Steve, how does the loss in acceleration while shifting a manual compare with a properly set up auto? Any time comparisons of like .25 to .5 seconds between gears when acceleration stops?

I don't care to guess. Any answer will put us squarely into bench racing territory. Plus the answer is entirely vehicle and driver dependant.

thanks Steve for the thorough run down

well with all that said, i have decided to install the twist machine paddle shifter in my charger... i have thought about all the aforementioned material, however realizing all this the auto vs manual comparison also comes down to cost, the paddle shifter really doesn't cost that much for the performance you get. I will be installing the shrifter in my charger this week and i will post all pro's/ cons on the unit. i believe the auto trans has needed a product like this for a long time. you get the best of both worlds and above and beyond all Reliablity!!!! we all have missed a gear here and there. well guys i will let you know how it all turns out. I think the steve has a premier product here! PETE

Well.....

If I could get a 6 speed in a golf cart, I'd play more golf. I'd still suck at it, but I'd play more.

I might get a paddle shifter and keep the 6 speed, just to fool em.

That makes me wonder, how hard would it be to convert a manual shifter for use on an auto by keeping the gate on it and have it control an electronic shifter ala paddle shifter. With a manual valve body, what would be the difference except for no use to hit the 3rd pedal (unless that was a neutral switch). hmmm

The biggest limitation to that design is the use of electro-mechanical actuators to perform the shifting. Movement of actuator motors take time whereas a true manumatic relies entirely on electrons--no friction to overcome or rod movement. You tap an electric paddle switch. It sends a signal to a computer which, in turn, directly hits the electric shift solenoids.

The other major distinction is safety. With an all electronic system, the computer can disallow a shift signal input if you shift erroneoulsy (i.e. downshift into 1st at 100mph)

The computer is the heart of the system--not the shifter. The shift mechanism is merely an input device--just like the keyboard or mouse on your PC. On a true manumatic, the detent on the side of the transmission never moves. It stays in the "D" position.

I understand this, but what is it that people love about manual transmissions? Bangin gears. If you'd make a "4 speed, manual gated" auto shifter, you could accomplish the same thing. Row it if you want to, other wise leave it in 4th and it will shift for you. You could even have the paddle shifters as a second input once it's in 4th. And I'm not talking about a mechanical actuator other than the lever hitting a switch.

Am I the only guy that likes this idea??? Heck, I'd spring load a 3rd pedal and never worry about crunching into gear or ruining a clutch while powershifting.

In a duality mindset... I really like the idea behind a manumatic... and there have been a few comments that pretty much sell it for what it is.

On a N/A induction, a manual is the ticket. That is just something I enjoy.

On boost... auto/manumatic... all the way. Especially if you see more street time than you will ever on the track. But even then... the electronics and converter technology make it work... just as you would want, on the street or on the track.

I think that just having the ability to effortlessly go between the two modes... makes this a no brainer to me. I think a manumatic would be the way to go. And if you spend any time in traffic... you will thank yourself later... that is for sure. And all of this coming from a manual transmission guy !!

Good luck with the decision.

i understand all the emotional arguments about a manual tranny... and for benchracing purposes i agree wholehartedly... but on a turbo car.. it would be lunacy to install a manual tranny simply for he fact that every time you lift the acceletaror and depress the clutch your turbo is loosing revs and you are loosing boost... i know that a blow off valve can help out some.. but yoy are still venting energy into thin air, and not towards the pavement.. heck even supras are faster on the drag strip with powerglides than with high dollar 6 speed trannys and carbon clutches...

and if you plan to drive the car arround it is much.. much nicer to enjoy the ride in trafic than perpetually working the clutch because the guy in front of you is 1 mph slower than your car is running in first gear at idle.. (and with a clutch that can handle a TT engine, you will propably do real damnage to you knee that way)