So Top Fuels, Funny Cars and NASCAR oval track cars are all auto?....

 

It's called Standard in CT all the time...

It was the "standard" option when automatics were brand new; had to pay extra for auto.

 

That is exactly right. Me and a friend went to our local 1/8 th drag strip one Sunday afternoon. I had a 1997 TA auto and he had a 1997 TA stick. Both cars were stock except for flowmaster exhaust and k&n filters in both. I would always win the hole shot but by the end of the track he would always beat me by 1/4 to 1/2 car length. The only time I won was when he missed 3rd. The auto will most of the time beat you off the line but the stick will always come back to haunt you.

 

Do some research please TF and FC do not have transmissions, they have a series of clutches that are set to engage at pre-programmed intervals, when all the clutches are engaged they are direct drive. As for this whole thread, NOBODY has shown any proof, not 2k5pony for sure, he claims to have done this experiment but I could claim to be able to jump over the Sears Towers like superman. FWIW I feel due to the power loss in an auto the stick will win. Yes there have been huge advances in technology, but autos will always use more power because it is a fluid coupling whereas a stick shift is a direct mechanical coupling.

 

Correct me if I'm wrong JD, but I heard somewhere that Funny Cars have one time use clutches; apparently they're spinning at such a high rate that when the clutch connects with the engine the two weld together???

 

That is correct they are one time use.

 

Top Fuel and Funny Cars use a muliple disk clutch in order to harness all the engine torque and get it applied in a controlled fashion to the ground. currently most of them are using a 5 disk set up with floaters between the disks. since they slip the clutch so much off the line to avoid smoking the tires before they finally lock it up, the disks are often welded to the floaters during the pass. after each pass, the entire pressure plate and clutch assembly is removed and rebuilt with fresh disks and floaters. they use surface grinders to resurface used disks and floaters but they can only be reused a few times before they are toast! the clutch man on a team is a hard working dude who don't mind working with really hot stuff after every pass the car makes.

 

Since they are the SAME cept for trannys and the auto is not built (thats your key man), then a stick is faster

 

I just did, it was a question pal....If I wanted to make an attempt at sarcasm you would know it.

 

jesus will it ever end. [sm=bicker.gif]
probably not you always have people who will defend both. i will put in my 2cents stick is better