I searched a lot and couldn't find any discussions on this topic, so please don't flame the newb too hard if I missed the long thread about this.

I'm getting ready to swap the transmission in my 99 auto.

6 gears always sounds better than 5, right? But then I hear some negative comments about the 6-speed.

The complaint I've heard is that 1st gear is just too short? Can't this be fixed with the proper rear end?


Which do you guys recommend for a daily driver NB that will eventually be turbo? (and not a race car)

 

Regarding the Autos, I believe autos came with 4.3s, but I'm talking out of my *** here.

You can do it either way. The 5 will be a good, CHEAP, temporary solution if you don't want to have to spend the money on **** like the R&P right now, but just remember that the 5 speed has low limits. That being said, they can be picked up so cheap that in the grand scheme of things it's a fraction of the cost of doing the 6-speed and rear.

It all boils down to how many times you are willing to do it. In your situation, I would find a cheap 5-speed and stick that in. Run that until you replace the open diff and 4.3 R&P, then swap in the 6-speed, then do suspension, then turbo it.

 

5 speed is all you need!

You can put decent power through a 5 speed without issue and they are cheap.

 

If you aren't going to make north of 250HP ,then go with 5 spd. My 6 with 4.10 gears sucks a big donkey dick. I get more and more tired of it as time goes on. Looking forward to a new R&P. I really liked my 5 spd with 4.10

 

Interesting... so the 6-speed owner feels the same as I've heard elsewhere.

I think the answer is clear. 5-speed. Keep it cheap and simple.

I'm not going to make over 200hp to the wheels with this thing, probably. I've had my race cars... this one is supposed to be simple, reliable, and (mostly) street legal.

 

5spd is my choice. 6 spds are a pain in the ****.