automatic transmissions

AOD's are typically slower because you have one less forward gear (1-2-3-OD with an AOD as opposed to 1-2-3-4-OD with a 5spd).

Also, AOD are heavier than a T5 and take more power to drive.

AOD's are more consistant than 5spds as they shift faster typically but AOD's are notoriously weak transmissions stock.

OD band is weak and tends to break 1st. Being a lock up converter type transmission, at full throttle when the tranny goes from unlocked in 2nd to lock up in 3rd and OD, the stress of the converter being directly coupled to the crankshaft can cause 3/4 input shaft failure.

An AOD is not a bad choice. A good aux transmission cooler, a hardened input shaft, a high stall converter, and a good shift kit or valvebody and it will make a great difference.

On an AOD, shift points are controlled by the valvebody. On a AODE, they can be adjusted by a programmer.

Hope it helps some.

The reason the autos in these cars dont usually run as fast as sticks are mainly, gear ratios, weight, drivetrain loss, lack of controling shift points, lack of controling launch RPM, etc...

T5s are lighter, have less drivetrain loss, have better gear ratios, and allow more driver control. A well built auto will run with a stick, but the money spent and streetability lost isnt appealing to most weekend guys!

As far as racers go, those in slower classes use standards for the same reasons, and a pro shifted stick car is easy anough to make up for the speed an auto can shift at!

In the end its all preference, but most will probably say go stick!

you lose a good percentage of power to the wheels when going through an auto, from all the reasons the guys above listed. it all combines to less power to the wheels.