[V8] gearbox swap questions

[Professor GT gmail]

Oh boy, here we go!

First off, ALL manufacturers these days are using communication links like CAN BUS, to tie EVERYTHING together. The VW Phaeton (a real fart in church) had something like 60 control units all talking to each other over CAN.
There are many benefits, and I can go on for quite some time about this (my J1939 datalink presentation is over 140 slides), but the drawbacks are mainly centered around Servicability issues.

So, the point, forgetting about any possible hardware issues, is the lack of flexibility with respect to vehicle integration, or installing and then properly controlling that trans in a vehicle it was not designed for. That said, anything is possible, but practicality has to enter into the equation also. Bottom line, not worth it!

Secondly, on the automatic versus stick debate: there is NO compelling reason to switch from an auto to a manual Trans, other than if you enjoy playing with a clutch pedal and a shifter, PERIOD!

Better fuel economy with a manual? 
NOT! 
Maybe years ago, but with today's electronic controls, automatics are far superior.

Vehicle Control? See previous response!

Pulling power? That thing called a torque converter kicks a clutches ass hands down every time! See previous response!

Driver Comfort, and ease of operation?
Do I even need to ask?

And with all this in mind, when applied to larger vehicles the case is even more compelling for automatics! Any trucker who buys a new vehicle with a stick is just kidding himself! The ONLY reason a trucker would prefer a stick is because of the Neanderthal effect. It has been proven over and over, beyond a shadow of a doubt that an Allison automatic is far superior to any manual or automated manual ever created.

Okay, now that I got that off my chest and put those facts out there, before you call me a hypocrite, let me say that I have my V8 5-speed for the novelty and rarity factors, coupled with the fact that its just fun to drive! That is at least until I hit traffic!
Having an original factory V8 5-speed is cool, and to the automotive purist represents the best that the Europeans had to offer in its class, at the time.
I spite of the traffic I have not grown tired of it, and view it as a blessing for the long weekend commutes I've been doing since last Fall...........but an automatic is in the wings to replace my 5-speed as a daily driver so I can save the stick for special occasions!

Now I feel much better that my rant is done! LOL



Thanks,

ProfessorGT
(Sent from my iPhone4)