Warning dumb question inside.

[Spridal]

Why are so many swapping out the auto tranny for a 4speed?

[SavannahZ]

I have a four speed, but if I had an automatic I would switch it to a manual for more control. Also, I personally feel that anything other than stop and go traffic a stick is more fun to drive.

[popdaddy]

performance,what the Z was made for

[=Enigma=]

Sports cars were meant to be controlled, not automated.

[Arne]

I did convert mine from auto to 4 speed, but most of my 240Z friends have automatics. So personal preference is a big part of it.

But as noted, many people who are interested in this type of car (myself included) prefer manual transmissions. Not that there is anything inherently bad about an automatic for normal street driving, but many of us simply prefer to shift for ourselves.

As to the why some of us folks who prefer manuals buy automatics and then convert them, rather than to simply buy a manual to begin with - the answer there is simply supply and condition. (Maybe a bit of price, too.) When shopping for a decent Z (240s especially), the supply is small enough that you want to look at all examples, whether they are exactly what you want or not. Also, many people (again including myself) have found that automatic-equipped cars tend to be in a bit better overall condition that the manual transmission cars, and sometimes they are a bit cheaper than the manuals as well.

[Carl Beck]

Why are so many swapping out the auto tranny for a 4speed?

Because today, just like yesterday - so many didn't want the A/T to begin with.

About 12% of the 240-Z's sold in America were equipped with an A/T. In general, these cars were purchased when new - by drivers that wanted a good looking second car for the family, with lots of utility. Not really your typical Sports Car buyers at the time. Most of the A/T equipped cars were then driven with more care and lead an easier life so to speak, than the one's that were driven hard an put away wet by the Sports Car people...

As a result, many of the 240-Z's that you find today with the A/T are in far better shape than average. They are however being purchased today by both Real Sports Car people - and buyers of Classic Cars. Both of these groups prefer the standard transmission, and feel it's worth the effort to buy a car in better condition with the A/T and then convert it. Thus most of the remaining A/T equipped cars are being converted today.

FWIW,

Carl B.