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I would like get some opinions on a '63 automatic vs. standard transmission. Which is more desireable? Were there more problems with the automatic? Does an automatic take from the value of the car? Thank you.
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Re: '63 coupe auto vs. standard trans
This is strictly a matter of pesonal preference. However, you'll probably find that most folks personal preferance in a vintage Vette is a 4 speed. Almost all of the price guides on old Vettes show a substantial deduction for PG trans. An automatic in a Vette is sort of akin to kissing your sister IMHO.
On the other hand, As we baby-boomers age, become lazy, or have arthritic limbs, the interest in cars with PG, power steering, brakes, air conditioning and the like seems to be on the increase. Who's to say what the next decade may bring as to values and preferances. -
Re: '63 coupe auto vs. standard trans
I have had three 64/65's and all were automatics (with AC). As stated before, personal preference is a big part but I believe that another big factor is what other options are with the powerglide. A 250 or 300 hp with automatic but few other options are not very popular. A well know NCRS member once told me a car like that is "automatically yours". BUT if you add air conditioning (the big one) and other things like PS, PB, PW, etc, the car is much more desirable. Once again it comes down to what you want. I have a F.I. with four speed and a powerglide (which are VERY reliable but leak) with air. To each his own but obviously demand drives price. Don H.Comment
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Re: '63 coupe auto vs. standard trans
I have a 64 with the auto. Also have PW, PS, PB. I've never had any problems with the PG, one's with 4-speeds normally can't say that about their transmissions and CLUTCHES. In my opinion, you have a better chance of finding a good solid original, or highly original, car that has been an auto all its life, then one that's been a 4-speed. I don't think the auto cars were driven that hard, so it's likely to still have most of it's original parts, like the engine, transmission and rear end, mine does.
With the savings you will get from buying a car that has an auto, you can convert it to a 4-speed, and, again in my opinion, have a better chance of getting a car that hasn't been abused.Comment
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Re: '63 coupe auto vs. standard trans
OK now I am going to throw a wrench into the works. The big Chevy guys are changing the Powerglides out with Turbo Hydros. Is there sufficient real estate under the Vette to accomplish this? The three speed TH would perform soooo much better than the PG, especially with a shift kit!Comment
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Re: '63 coupe auto vs. standard trans
I think a 700R4 would be an even nicer addition once you leave the realm of stock. You'd have a much lower first with the 3.06:1 ratio for great stoplight take-off and you'd have overdrive for great gas mileage on those cross country drives to NCRS regionals, not to mention cruising at 80 without the engine winding.
Of course, the 700R4 isn't small and the crossmember doesn't come out under the '63. That makes the fit even tighter. I don't believe the 700R4 will fit but it would be fun to hear from someone who has done it or at least tried.
The Turbo350 is much closer in size to the Powerglide and I believe you are stuck with it. The T400 is much larger again.Comment
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Re: '63 coupe auto vs. standard trans
I recently took a turbo 350 out of my 63 and put a powerglide back in. Torbo 350's are cheap, the correct powerglide for a 63 is expensive and hard too find. Each to his own but I like the powerglide. It runs great. I don't race my 40 year old car and I'm not likely too. The 300HP engine and powerglide combo work fine for me.Comment
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Re: '63 coupe auto vs. standard trans
Bob,
I agree with you. I have the same combination in my 1967. It runs fine and is dependable. As to a value over a four-speed I do not know. But quite frankly I do not care. This 1967 is just a delight to own and drive on Sunday afternoon cruises: my type of driving. I do hit the accelerator pedal once in awhile and it "moves out" but I would imagine 16 secs in the 1/4 mile. But that is fine with me. And I tend to agree with an earlier comment that these PG base engine cars are well preserved and have not been abused. That is one reason I bought it.Comment
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