Roscobbc
Moderator
A manual gearbox in an American car with any V8 engine defies any form of logic to many people. You have a car with lots of power and supreme ease of driving - so what's not to like about an auto transmission. The more modern auto transmissions are even better with lock-up converters, multiple ratio's and economy (if that's your thing) better or at least equal to a manual transmission. A powerful V8 engined car with a 4 speed close ratio gearbox is the very antithisys of of any logic - one might think.......... you simply doesn't need the 'long' and 'close' ratios that an M21 gearbox allows. I mean who would really want to drive a car where you most likely have a rear-end ratio that will allow you to cruise perhaps 2500 - 2700 rpm at 70 mph yet allow you (if so minded) to enjoy the aural experience of 'winding' the car-up in first gear to speeds possibly in excess of 50, 60 mph or even higher and simply 'short-shift' straight in to 4th at the legal limit..........boys toys or whatThe 70’s american car experience is the v8 noise and classic feel of a near fifty year old car. I would drive a manual box before you seriously reduce the number of cars you are considering. They are not hard work and to my mind enhance the experience further. I talked myself out of lots of vettes for one reason or another over the years. Unless you have the funds to buy one that is a nut and bolt rebuild with all new parts you are probably always going to be working on it and spending money on it too.
I walked away from numerous good cars due to “should I “should’nt I “ anxiety.
Buying my 72 was the best thing I did , even with the many little issues and some bigger ones too , i am at ease with my descision and wish I did it years ago. I think you should just buy a vette and be done . Good luck and never give up on your dream but at the same time dont put everything out of reach by searching for the unobtainable
yes I cant imagine
