C5 /C6 Manual gearbox vs.auto
Discussion
I’m planing to buy either a late C5 or an LS 3 engined C6 and my 1st preference is a manual.
One person I’ve been in touch has recommended an auto due to the manual boxes being rather agricultural and I’d appreciate any comments from owners with manual boxes.
Also, how well does the paddle shift function work on C6 autos?
I have not driven or been driven in a C5 or C6 yet so any thoughts on the above would be very welcome before I take the plunge!
Thanks, Nick
One person I’ve been in touch has recommended an auto due to the manual boxes being rather agricultural and I’d appreciate any comments from owners with manual boxes.
Also, how well does the paddle shift function work on C6 autos?
I have not driven or been driven in a C5 or C6 yet so any thoughts on the above would be very welcome before I take the plunge!
Thanks, Nick
Hi, my 2007 LS2 C6 is a manual.
As manual boxes go, it's not a classic, but it's not bad either. It's a positive movement, you always know you've got it in gear, pretty sure I've never missed a gear. The biggest adjustment is to shifting with your right hand, it takes a little bit of time for it to become 2nd nature (if, like me most lhd experience came from hire cars).
I note that you are looking at late C5 or LS3 engined C6 ('08 onwards)? Mind if I ask why not an LS2 C6 (05-07)? There are inevitably improvements with every model year, but the LS2 only lacks 30bhp, will be cheaper and is just as reliable. The heads and inlet can be swapped across, or use the savings in other areas to make more power?
Mine in action last month with another LS2 engined C6: https://youtu.be/G4pmYQRTkmU?t=122
Cheers, Dave
As manual boxes go, it's not a classic, but it's not bad either. It's a positive movement, you always know you've got it in gear, pretty sure I've never missed a gear. The biggest adjustment is to shifting with your right hand, it takes a little bit of time for it to become 2nd nature (if, like me most lhd experience came from hire cars).
I note that you are looking at late C5 or LS3 engined C6 ('08 onwards)? Mind if I ask why not an LS2 C6 (05-07)? There are inevitably improvements with every model year, but the LS2 only lacks 30bhp, will be cheaper and is just as reliable. The heads and inlet can be swapped across, or use the savings in other areas to make more power?
Mine in action last month with another LS2 engined C6: https://youtu.be/G4pmYQRTkmU?t=122
Cheers, Dave
Thanks for your input Dave and great video!
Nearly all the cars on the market seem to be autos but I’ll seek out a manual to try before deciding.
I’m fine with LHD cars and the yes the reason for searching for an LS3 engined car was the extra grunt - not sure what the price difference is over an LS2 but guess that prices will start to be all over the place due to the current CV issue?
Nearly all the cars on the market seem to be autos but I’ll seek out a manual to try before deciding.
I’m fine with LHD cars and the yes the reason for searching for an LS3 engined car was the extra grunt - not sure what the price difference is over an LS2 but guess that prices will start to be all over the place due to the current CV issue?
I have a c5 Z06 with LS6 and manual. Suits the engine very well - you can do anything in pretty much any gear so it suits whatever mood you’re in. I find the shift is positive enough and while not lightning quick, it suits the car. I would definitely recommend manual!
I also have owned a C6 Z06 with LS7 and manual. Lighter change but not particularly better in my view.
I also have owned a C6 Z06 with LS7 and manual. Lighter change but not particularly better in my view.
woodsy99 said:
I have not driven or been driven in a C5 or C6 yet so any thoughts on the above would be very welcome before I take the plunge!
There are no slow Corvettes. A base C5 has huge grunt and the later cars are quicker still.Corvettes are scarce in UK only about one third have manual transmission, so you're fishing in a small pond. Auto's are well worth a look to broaden the scope. As ever, buy on overall condition and service history.
I've never owned a manual Vette but have owned both C5 and C6 autos.
My 2001 C5 was OK apart from the awful torque management - if you hit the throttle, then have to back off momentarily, then go back onto the throttle the torque management makes it feel like the engine has died for several seconds...which isn't very helpful when you need power!
The torque management on the C6 (2008 LS3) wasn't noticeable to me, although I did always drive on the paddles rather than leaving it to its own devices - and that worked really well, not least due to the box dropping down to 2nd rather than 1st when you stop, which makes it far less frantic when you start again (my current Mustang 10-speed is unusable on the paddles because it drops to 1st and it's just tedious having to flap the paddles several times as you move off from rest). On the odd occasion I did leave the C6 in auto, it can be a bit clunky when you slow for a junction than have to accelerate if it coincides with the point where it decides to drop from 3rd to 2nd - hence using the paddles all the time.
My 2001 C5 was OK apart from the awful torque management - if you hit the throttle, then have to back off momentarily, then go back onto the throttle the torque management makes it feel like the engine has died for several seconds...which isn't very helpful when you need power!
The torque management on the C6 (2008 LS3) wasn't noticeable to me, although I did always drive on the paddles rather than leaving it to its own devices - and that worked really well, not least due to the box dropping down to 2nd rather than 1st when you stop, which makes it far less frantic when you start again (my current Mustang 10-speed is unusable on the paddles because it drops to 1st and it's just tedious having to flap the paddles several times as you move off from rest). On the odd occasion I did leave the C6 in auto, it can be a bit clunky when you slow for a junction than have to accelerate if it coincides with the point where it decides to drop from 3rd to 2nd - hence using the paddles all the time.
LS2 has the Tremec T56 box the later ones have the Tremec T6060 which most find easier to shift the gears. The T56 is also used in many other vehicles, one of which is a Mustang. The box with the original oil can be notchy for 1 & reverse specially when cold, but with the new and improved oil that is not the case any more. Shifting gear with a T56 with improved oil is a smooth as the T6060, although it will never be as smooth a Toyota.
Info here: https://motoiq.com/tested-bg-syncro-shift-ii-gear-...
Buy the car you can afford to run and maintain, if that's a later LS3 go for it. Look at the maintenance history, a well taken care of LS2 tops a raggedy LS3.
Whatever one you choose, you are going to buy a very capable sports car that will be loads of fun to drive.
Info here: https://motoiq.com/tested-bg-syncro-shift-ii-gear-...
Buy the car you can afford to run and maintain, if that's a later LS3 go for it. Look at the maintenance history, a well taken care of LS2 tops a raggedy LS3.
Whatever one you choose, you are going to buy a very capable sports car that will be loads of fun to drive.
Gassing Station | Corvettes | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff