Manual/Standard transmission on Sierra/Silverado

Donstar · May 8, 2016

It wasn't too long ago when automatic transmissions were an option. One of the reasons for the decline in popularity for the standard transmission is an inability for drivers to multi-task while driving. It is hard to drink coffee, talk on a cell phone and shift gears while stuck in traffic! Personally, I would prefer a floor shift in my truck with a truck grade manual transmission. There was a time when the standard truck transmissions had higher towing capabilities than the automatic. I do not see the automatic as an improvement over the standard as say disc brakes over drum. The different transmissions represent different driving preferences and I would appreciate seeing them re-introduced. Anyone else with me?

SouthernSilveradoGuy85 · May 8, 2016

I've always owned full size Chevy trucks. My first was an '86 C10 with the "granny" manual transmission. It's also what I learned how to drive a stick with. I also prefer a manual. Especially in a performance car. If I ever get a Camaro or even able to get a Vette it has to be a manual. Even if everything is exactly how I want it but is an auto I won't buy it. My next truck after the '86 was a '98 Z71. You could find a manual in that body style, but it was very hard to find. Seemed like the ones I saw was either not for sale and the ones that were for sale were ragged out really bad so I settled for the auto. When the trans went out I did want to get it replaced with the manual but it would have cost too much so I just had the auto replaced. Then now I have my '14 and a manual isn't even an option. It sucks that manuals have been phased out on trucks. I know some people don't mind a manual, but still hate to drive one in a city with a lot of stop and go. I personally don't mind a manual in any condition. Especially after getting me CDL A so driving a manual in a passenger vehicle is nothing compared to driving a commercial truck.

07Softail · May 8, 2016

I loved my 89 RCSB sport side with the T-56 i installed with the 6.0L LS w/9" and 4.11's now that was a FUN Truck to drive. I would have ordered a Stick if offered.

RT

MikeNH · May 8, 2016

It wasn't too long ago when automatic transmissions were an option. One of the reasons for the decline in popularity for the standard transmission is an inability for drivers to multi-task while driving. It is hard to drink coffee, talk on a cell phone and shift gears while stuck in traffic! Personally, I would prefer a floor shift in my truck with a truck grade manual transmission. There was a time when the standard truck transmissions had higher towing capabilities than the automatic. I do not see the automatic as an improvement over the standard as say disc brakes over drum. The different transmissions represent different driving preferences and I would appreciate seeing them re-introduced. Anyone else with me?

None of that is true. Manuals fell out of favor decades before the modern gadgets came on the scene. Modern automatics make the vehicle faster and more fuel efficient than manuals. If you like shifting, then by all means that's fine but to claim manuals are in any way better than a modern auto is a lie.

Donstar · May 8, 2016

None of that is true. Manuals fell out of favor decades before the modern gadgets came on the scene. Modern automatics make the vehicle faster and more fuel efficient than manuals. If you like shifting, then by all means that's fine but to claim manuals are in any way better than a modern auto is a lie.

I ask that you re-read what is said and maybe you wouldn't make such a provocative comment. My references were not a comparison between a new automatic to an old standard. Your memories of pickups in the 60's and 70's may be different than mine but my manuals had higher trailer towing abilities than the automatics. You might also find that the fuel consumption and speed were not attributes of this generation of automatics.

I do not know how a current automatic when compared with a current manual could be faster or more fuel efficient. However, I wouldn't accuse you of telling lies for saying this. You are sharing what you believe to be true and it is up to the readers to accept or not.

07Softail · May 9, 2016

Basically in the current times we live in there are to many weak kneed wussies that can't even drive a manual transmission vehicle to start with. Some would rather have heated seats for there tender fat asses and heated steering wheels for their soft and supple dainty little girly hands while using a NAVI to find there way to the coffee shop for their $10 mocha, chocalata, double whipped, soy, fat free, extra flim flam poke in the ass coffee.

RT

Donstar · May 9, 2016

I have owned pretty well optioned trucks with manual transmissions. I don't view an automatic transmission as a "modern gadget" or inferior/superior to a manual transmission. However, comparing a six speed manual to a six speed automatic may have interesting results! My Harley has a six speed. I wonder if Harley Davidson offered an automatic how well it would sell?

HondaHawkGT · May 9, 2016

There may be Mexican versions of the GMT k2's with a manual transmission yet. Previous GMT's had the option available there. I think the biggest motivating factor for GM going auto only is that it's much easier to optimize the powertrain to meet US emissions and FE requirements. Not to mention GM doesn't have to cover possible warranty costs associated with guys beating on their manual trucks.

silveradosid · May 9, 2016

years ago you ordered what you wanted for a truck, now GM gives you what they think you deserve at a given price. couldnt agree with you more hondahawk

Z45 · May 9, 2016

$$ is the primary reason. Less choice means less engineering needed, less parts inventory, less time/cost to assembly vehicle not to mention the Auto Trans appeals to more buyers.

TJay74 · May 9, 2016

Actually MikeNH is correct, modern auto's have proven time and time again that they get as good of gas mileage as the manuals and can actually shift faster than the manual transmission can and turn faster 1/4 mile times. The 6L80E and 8L80E both shift in milliseconds, heck the new 10spd auto that GM is putting into the new Camaro ZL1 has been tested and shown that it shifts as fast and if not faster than the Ferrari F1 transmission that they use.

I've had manual vehicles most of my life, to be honest it doesn't both me one bit to only have an auto in a truck. If I want a manual I will go buy a Camaro or a Corvette, but to be honest once again having owned those cars in the past and now driving them with a performance tuned auto in them the desire to have a manual is less and less each generation.

The comment about manuals having more tow rating is moot as well, the GM 1500 series trucks can tow over 10k lbs with the right package. In reality you really don't need to be towing any more than that on a half ton platform.

Donstar · May 9, 2016

The earlier trucks with the 2 and 3 speed automatics were not as efficient as the 3 and 4 speed manuals of the day. Since "these" days automatics rapidly gained in popularity due to the ease and convenience of driving. Improvements have followed in both transmissions. However, a combination of factors have seen the automatic become the only choice. The auto industry and EPA have played significant roles in influencing our decision to go automatic. I do not want to race with my truck or out shift an automatic. I enjoy driving and get more from the experience with a clutch and manual transmission. I am not intimidated by steep hills or bothered by stop and go traffic. I believe there are many out there that also prefer the driving experience with a standard transmission and are driving automatics because that is what is available. I wouldn't be surprised if there are many new drivers if given the opportunity would enjoy the experience!

cbgrant74 · May 10, 2016

I wrote to GM a few years ago asking if they had any plans to offer trucks with manual transmissions. This was their reply:

Thank you for contacting Chevrolet and for your interest in the Silverado! We appreciate the time you have taken to write us. Unfortunately, there are no plans at this time to bring back the manual transmission for our trucks. Less than 1% of the market purchased trucks with manual transmission and because of this statistic, we decided to remove this option from our line-up. We will document your inquiry so your comments will have an impact on the future of our vehicles and we apologize for inconvenience this may cause.

The low sales of stick-shift trucks is no surprise considering that almost all vehicles are configured by the dealer (i.e., not special ordered). Dealers know that two-thirds of the prospective buyers walking on the lot can’t drive a stick shift, so they order all automatics. The only manual transmission trucks being sold (when it was even an option) were the ones special ordered that way, and we know how many that was - less than 1 percent. So, it wasn’t worth the effort for GM to produce them (for sale in the U.S., anyway), whatever advantages the stick shift might have had.

Donstar · May 10, 2016

Yes it is hard to sell a product if it is not available. Manual transmissions in trucks were phased out of production in a systematic manner and I am not certain this was a result of demand as much as supply.