of boost and winding out gears on high RPM rolls. I wouldn't race per say, I have the VR4 for that, however I do get competitive on the road.

They hold boost in between shifts, and shift faster than manuals. I believe they shift 100-200 rpms before redline at WOT, but I'm not sure if thats what you mean? Its really all up to if you WANT to drive manual or not.

Also, forgive me if my emphasis offends you, but street racing if ####ing retarded.

 

[Tanro]

Who the hell is talking about street racing? He could be doing highway 30 rolls. 30-speed limit is legal...


Also, its hard to say.

But bench racing I would say anywhere from 200-250 at the wheels with that setup. Really you can through as many mods at a car as you want, but if you cant tune it, you cant make power.

 

[rstewart412]

Honestly if it were me it would depend on where I live. In the city with a lot of traffic I'd take an automatic all day long. My 5 speed is starting to get annoying, but I personally can't stand to hear an automatic with an exhaust

 

[3kGtJames]

Oxymoron
Street Racing if ####ing retarded.

I think if anyone here said they don't drive competitively they would be lying. I love dusting a lane of slower moving cars, hitting forward diagonal gaps mid boost, going into a tunnel at 50 and coming out hitting 80. Knowing there is a gap coming and there is me and another "slower" car who both see it and I get there first.

My 5 speed is starting to get annoying,

I often ask my wife if I can drive her tank SUV just so I can drive without all the work.. so I know what you mean.

I guess I'll know if its fast enough when I test drive it.

BTW .. I was reading around and I was wondering what boost launching on an auto was, as well as "WOT"

Thanks Again everyone for all the feedback !

 

[wkmitsu]

I think if anyone here said they don't drive competitively they would be lying. I love dusting a lane of slower moving cars, hitting forward diagonal gaps mid boost, going into a tunnel at 50 and coming out hitting 80. Knowing there is a gap coming and there is me and another "slower" car who both see it and I get there first.

Liquid is going to be in here in about two seconds to tell you otherwise.

 

[3kGtJames]

Liquid is going to be in here in about two seconds to tell you otherwise.

I don't know what this means?

 

[Tanro]

Liquid is one of the moderators, or wisemen one. And street racing is against the rules of the site. But some idiots can't seem to understand the difference between knowing how to drive and street racing.

The auto trans has good gear ratios. Its like the 2 speed power glide... that was a good trans for going fast. The GST/GSX autos are as well. They are not econobox junk auto trans.

 

[wkmitsu]

Liquid is one of the moderators, or wisemen one. And street racing is against the rules of the site. But some idiots can't seem to understand the difference between knowing how to drive and street racing.

Thanks. Thats the second time tonight I've caught hell on here for pretty much no reason. From what I've seen, talk of any kind of aggressive driving, street racing or not, is frowned upon here, which is why I commented on his previous statement.

 

[3kGtJames]

Hey wkmitsu as I appreciate your concern for the safety, of everyone on the road. I've been here about 3 hours and I don't need to be minimodded by a member here. If a moderator has a problem with me or what I'be said then that person can handle it themselves I'm sure.
I don't race and have never had a report on me for aggressive driving. I like to get my car from point a to point b safely, I like to accelerate quickly and I like to have fun while I'm driving...
If these things are frowned apon here then I don't want to be here anyhow.

Fyi ... saying a mod is gonna be here in 2 secs, is very childish and un necessary.

Here's a list of of the fast cars I've owned over the years.

87 cougar with high output 5.0
91 Probe gt Turbo
91 rx7 turbo
93 vr4

And my insurance on the vr4 and Durango is $100 total ,comprehensive.. never an accident or ticket in 15 years..


Thanks

 

[ar15tac]

If your wife is like mine get an auto. They are simple to drive just check the fluid regularly. With those upgrades should be pretty quick. And if it's an eprom (most 95s are i believe) you could easily get 16g(or just a 16g hot side) 200 and a chip 200 some injectors 120 and a 190fuel pump 55 and be moving a lot faster.

 

[dsmTripp]

Look at it this way your getting it for a DD. So saying that you wont have to do the work like a manual and you still can have fun in it. Not to mention wife will be happy equalling you'll be happy. Kinda a win win for you.

 

[3kGtJames]

Thanks great point!!!!

 

[coradojr89]

i have an auto 99gst and i love it. no problems with it. exhaust doesnt annoy me idk why it would tho

 

[Below Ambient]

i like mine especially because its a lot less stressful on driveline components... i don't like some of the oddities of it since its been rebuilt, like hard upshifts coming to a stop, but its nice not having to push in a clutch all the time, not too mention all the money saved by not breaking axles, tob's, clutch, etc...

 

[SpawnedX]

Some people make the manual transmissions sound weaker than they are. A Shep Stage III will hold all day on a 10-11 second car.

 

[Below Ambient]

Some people make the manual transmissions sound weaker than they are. A Shep Stage III will hold all day on a 10-11 second car.

yup... too bad shep doesnt make TOB's, clutchforks, shifter cables, clutches, and all hte rest of the stuff that goes wrong otherwise.. trust me, been there done that... ill stick with my auto

 

[rstewart412]

I also prefer manual on a turbo car because of the blow off valve. May be just me but I like a loud bov.