This is just an observation that I want to explore so please don't flame me.
I noticed many riced out 240sx (bodykit, rims, etc.)(little or no performance mods) even other cars besides 240sx. Anyway, I've noticed that that Majority of those cars are automatics. Which does not make sense because you'd think they're want a manual for more speed. But I've noticed this; it's not just coincidence because I’ve looked at MANY cars. It's just the truth. But why?
Once theory I came up with is that maybe since their car was auto and making it fast would be much harder they decided to go with looks? What do you guys think? Anyone else notice this?
Riced = auto?
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Rockenreno
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My observations have been that they are auto because most ricers are young kids who are just learning how to drive and (a) want auto because its easier to drive or (b) are using their parents' old cars as a base for their rice, and parents tend to like auto because its easier to use, especially in the traffic jams that are their commute to work!
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lessthanjakejohn
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I think it's because autos are more common, and most ricers are kids who just get hand-me-downs and just take what they get. Plus I'm sure some are dumb enough to think that the average automatic is faster than a manual, and then there are some who just don't care about speed and just want an ugly slow ride. 
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skydragoness
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cow wrote:I think it's because autos are more common, and most ricers are kids who just get hand-me-downs and just take what they get. Plus I'm sure some are dumb enough to think that the average automatic is faster than a manual, and then there are some who just don't care about speed and just want an ugly slow ride.
true. hand me downs that are automatics, or they're just dumb kids and think there's no difference between the two trannies. if they're not kids, then maybe i'd think they were trying to make up for the lack of power-potential/etc with looks instead. which is lame IMO. but anyway...
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SilviaLuvr
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or they swear to god that auto's are 4000x better and more reliable then an manny. This kid wit a 3000GT swears that his car is fast and as a super show car whne the only thing he has is 17"C2 hearts, bomex full kit, and and an muffler that is big enough that a small animal such as a family of squerrals could live in. ANYWHO,...WOOO..WOOO..WOOO! wait a minute. S14-84 "thats not true....dude we dont buy auto cause easy to drive..."so you are indacating that you are a ricer??? WELP, at least you admitied it!
"when i was looking for se...stick was hard to find...so people just gave up finding itdont know..."
if you really wanted it, you would of kept looking. never settle for less is what my dad all way say.
ps. im not a big spelling and or grammar guy but, GOD! dude i had to read your thread like five times cuz of your grammar.
"when i was looking for se...stick was hard to find...so people just gave up finding itdont know..."
if you really wanted it, you would of kept looking. never settle for less is what my dad all way say.
ps. im not a big spelling and or grammar guy but, GOD! dude i had to read your thread like five times cuz of your grammar.
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Kaioshin1982
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krazy skwerel
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People who drive sticks are the biggest elitists ever.
Driving a stick isn't hard, but an auto sure is easier.
I wouldn't buy a stick because the traffic in new orleans would drive me crazy. However, If I lived over in mississippi i'd definately buy a stick, due to the lack of traffic.
Also if an auto is the only thing they can find.. then why the hell not?
Driving a stick isn't hard, but an auto sure is easier.
I wouldn't buy a stick because the traffic in new orleans would drive me crazy. However, If I lived over in mississippi i'd definately buy a stick, due to the lack of traffic.
Also if an auto is the only thing they can find.. then why the hell not?
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Rockenreno
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s14kaibigan
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I have to agree with Rockenreno when he says that it's tough to find a manual 240sx nowadays...I found my car with almost every option I wanted for $3300 by PURE luck, and yes it is a manual. But after searching for such a long time, I was thinking about getting an auto then doing an auto to manual swap when I do the SR or RB or whatever. Traffic driving does suck with a manual, but you get used to it. One thing I absolutley love about a manual is the fact that I can manipulate the car any which way I want on those open curvy backroads rather than just having a "go" and "no go" pedal.
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Holisticbeatz
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I especially hate seeing people wrap their automatic shifter with a manual shifter boot.
I also noticed when I was looking for my S14 that 80% of my search results turned out ti be cars equipped with an auto transmission. I suppose when a tuner-minded person goes shopping for a car, they're thinking all the possible future mods they're going to do on their car. Eventually, the results are just a bunch of automatics, they give in and buy one. However, all the mods they've been craving to do, they still do anyways, even though their car is a friggin' automatic.
I also noticed when I was looking for my S14 that 80% of my search results turned out ti be cars equipped with an auto transmission. I suppose when a tuner-minded person goes shopping for a car, they're thinking all the possible future mods they're going to do on their car. Eventually, the results are just a bunch of automatics, they give in and buy one. However, all the mods they've been craving to do, they still do anyways, even though their car is a friggin' automatic.
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jmillheiser
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on most cars autos are more numerous than manuals. and typically cheaper on the used market.
ive always preferred a manual. even in heavy traffic. it saves gas since you dont have to floor it to downshift or backpedal to upshift (many autos will hold the lower gear at WOT so you need to let off a little to make em upshift).
plus manuals last longer and are cheaper in the long run (clutch replacements are cheap compared to a rebuild on an auto - and the typical clutch lasts as long as the typical auto transmission)
my truck is a manual. its still on its original transmission (not sure how many clutches its been through but i haven't had to replace it since i bought the truck 4 years ago and the truck is about 240,000 miles on it) if this truck were an auto it would probably be on its 3rd transmission
ive always preferred a manual. even in heavy traffic. it saves gas since you dont have to floor it to downshift or backpedal to upshift (many autos will hold the lower gear at WOT so you need to let off a little to make em upshift).
plus manuals last longer and are cheaper in the long run (clutch replacements are cheap compared to a rebuild on an auto - and the typical clutch lasts as long as the typical auto transmission)
my truck is a manual. its still on its original transmission (not sure how many clutches its been through but i haven't had to replace it since i bought the truck 4 years ago and the truck is about 240,000 miles on it) if this truck were an auto it would probably be on its 3rd transmission
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Nismo_Freak
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jmillheiser
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in that case i can see why. i dont think the stock 5speed could handle the torque of an american V8. and swapping in a TH350/400 or a 700R4 would be easier and a lot cheaper than swapping in the manual transmission out of a camaro (the 6 speed boxes out of the 93+ camaros are REALLY expensive and the 5 speed boxes cant handle much power).
im sure 240SS is faster than hell. even with an auto (GM autos can be impressive when built up). plus a 240SX is a very light car compared to what chevy small blocks usually come in
im sure 240SS is faster than hell. even with an auto (GM autos can be impressive when built up). plus a 240SX is a very light car compared to what chevy small blocks usually come in
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seiyess
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i had S14 auto for 7years.. i wanted to buy manual but my parents didn't want me to cause my mom wanted to drive occationally... and i didn't mod my car.. last year i sold my car and bought another S14 same year 95 but with manual and SE. it was harddd to find.. i live in Cali and i found this car at Georgia... crazy.... then i started to fix it up.. not a lot but little by little... it is hard to find S14SE with manual... very hard.. now 240sx manual is rare...
my 240 used to be an automatic.And it would take anyone on here in the 1/4 mile.
Now the SS built from the same car is an automatic as well. TRuth be told, that auto shifts faster and harder than anyone ever could with a stick.
my auto shift time = .0254 secondsManual shift time based on pro IHRA drivers = .1213
Now which would you rather have? 2 shifts in an auto? or 2 shifts in a manual that results in you running .16 slower?
Now the SS built from the same car is an automatic as well. TRuth be told, that auto shifts faster and harder than anyone ever could with a stick.
my auto shift time = .0254 secondsManual shift time based on pro IHRA drivers = .1213
Now which would you rather have? 2 shifts in an auto? or 2 shifts in a manual that results in you running .16 slower?
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96_S14_SE
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A manual... Buts thats just because I dont give a damn about drag racing anymore...
Its just not worth it to build up an auto for road racing (like as in track type racing, not street racing, for the F&F few reading these posts)... Theres just so much more controll allowed with the use of a manual then an auto, I know as my car is auto and I auto-x it.
But the reason for me getting an auto was that it was free
Back in 97 I had a 91 s13 fb auto and it was unfortunately wrecked. I waited 2yrs driving an 88 pontiac gp for another s-chasis, and this time I wanted a manual. But in 99 my parents found a 96 se with 28k on it through their dealer friend and snagged it for me. It was an auto and I didnt care about that as I got my s-chassis back
But my cars definately not rice, nor is it a timid auto anymore. One day Ill 5-speed it but for now its fine.
One thing I will say is that to all who waited 6+ months to find a manual equipped s14 thats crazy. If I wanted one that bad I would of bought an auto (generally less abused then a manual as well) and saved for as many months as it took for me to get the parts to swap it out.
Its just not worth it to build up an auto for road racing (like as in track type racing, not street racing, for the F&F few reading these posts)... Theres just so much more controll allowed with the use of a manual then an auto, I know as my car is auto and I auto-x it.
But the reason for me getting an auto was that it was free
Back in 97 I had a 91 s13 fb auto and it was unfortunately wrecked. I waited 2yrs driving an 88 pontiac gp for another s-chasis, and this time I wanted a manual. But in 99 my parents found a 96 se with 28k on it through their dealer friend and snagged it for me. It was an auto and I didnt care about that as I got my s-chassis back But my cars definately not rice, nor is it a timid auto anymore. One day Ill 5-speed it but for now its fine.
One thing I will say is that to all who waited 6+ months to find a manual equipped s14 thats crazy. If I wanted one that bad I would of bought an auto (generally less abused then a manual as well) and saved for as many months as it took for me to get the parts to swap it out.
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skydragoness
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92' 240sx 60k survivor :) - Location: North DFW, TEJAS
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milo wrote:People who drive sticks are the biggest elitists ever.
Driving a stick isn't hard, but an auto sure is easier.
I wouldn't buy a stick because the traffic in new orleans would drive me crazy. However, If I lived over in mississippi i'd definately buy a stick, due to the lack of traffic.
Also if an auto is the only thing they can find.. then why the hell not?
I'm sure the traffic in New Orleans is a living hell. but what is it with this myth of traffic and manual being so bad? i mean, i live in the most populated county in DE, (just about the entire population of DE lives in my county) i drive to campus which is stop and go traffic, hell, all i do is local driving. and it's annoying at times.. and i've been driving stick for a year now and have no complaints, even when my leg hurts or i'm multi-tasking-- i don't say: "damn, i should've never got a 5spd" it never crosses my mind when i'm bumper to bumper somewhere. it's what i wanted for when i looked for a 2nd car, so no complaints here ..
it's my motto that a sports car ain't a sports car unless it's manual. (i'll make an exception for sequential trannies, but that's it) if you can make an auto work for you perf./shift wise, and you like it, that's phenomonal (Aries). there's always that human error thing that comes into play in drag racing. so i can understand what you mean.but it's also true that slushboxes negate perf. gains to the wheels, w/ the torq. converter involved and all that wonderful stuff.
i have such a hatred of slushboxes, it boggles my mind when i see people going out to buy a brand-new sports car, i.e. 350z, and intentionally buy an automatic. i flip out and kill the whole town
...unless something physically inables me to drive a manual, (knock on wood) i will never buy an automatic car. took me forever to sell my previous automatic car, and i have no regrets.-
AZhitman
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Hmmmm.
Although I've owned several cars, and had both auto and manual, I'm gonna have to agree with Aries here. Most well-engineered automatics are perfectly fine for most day-to-day driving as well as racing... Remember the autotrans CAN even be manually shifted if necessary (for a road course, for example).
I learned to drive stick in a car that would make most people cry. '70 'Cuda AAR, 440-sixpack with a lightened flywheel, aluminum motor mounts, poly bushings, and some God-awful race clutch that took all my strength (I'm a big guy) to use... Owner was an autocrosser and that thing was damn evil.
In a modern car, I'd choose an automatic any day - AND I'd match up my 1/4 mile times with almost anyone (in the same car) with a manual trans...
To answer the original question, perhaps it's just because the autotrans models are more plentiful and that's why you see more of them altered in a manner that is not pleasing to you (can't use the R*** word anymore...)
Although I've owned several cars, and had both auto and manual, I'm gonna have to agree with Aries here. Most well-engineered automatics are perfectly fine for most day-to-day driving as well as racing... Remember the autotrans CAN even be manually shifted if necessary (for a road course, for example).
I learned to drive stick in a car that would make most people cry. '70 'Cuda AAR, 440-sixpack with a lightened flywheel, aluminum motor mounts, poly bushings, and some God-awful race clutch that took all my strength (I'm a big guy) to use... Owner was an autocrosser and that thing was damn evil.
In a modern car, I'd choose an automatic any day - AND I'd match up my 1/4 mile times with almost anyone (in the same car) with a manual trans...
To answer the original question, perhaps it's just because the autotrans models are more plentiful and that's why you see more of them altered in a manner that is not pleasing to you (can't use the R*** word anymore...
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MainEvent212
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SilviaLuvr wrote:or they swear to god that auto's are 4000x better and more reliable then an manny. This kid wit a 3000GT swears that his car is fast and as a super show car whne the only thing he has is 17"C2 hearts, bomex full kit, and and an muffler that is big enough that a small animal such as a family of squerrals could live in. ANYWHO,...WOOO..WOOO..WOOO! wait a minute. S14-84 "thats not true....dude we dont buy auto cause easy to drive..."so you are indacating that you are a ricer??? WELP, at least you admitied it!
"when i was looking for se...stick was hard to find...so people just gave up finding itdont know..."
if you really wanted it, you would of kept looking. never settle for less is what my dad all way say.
ps. im not a big spelling and or grammar guy but, GOD! dude i had to read your thread like five times cuz of your grammar.
You've got a good point. I looked for a solid month for my S14. I had cash (that I got from an accident) but no car. Yes, there were plenty of autos, but I wanted a manual. I eventually ended up driving 400 miles to AZ to get my car. Then I had to deal with all that registering out of state to Ca bull. It was worth it.... But depending on how bad you need a car an auto might be the only choice.
David.
Sorry, but no you wouldnt. More power is lost in a Torque converter so you're looking at less HP to the wheel. Almost no ablility to launch (powerbraking sux in a car without tons of low end and you all know it). There is NO way you'd match the 1/4 mi times of somone with Manual in the same auto car. Look at even the Corvette, the Standard MANUAL C5 is rated at 13.2, the auto 13.8. At least in STOCK form. Auto is slower. Eventually it'll be faster, but when cars are stock, or close to stock that's not the case.AZhitman wrote:Hmmmm.
Although I've owned several cars, and had both auto and manual, I'm gonna have to agree with Aries here. Most well-engineered automatics are perfectly fine for most day-to-day driving as well as racing... Remember the autotrans CAN even be manually shifted if necessary (for a road course, for example).
I learned to drive stick in a car that would make most people cry. '70 'Cuda AAR, 440-sixpack with a lightened flywheel, aluminum motor mounts, poly bushings, and some God-awful race clutch that took all my strength (I'm a big guy) to use... Owner was an autocrosser and that thing was damn evil.
In a modern car, I'd choose an automatic any day - AND I'd match up my 1/4 mile times with almost anyone (in the same car) with a manual trans...
To answer the original question, perhaps it's just because the autotrans models are more plentiful and that's why you see more of them altered in a manner that is not pleasing to you (can't use the R*** word anymore...
being a young highschool kid i would have to say that if you get a car with a little 4 cylinder in it and its an auto and you dont have people giving you money(have to work for yourself) then you dont have much of a choice but to go for show. Most people arnt good at that so thats when they are ricers. Most people cant swap cause of money or find something structurally that will make it so that cant (my problem). Just for the record if i had the money i would rather have an auto over a stick anyday. If you build a auto transmission it will be faster and way more consistant than any manual. Newer cars are starting to come out with good trannys such as the new bugs with 6 speed trip tronic autos.
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s14=pimpin'
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auto, RWD and snow just don't mix, IMO. There is no way in hell i was gonna spend coin on a 240, if it was an auto )no offense).
My first 240 took me over 6 months to find (yes, i am one of those "Chumps" who waited for what i was looking for). this was almost 2 years ago, so i suppose the 240 was still on the DL, sorta.
anyway, make a long story short, got rear ended, totalled my fist 240 (top of the line LE model, in canada, same as US se).
waited 2 months, saw a base model SE 5 SPEED at my work, got her for wholesale price, swapped le parts over, the rest is history.
sorry guys, but you can't talk me into an auto 240. And i think the rice all has to do with a persons age, bad taste, and what they want in a car. either one that looks like shat, but will smoke a diablo in the quarter, or vice versa. One that looks fast as hell, but will get smoked by a chevy fiesta. I'm kind of in the moddle.
my ride -
http://briefcase.yahoo.com/bc/...iew=l
My first 240 took me over 6 months to find (yes, i am one of those "Chumps" who waited for what i was looking for). this was almost 2 years ago, so i suppose the 240 was still on the DL, sorta.
anyway, make a long story short, got rear ended, totalled my fist 240 (top of the line LE model, in canada, same as US se).
waited 2 months, saw a base model SE 5 SPEED at my work, got her for wholesale price, swapped le parts over, the rest is history.
sorry guys, but you can't talk me into an auto 240. And i think the rice all has to do with a persons age, bad taste, and what they want in a car. either one that looks like shat, but will smoke a diablo in the quarter, or vice versa. One that looks fast as hell, but will get smoked by a chevy fiesta. I'm kind of in the moddle.
my ride -
http://briefcase.yahoo.com/bc/...iew=l