Why No Manual Shift?

[terzmo]

What I understand is that it's been determined that Automatics get slightly better fuel economy as compared to manuals and that's the big reason your seeing no more manuals in the cars and trucks now. Saves the automakers money in the long run.

 

 

No, manuals are direct drive and have overdrive as well. In automatics there will always be some slippage in the torque converter when not locked.. I had manuals for years and they always got better gas mileage than their auto counterparts.

 

people just don't want to shift gears.

 

 

I agree...manual trans always do better in mileage with everything else being equal

[pwall]

As much as I like a manual shift, I'll stay with my 6-speed Allison.

[redvett]

No Automatics at least A4's are not as efficient as a manual BUT everyday drivers that commute and sit in bumper to bumper traffic refuse to drive a stick while they shave,do there hair,talk on Cell-phone,text,dress,read the paper while driving. Trust me i even watched a gal putting on her pantyhose while driving 70 mph on cruise.

[AvalancheZ71]

This from Rick Spina, Vehicle Line Executive for GM Full-size Trucks:

As to manual transmissions.....yes, we recognize that some drivers still prefer them. Sadly, however, the realities of meeting all the very strict emissions requirements in today's world require remarkably big amounts of engineering time, talent, and money. Manuals are MORE difficult to keep within emissions guidelines due to quicker on/off throttle applications. The low demand for manuals coupled with the higher costs to develop and certify make it a poor way for us to spend money.

See Webchat: 2011 Chevrolet Silverado & GMC Sierra HD Pickups with Rick Spina

[Mudddawg]

This from Rick Spina, Vehicle Line Executive for GM Full-size Trucks:

As to manual transmissions.....yes, we recognize that some drivers still prefer them. Sadly, however, the realities of meeting all the very strict emissions requirements in today's world require remarkably big amounts of engineering time, talent, and money. Manuals are MORE difficult to keep within emissions guidelines due to quicker on/off throttle applications. The low demand for manuals coupled with the higher costs to develop and certify make it a poor way for us to spend money.

See Webchat: 2011 Chevrolet Silverado & GMC Sierra HD Pickups with Rick Spina

 

 

Thanks for all the replies. Looks like those of us who prefer the stick shift are going to be stuck with with the sloppy, inconsistent automatics. Also we are going to be stuck with hearing these words from the dealer about these issues---"We cant see a problem"

[MacA]

I grew up driving manual transmissions. If it was an option on our trucks, that would be the way I'd go!

 

I TOTALLY agree on the aftermarket tune to resolve your shifting problems. I had a local guy tune my truck after my mods. Not only did the tune "wake-up" the engine, we also adjusted shift points and shift firmness. It is perfect now.

[Mudddawg]

I grew up driving manual transmissions. If it was an option on our trucks, that would be the way I'd go!

 

I TOTALLY agree on the aftermarket tune to resolve your shifting problems. I had a local guy tune my truck after my mods. Not only did the tune "wake-up" the engine, we also adjusted shift points and shift firmness. It is perfect now.

 

How did your truck do before the tune? Did it sometimes seem to be in too high of a gear and then other times seemed just right and accelerate well with PART THROTTLE? Part throttle shifting and acceleration on a slow down-speed up is where I see the problem--sometimes, sometimes not.

[Willshire]

My 4spd shifts into OD really early and dogs at part throttle until it downshifts. I've noticed the last couple of days with the heat wave it runs a little more poorly, and don't get me started when the AC is on.

[MacA]

How did your truck do before the tune? Did it sometimes seem to be in too high of a gear and then other times seemed just right and accelerate well with PART THROTTLE? Part throttle shifting and acceleration on a slow down-speed up is where I see the problem--sometimes, sometimes not.

 

I really didn't have any major issues with mine when driving "normal" around town. If I drove a little more "aggressively", especially from a rolling stop, the shift points weren't right. The engine would tend to "bog-down".

[Mudddawg]

How did your truck do before the tune? Did it sometimes seem to be in too high of a gear and then other times seemed just right and accelerate well with PART THROTTLE? Part throttle shifting and acceleration on a slow down-speed up is where I see the problem--sometimes, sometimes not.

 

I really didn't have any major issues with mine when driving "normal" around town. If I drove a little more "aggressively", especially from a rolling stop, the shift points weren't right. The engine would tend to "bog-down".

 

 

Exactly. So it seemed when you gave it a little more throttle it bogged down such as needing to be in a lower gear or needing more fuel? That is mine to a jot and tittle. This explains why my truck struggles to pull a bass boat.More load requires more throttle,thus the bogging begins. Keep in mind I am talking part throttle not WOT. I have witnessed TM in a 2500hd 6.0. I had no idea that TM had gotten this bad with GMT900's. Mine is so bad I honestly thought I had a defective engine or tranny. I reference TM because you mentioned that a tune corrected your truck. Does it do what it should be able to do know? Also to everyone who has told me I need a tune and I said that is not the solution, it appears I may stand corrected.

[MacA]

....Does it do what it should be able to do know?

 

After the tune, I have had no issues with the engine bogging down because it wasn't in the right gear. A good tuner (Black Bear, PCMforLess, etc...) knows how to "adjust" your tranny's shift points and shift firmness. It can be tailored to your liking! I actually had my tuner soften the firmness of the shifts after his initial tune, because under easy acceleration the 1st to 2nd shift was a little too "jerky". I am very pleased with the results.

[Mudddawg]

....Does it do what it should be able to do know?

 

After the tune, I have had no issues with the engine bogging down because it wasn't in the right gear. A good tuner (Black Bear, PCMforLess, etc...) knows how to "adjust" your tranny's shift points and shift firmness. It can be tailored to your liking! I actually had my tuner soften the firmness of the shifts after his initial tune, because under easy acceleration the 1st to 2nd shift was a little too "jerky". I am very pleased with the results.

 

 

Sounds like what I need. Justin did a tune for me a couple of years ago on my hd. One more question, how do you get around the warranty aspect. I have heard that you can have a spare ecm tuned and retain the stock one for service visits. Some have said the dealer can't tell that you have swapped the ecms if you replace the stock one before going to the dealer. Is this true? Do you or anyone else on here have solid evidence to back this theory? Also, you have an extremely nice looking ride. Thanks for all the help so far.

[i82much]

 I think part of it has to do with the lack of a good light-duty trans.   Basically you're looking at NV3500 - which is a little weak, shift fork and synchronizer issues.  Or an NV4500, which I am pretty sure has a granny gear and in any event would take some re-engineering to put into the 1/2 ton drivetrains.  

 

If you recall, GM used to make a 4.8 NV3500 combo, stopped about '05 and just made the stick available with the 4.3?  I have a RCSB 4x4 4.3 with the NV3500, it's ok and I love having a stick, but after 60k miles and not a whole lot of towing it already is showing some signs of not wanting to shift into third or fourth, especially in 4-LO.  

 

Of course, that can't be the whole story if they are still selling them in Mexico ...

[Rat4go]

Inconsistant day to day seems to be a different problem than good at light throttle and not as good at heavy throttle. The inconsistant day to day likely is some other issue and not something a tune would fix. If you didn't like the shift points at heavier throttle, that might be addressed with a tune or use of tow-haul when dragging your boat.

 

If it's the truck in your sig (ex cab), I'd assume it's a 4-speed that is giving you fits?

[Snow White]

What I understand is that it's been determined that Automatics get slightly better fuel economy as compared to manuals and that's the big reason your seeing no more manuals in the cars and trucks now. Saves the automakers money in the long run.

 

 

No, manuals are direct drive and have overdrive as well. In automatics there will always be some slippage in the torque converter when not locked.. I had manuals for years and they always got better gas mileage than their auto counterparts.

 

people just don't want to shift gears.

 

 

exactly.