Automatics and power loss

[The Punisher]

Yes obviously an automatic transmission will require a little more power to 
operate. You have a pump to turn, fluid to pump, pressure to maintain, and 
you will get some slippage from the torque converter. But you also get some 
torque multiplication from the converter at launch(this is not 100percent 
efficent of course) and assuming it has been properly prepared faster shifts 
at full power.
Of course engine dyno HP is more than chassis dyno HP with an automatic. It 
is also less with a manual. You loose power through youre rear-end too. 
Granted manuals will rob less power, but I think the differences are 
exagerated greatly!
I'd love a T56 or Jericho in a roadrace or touring car, espicaly with a 
small block. They are way fun and offer more precise control and feedback 
than an auto.
But for a Drag oriented car with something like a high comp 454+ with big 
heads, big roller ect... you know 600,700,800 HP kinda stuff you wanna 
THM400 or realy beefed Glide. you'll be picking up pieces of MOST stick 
trannies off the ground(not ALL, just MOST).

And as far as Lenco's go, they have more in common with an auto than a 
manual. And there are a couple of companies making automatic front-end's for 
Lenco's.
Ultimatly a manual CAN run faster in the quarter, Pro-stock cars prove this. 
But look at MOST bracket race TYPE drag cars running 8.0 - 15.0 and you will 
find some form of automatic.

OOPS starting to rant again better stop. This is like a taste great/less 
filling argument here.

Marvin Fugate
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