I`ve got the automatic trans, and I`m sure that most of the new owners have opted for the manual, (more kicks/hp), but what about Turbo lag with the manual?
With the auto, I`ve got boost instantly by pressing the go pedal, but with a manual, you have to press the clutch, shift, (down probably), make sure there`s room to go after the delay in the scenario, then press the go pedal and prepare to shift again, all while trying to compensate for the Turbo spool-up.
Sure seems like a lot of work... So what about the lag factor, anyone able to say that there is none or that they don`t notice any?
Even with the no-lift shift option, I don`t think you can use that on the fly, only at standing starts.

 

Recent tests on the Saturn Sky Turbo show the automatic to be faster than the manual, because you can put your foot on the brake and spool up the turbo before you launch.

 

I'd like to see a race between an auto and manual HHR SS from a stop and rolling start. SS owners, please get together and do some racing.

 

Not really advocating a race, BUT, I think that the auto may give the manual some comp.

 

Well, the Sky redline has the same horsepower between manual and auto, as well as having a 5 sp automatic, and rear wheel drive, so I'm not sure that test is applicable to the HHR.
Also, the purpose of the launch control is to get the turbo up to speed and eliminate lag also, the stick having a higher launch rpm limit.(4100 rpm I believe)

 

I know with competition mode on, you can hold the gas pedal to the floor and with very very fast action, push in the clutch, yank it into the next gear and drop the clutch. I can attest to the fact that if you do this fast enough (and you can) that you never feel the normal lurch of transmission changes common to manuals .. especially under hard acceleration.

 

I have an automatic SS, and I must say that I have not much, if any, turbo lag. The power is always there and when I take the TC off and mash the pedal.....well lets just say the if I want to have my tires for an extended period of time I won't be doing that too often . All I keep hearing is that the stage kits will make up for the supposed HP difference between manuals and automatics, if not eclipse it. I ran with a GXP solstice and I sat right with him. So at the end of the day, I think that it will all come down to drivers preference and tuning.

 

:popcorn:
gettin vicarious thrills listening to you guys

 

If you are worrying about the turbo lag with the manual, you missed the "No Lift Shift". If you want to keep the turbo up just don't lift your right foot. There is also a launch control.
Also, read this article it mensions the different between the auto and manual. http://jalopnik.com/cars/jalopnik-re...t-1-334563.php

 

Not to burst your bubble too badly, and there are reasons for getting the auto, but you guys that think the auto has any chance of keeping a 5 speed in sight are dreaming or smoking something.