This is probably a silly question for most of you but I was wondering if anyone can give me a specific reason why they don't make a manual transmission for the Lightning. I just want to be more informed because I've been asked that question a few times and I really don't know the true answer.
Mike

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99.5 Black Lightning
PowerSurge Cone Filter
JBA Jet-Hot coated headers
Flowmaster muffler
So-Cal Lowering Kit; Cal-Tracs traction bars
Watter Wetter
Lo-Jack

 

I don't have a Lightning, but I believe it's due to the torque that it produces and the torque curve due to the blower. It's that and I believe autos can hold more power too.

If you look at blown cars, the majority had autos only ie. GMC Syclone, Typhoon, Buick Grand National, GNX, etc...

Robert

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99 F150 Xtracab 4X4 XLT
5.4 liter Flairside
3.73 gears
all stock for now

 

Yep, rcantu called it. Not only that, but have you ever felt how much throw there is in a trucks stick shift? Because the shifter has to be so long, there is a huge space between gears.

 

Ever Tried to drive a manual full size truck hard? I've tried it a few times, the shifter throw ruines it, for me. Plus it's cheaper to make a strong auto transmission with the parts bin then it is to make short throw percise manual for a truck. Also, how many of you would be looking for new clutchs already to go with the new tires?
Auto are more consistant for Drag raceing

 

Have to agree with both above.
Drove a 5.4 manual, and it was awful as a "performance" gearbox. Heavy synchros, long stiff throw on the lever and so on.
Even the Cobra owners around here mostly seem to go with aftermarket linkage kits because the standard Ford linkage is so unwieldy.
As to the automatic, there they have done a fine job in both NA trucks and the Lightnings. Stock, they are not bad, and with a good chip that firms up the shift and eliminates some of the ignition and fuel retard, they are as close to a performance gearbox as you need unless you are into serious racing in my opinion. My Bolt has a PSP chip and filter setup as of yesterday afternoon, and it will light the tires in both first and second at will.

Just another 02 cents.
Bill

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Bill Murray
99.5 Lightning
Oxford White
Bedrug/ARE LSII lid

Tow Package CD Player
Superchip
HobbyTownUSA Graphics
Identical 1/10 Scale Tamiya RC Truck incl. graphics.
Truck interest e-mail:
fastwhitey@myf150.com
4 heavy decals!
Kennesaw (Atlanta) Ga.

 

Bill Murray-

My Lightning, in it's first DynoJet session, showed 440 pounds/feet of torque at the tires on the downhill slope from 3,200 RPM (the automatic transmission wouldn't allow a 'pull' from any lower than that without kicking-down). I understand the manual in the 5.4 you drove wouldn't take that much, so Ford would have had to go to a more heavy-duty trans which would be even less fun to shift.

My brother (you met him) worked on transmission development for the GM S-10 based rockets. They melted a LOT of them before before GM settled on one they felt they could warranty.

The auto in mine works and shifts great, especially with the chip. Maybe kick-down could be a little quicker. I don't know if I could shift it consistantly any better. I'm just wondering what a rebuild will cost these NOS boys after one too many 150 hp 'shots'.

 

Viper is not a truck.
Viper has no blower.
You don't see any manny tranny Buick GN's, as they don't lend well to turbos/superchargers.


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99 Lightning Black Dk. Gray Bedrock spray in liner,
CDChanger, Class III Hitch,
PSP Filter,
ARE Cap,

 

was at a light few hrs ago, when "1badsnk" pulled up in his silver gts. he said that is a great looking truck, i said thanks, your car is.............. the light turned green and i got to see his personalized plate "ibadsnk"

 

Its easier for them to contol emission standards when using an auto.

 

I have to disagree with you all.I believe the reason for autos is as follows:1 These 99 lightnings were intended for luxury as well as performance.The only people who would buy these trucks stick are extreme performance people. Ford looks at it this way:Believe it or not most buyers of the new lightning are middle to older age people.Not many 18 year old kids can afford these trucks and it would seem these are about the only ones who would want the truck soley for performance.Most adults want luxury as well as performance.A stick in a truck wouldnt apeal to most of the people who actually can afford and bought them .mostly to those who want and cant get them.just my opinion.I wouldnt have bought one if they came stick, it would be good for racing but not for cruising IF ford thought they could sell more than 4000 believe me they would make more. They could care less about a limited edition, that is just marketing.Remember the 93-95s , i have seen them brand new in late 96.If they were sticks they would be probally still sitting around. It is hard to sell a Performance truck for 30k . It would be alot worse to sell a performance "standard " truck for 30k. The reason the new ones sold so well is they are alot better and appeal to more people.They also got great marketing and got everybody wound up about them far in advance.

 

BADASSSVT, You are right about the marketing, old people like most of you ( ) don't like sticks. I would buy one with a nice manual, likely faster than I decided on the truck.
BADASSSVT, about the number of trucks, SVT/Ford is concerned about the number of trucks, as it contributes to most of SVT image. These are image vehicles, not the kind of cars/trucks FMC would like everyone to buy. 10000 a year would hurt their CAFE (Corp. Average Fuel Econ.)

 

I understand the price advantage when working from a parts bin. But if you want an excellent short throw manual box, try driving a Viper sometime. 490-500 lb.ft ...

 

Come on *** its all money. They can't make a tranny for this w/a shifter for 4000 trucks w/o being hauled into the poor house. It is all IMAGE (you do understand caps don't you ) They need this truck to steal YOU PEOPLE that would buy whatever is fastest.

 

Whats this ***....? . how about a CAPS in your ***.

 

NO but reaaly, brimstone thought this was a silly question. I think it is a really good question (congrats brimstone). I would like to hear even more opinions.