4.6L General Discussion This section is for non-tech specific information pertaining to 4.6L (Modular) Mustangs built from 1996 to 2004.

Are the automatics really that much slower?

Old 06-01-2009, 07:06 PM
  #1  
Spilotro
2nd Gear Member
Thread Starter
 
Spilotro's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: OK
Posts: 363
Default Are the automatics really that much slower?

I ask because mine is an auto, and it by no means performs poorly. I would of course like to change the shift points, as I feel that it over revs a little, and I'd like cleaner shifts. However, it actually pulls a tad harder than my buddy's 04 with a 5 speed, and I have only very minor mods (X pipe, K&N filter, and air silencer removed).

My biggest gripe with the auto is the appearance in the console, so I plan to grab one of those auto shift ***** from UPR and cover the OD collar and stick with a leather shift boot.
Spilotro is offline  
Old 06-01-2009, 07:08 PM
  #2  
99 GT vert
5th Gear Member
 
99 GT vert's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Northwest Ohio (Fort Wayne Area)
Posts: 4,760
Default

stock trans yes but a stalled with shift kit auto is just as fast if not faster
99 GT vert is offline  
Old 06-01-2009, 07:09 PM
  #3  
Stangatic
3rd Gear Member
 
Stangatic's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Maryland
Posts: 535
Default

^ couldn't have said better. get some 3.90 gears and you will be extremely happy.
Stangatic is offline  
Old 06-01-2009, 07:11 PM
  #4  
Spilotro
2nd Gear Member
Thread Starter
 
Spilotro's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: OK
Posts: 363
Default

I have never really subscribed to the belief than manuals are always faster. I had an awful lot of success on the street with my Camaro back in the day, and all it had was a TH400 (with a stall of course).

However, that could have a lot to do with the fact that it was cranking out 430+hp
Spilotro is offline  
Old 06-01-2009, 07:11 PM
  #5  
Riggs
1st Gear Member
 
Riggs's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Nebraska
Posts: 128
Default

Stock yes. I actually raced another sn95 gt mustang with exhaust and wider tires. I launched bad but ended up beating the guy by 4 to 5 cars at 80mph. Yes I know street racing is pretty stupid, it was awhile ago. The guy had an automatic. In my opinion even if the auto is way faster I would still rather have the manual, because its more fun to drive .
Riggs is offline  
Old 06-01-2009, 07:22 PM
  #6  
Spilotro
2nd Gear Member
Thread Starter
 
Spilotro's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: OK
Posts: 363
Default

Is there a shift kit out there that's safe for my transmission? I do want tighter shifts, but I do not want a blown transmission. It's my daily driver, so it'd only be to make the driving experience more fun, and not necessarily to win races. After I graduate I'll worry about turning it into a berzerker
Spilotro is offline  
Old 06-01-2009, 07:35 PM
  #7  
99 GT vert
5th Gear Member
 
99 GT vert's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Northwest Ohio (Fort Wayne Area)
Posts: 4,760
Default

yea a transgo shift kit will be fine for you and will actually make the trans last longer

you could also get a tuner and adjust your shift points
99 GT vert is offline  
Old 06-01-2009, 08:44 PM
  #8  
mustangman03
3rd Gear Member
 
mustangman03's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: SC
Posts: 621
Default

It depends on the vehicle i hate ford automatics b/c they drag out the shifts which creates slippage which creates heat which in turn will mean screwed up tranny however with a shift kit it may help the tranny last longer
mustangman03 is offline  
Old 06-02-2009, 10:32 AM
  #9  
Adam03GT
5th Gear Member
 
Adam03GT's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location:
Posts: 4,081
Default

Transgo shift kit + stall(not even really necessary unless you are drag racing) + 3.90 gears = walking manuals all day long

If you are worried about your transmission overheating just get a transcooler from summit. They are rather inexpensive, cheap insurance.

Also, a good tune will do wonders for it.
Adam03GT is offline  
Old 06-02-2009, 10:43 AM
  #10  
kingkongzilla
 
kingkongzilla's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: MN
Posts: 10
Default

My opinion has always been there the difference is negligible unless you have mustang performance parts installed as well.
kingkongzilla is offline  

Thread Tools
Search this Thread
Quick Reply: Are the automatics really that much slower?



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:01 PM.