Manual transmission Fan Club and BS thread (All Generations Welcome)

Didn't "slushbox" originated as a term for older automatics that were notoriously slower and less reliable than manual transmissions? These days we all know that autos are technically "better" (faster shifting, more efficient, etc.), but nothing will ever beat manually throwing your own gears. Manuals have more smiles per mile and always will

Of course @hilux22re said it best, "automatics are for fat people".

 

Possibly. Doesn't seem likely, though, because I've always heard it referred to as a car having a slushbox, not being a slushbox.

 

Slush box....because in order to operate is slushes the fluid around from here to there. Technically the slushing more or less happens inside the torque converter

 

Actually, someone did a side by side of exact same Tacoma except for transmissions and the auto beat out the manual in an 1/8 mile race IIRC.(2nd gen). The auto just shifts faster and has a better take off I guess. I still love my manual and I'd probably beat an auto with the same mods at this point, but stock trucks will benefit from autos.

 

I'll ride the bus before I'll own an automatic (should I actually be forced to own one my out will be "the bus doesn't go where I want to go").

By the time the additional initial cost, expensive maintenance and repair are factored in the gas mileage won't make the auto come out ahead.

An automatic transmission is an expensive black box just waiting to have an expensive failure that I don't know how to fix. I've rebuilt several manual transmiossons and changing the fluid is straightforward and easy.

Oh and I don't like driving autos.

 

Depends. A properly-maintained automatic is easily good for over 200k miles, and all that's really involved in properly maintaining one is a $70 fluid and filter change every 60-70k. Adding 3 of those services together still comes to less $$ than it costs to replace a clutch or a bad throwout bearing.

Of course, obviously if you don't like driving an automatic, then that's enough reason not to.

 

I've done it to mine no problem, just put it in 2nd and let the clutch out.

 

If the battery is flat enough, it's true that a push start won't work with a modern vehicle. But it has to absolutely, completely dead. If you've got even enough juice left to ding the door chime, it should start.

 

True

 

Theoretically, at least. I haven't had an opportunity to try it in person yet.

 

What @Noelie84 said. They are sealed transmissions and the fluid supposedly good for 100k miles (I'd change it every 50k though). If you're some die hard manual fan, good for you, but auto's really aren't what they used to be 20 years ago. As I said, its literally been proven that the autos are quicker and stronger than manuals these days. Yeah when an auto finally goes out, it goes out with a bang. But if you factor in the cost of changing the manual fluid over 200k miles, plus clutch/flywheel/TO bearing replacements, the auto comes out on top, again. Having come from a 2011 automatic Tacoma to my 2015 manual tacoma, I'm glad I made the change, but I hadn't found the one I have now I'd have ended up with an Auto and still been happy. Probably would have ended up spending way less money lol

 

I was gonna say...this. Really you just need enough power to get the injectors spitting and the ECU firing. If your dash lights come on, you should be able to push start it. If your shit is dead to the world, go buy a new battery or get a tow lol

 

My very first car was a 1946 Dodge 5 window business Coupe with a straight 6 flathead and a IIRC "fluid drive" transmission. What that was, was a chamber after the clutch and before the standard 3 speed manual that was full of hydraulic fluid. That chamber had an impeller and a propeller and allowed you to stop and start in any gear without using the clutch), albeit rather slowly. I believe other manufacturers had similar systems. These are the origins of the term slush box.

 

I've had plenty of automatics with problems. Didn't want to deal with them anymore. Manuals are simpler, easier, and cheaper to repair.

 

The question is which one of us will be the first to push start it and confirm lol

 

as soon as I am on a hill and remember I will try it. I would rather know now before i need it and have to push it.

 

Your truck will start fine as long as the battery's not dead.
If you want to conduct a thorough test, park on a hill with the lights on until the battery is flat. Then try a push start.

 

Except when you need it, your battery will have significantly less "juice" in it.. presumably. May not be a valid test for any other condition than a charged battery.

Frank

 

This.. although probably not particularly good for your battery!