Hi guys how is everyone?im getting my Ca18 built in the next yr or so thats going to have 300 hp to start with, with a veiw to up it as much as possible once i get use to that.Was wondering should i go auto in stead of ca18 gearbox,it will handle well with all the maddat front end but my driving style isnt to get it sideways around corners.I prefer to line it up straight then give it a gut full,i would like to take it to the strip atleast once.So should i go auto or manual,i was very impressed with the ute known as slug,it has an auto.Sore it at the datsun nationals when they where in town.

Manual is your best choice. Better fuel economy, better gearing, faster acceleration.

But if you like Auto, do it. I love automatics if the engine is big enough.

The performance advantage automatics have is consistency. Even if they are a little slower on the strip, they will launch more consistently which is important for some types of drag racing.

As a very very rough rule of thumb, with a smaller car where it's more about power to weight than pure power (not just lighter, but less frontal area to push through hte air at higher speeds too) you'd probably want to look at approximately the 10.0 second 1/4mile performance range as the point where an auto can start to pay off.

I dunno off the top of my head what sort of power that would take with a ca18 powered 1200 but could work it out if you really care. I can tell you this, though, it'd take a _lot_ more than 300bhp before you start seeing any real worth in an auto for this sort of setup

DD is on the money - autos (when there's enough power to justify the fact they don't have as many ratios or as ideal a ratio spread) offer consistency, and an easier time getting it off the line.

Having said that, the one thing I reckon is also true is that most small car fans in general are better skilled at shifting a manual gearbox than some of the dinosaur v8 enthusiasts. So the manual will be 'even' better than it seems on paper.

thanks jmac much appreciated.

PLus Jap cars have nicer shifting gearboxes. Not clunky, soggy cumbersome external linkages.