Newbie 'Auto or Manual?' question

Would you start with an Auto or Manual?

  • Automatic

    Votes: 42 33.9%

  • Manual

    Votes: 77 62.1%

  • I'm nekkid, and only watch at the sled pulls

    Votes: 5 4.0%
  • Total voters
    124
big94GMC

big94GMC

First Timer
Joined
May 31, 2010
Messages
54
I've done some research, and I don't feel I've gotten any closer to a understanding why a puller makes the decision to run one or the other (ya know, BEYOND the reason "it's what I had to start with"). In other words, if you were going to start out a dedicated-pull-truck project, what would you have, and why?

(Flame away.)
 
big94GMC said:
I've done some research, and I don't feel I've gotten any closer to a understanding why a puller makes the decision to run one or the other (ya know, BEYOND the reason "it's what I had to start with"). In other words, if you were going to start out a dedicated-pull-truck project, what would you have, and why?

(Flame away.)
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What class??? dedicated puller...I would think your talking 2.8 or larger. Have a look at what 90+% of all the big guys are running in the diesel and the gasser class and you will find that they are running clutches! Want something really cool that is big in drag racing and will make its way to pulling shortly (some gassers are already running it) ......

Proformance Pros Online Store
 
RyanB said:
What class??? dedicated puller...I would think your talking 2.8 or larger.
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Well, I guess I'm thinking progression....starting out in the "Work Stock" class, and building up from there. (I know enough about the sport to know I won't be jumpin' in bed with the big dogs right outta the box.) Truth be told, I've gone to a couple local sled pulls since Summer Showdown at Millers Tavern last October, and last one being the NADM event at Warren County Fairground, and now I'm hooked - no pun intended. I have an '04 CTD that's my daily driver and tow pig, and I know I don't want to risk breaking it on the sled....so, I'm doing a mental build sheet of truck that I'd use for pulling only. (Make sense?)
 
Manual. The last thing you want is for an auto to shift and bog out on the pull track.
 
big94GMC said:
so, I'm doing a mental build sheet of truck that I'd use for pulling only. (Make sense?)
Click to expand...

As much as you don't want to probably hear this my opinion is that it would probably be best to start out in 2.6 if not 2.8 On a dedicated puller you are going to save more money in the long run starting as close to the final class as you can. I spent about twice the money on my old puller as I would have if I had built it right from the start as a dedicated puller. Also by jumping right into 2.8 you are going to get away I believe from having it licenced and insured.

Alot of guys think that they don't want to jump up and get there butts kicked all the time but honestly, if your just starting out...there is nothing better than seat time and you will learn alot more in the higher classes!

Ryan
 
RyanB said:
As much as you don't want to probably hear this my opinion is that it would probably be best to start out in 2.6 if not 2.8 On a dedicated puller you are going to save more money in the long run starting as close to the final class as you can. I spent about twice the money on my old puller as I would have if I had built it right from the start as a dedicated puller. Also by jumping right into 2.8 you are going to get away I believe from having it licenced and insured.

Alot of guys think that they don't want to jump up and get there butts kicked all the time but honestly, if your just starting out...there is nothing better than seat time and you will learn alot more in the higher classes!

Ryan
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:clap: what he said alot of your major stuff you should only have to buy once
 
I say automatic.

I think an automatic is more reliable and pulls about the same as a stick, and sometimes better IMO. Once you get into 2.8 and 3.0, I think a stick shift might be a little better because they typically have the power to spin the whole way down the track, so the extra gears dont really help any.

An automatic is much more maintenance free and versatile than a stick shift truck though. No rebuilding the clutch every season, and you can drag race competitively if you want.

Eric
 
Smoke said:
What truck you starting with?
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A Cummins something-or-other.... (I just started the 'decision making' process a week ago - don't know much; trying to educate myself and absorb everything I can.) I would like to combine my GMC background with my new-found liking of Cummins engines....but I know an engine swap isn't going to be the most cost-effective way to go. So....in short, I'm saying I don't know which model years of the 2nd gen's would be the best, and why. I'll learn.


RyanB said:
As much as you don't want to probably hear this my opinion is that it would probably be best to start out in 2.6 if not 2.8 On a dedicated puller you are going to save more money in the long run starting as close to the final class as you can. I spent about twice the money on my old puller as I would have if I had built it right from the start as a dedicated puller. Also by jumping right into 2.8 you are going to get away I believe from having it licenced and insured.

Alot of guys think that they don't want to jump up and get there butts kicked all the time but honestly, if your just starting out...there is nothing better than seat time and you will learn alot more in the higher classes!

Ryan
Click to expand...

I hadn't thought of it that way.... Thanks, man - that gives me a new way to approach this.
 
big94GMC said:
A Cummins something-or-other.... I would like to combine my GMC background with my new-found liking of Cummins engines....but I know an engine swap isn't going to be the most cost-effective way to go.QUOTE]

What year of GMs do you like....pm me and I can try to help out as much as possible... The truck I mentioned above was a Cummins/GMC and I could have done it a whole lot cheaper if I would have decieded from the start to build it as a dedicated puller. Send me a PM and I can try to point you in the right direction.

Ryan
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Jump to the bigger classes. I figured it up on paper the same way your doing. Like they said if its dedicated puller you don't have that huge expense of a later model truck and the waist of break'n the daily driver and laying under it till 2:30 Monday morning to drive it to work. Take a look at my sig
 
JERONIMO said:
Jump to the bigger classes. I figured it up on paper the same way your doing. Like they said if its dedicated puller you don't have that huge expense of a later model truck and the waist of break'n the daily driver and laying under it till 2:30 Monday morning to drive it to work. Take a look at my sig
Click to expand...
Oh and stick gets my vote.
 
big94GMC said:
...I don't know which model years of the 2nd gen's would be the best, and why.
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I'm assuming you're going to use a P-pump? Which class you gonna run? That'll determine which trans you'll be better off with.
 
torque converter and a lenco... :D

or a weighted clutch in front of some sort of transmission or direct drive...
 
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