02-25-2007, 12:14 AM
The minivan's transmission is on the fritz again, among other problems. I think the time may be upon me to swap out to a manual transmission. But I'm not sold that that is best. Thoughts? The transmission works...but it feels as if it is on its way out.
Pros-
1. Performance
2. Fuel economy...2 more gears!
3. Fewer problems
4. Fairly easy to do
5. Costs less then getting a different automatic (I already have a tranny)
6. More towing and hauling ability
Cons-
1. Loss of center console (and all my cup holders)
2. The transmission I have is not the best for the job...might not hold up in the long run
3. Will still cost me $100 in parts
4. Paranoia about my remote start. I always put a car in gear when I park it...and I always use my remote start in the van. These two things do not go together. I think I will be to paranoid to ever use the remote start.
5. more torque steer.
6. Sometimes its just nice to not shift...especailly when I am hauling something I don't want to jar around. A little more 5-speed driving would smooth me out I guess, I'm rusty.
I just don't know what would be best. Its nice to have a car I can lend to anyone and that I can just jump in and go without banging gears. But a 5-speed offers more fun when I want it and better use of my boosts... I just don't know.
Pros-
1. Performance
2. Fuel economy...2 more gears!
3. Fewer problems
4. Fairly easy to do
5. Costs less then getting a different automatic (I already have a tranny)
6. More towing and hauling ability
Cons-
1. Loss of center console (and all my cup holders)
2. The transmission I have is not the best for the job...might not hold up in the long run
3. Will still cost me $100 in parts
4. Paranoia about my remote start. I always put a car in gear when I park it...and I always use my remote start in the van. These two things do not go together. I think I will be to paranoid to ever use the remote start.
5. more torque steer.
6. Sometimes its just nice to not shift...especailly when I am hauling something I don't want to jar around. A little more 5-speed driving would smooth me out I guess, I'm rusty.
I just don't know what would be best. Its nice to have a car I can lend to anyone and that I can just jump in and go without banging gears. But a 5-speed offers more fun when I want it and better use of my boosts... I just don't know.
Jeff Morrison - Used Car Manager
Woodstock Garage, Inc.
Chrysler - Dodge - Jeep - RAM
Current Stable of Mopar Junk
57 Chrysler Windsor 4drHT - 67 Dodge D100 Short Bed Step Side - 71 Dodge Challenger - 91 Chrysler Lebaron LX 33k mile Survivor - 91 Dodge Dakota V8 - 05 Chrysler Crossfire Roadster - 08 Ram 2500 Cummins
Woodstock Garage, Inc.
Chrysler - Dodge - Jeep - RAM
Current Stable of Mopar Junk
57 Chrysler Windsor 4drHT - 67 Dodge D100 Short Bed Step Side - 71 Dodge Challenger - 91 Chrysler Lebaron LX 33k mile Survivor - 91 Dodge Dakota V8 - 05 Chrysler Crossfire Roadster - 08 Ram 2500 Cummins