I love the automatic

[Denverdelorean]

I know this is blasphemy, But having owned both I am almost loathe to say I love my automatic! It was a 'compromise' when purchasing this painted car, as the price was right. But after waking up and tuning the engine, then topping up the auto transmission, I am very pleased with the performance! Maybe it's because I am older now and the thought of romping on the clutch all day tires me out, but I am enjoying having the car do half the work!

Is anyone else pleasantly surprised with how much they enjoy their automatic D?

[Ron]

Other than living in a mountainous area forcing a lot of 4-3-4 shifts, I enjoy mine a lot! Manuals are fun and a bit more peppy. Autos are convenient and usually less trouble. Just depends on what you want to do and where.
When I think about our 80's era 4x4 V6 Blazer being able to spank a D, the HP difference doesn't seem to matter anymore lol
"Blasphemy" - Pffffft!

[AugustneverEnds]

Always thought I would buy a manual DeLorean, ending up getting an automatic since it was close to me and the price was good. Been loving it ever since!!

[tom kish vin. 4357]

If I was younger I would have picked a 5 speed, but with getting mine late I picked a auto and LOVE it, I'm past the age to need to show people I can handle a stick!!

[AussieDMC]

I'm the same. Originally I was adamant I had to have a 5 speed but an auto came up for sale that was such a nice car I went ahead and
bought it anyway. I'm glad I did as the auto won me over. So much easier to drive in stop start traffic which I drive in alot of the time plus I think
the GT character of the car suits the automatic. Just be nice if it had one more gear!

[David T]

I'm the same. Originally I was adamant I had to have a 5 speed but an auto came up for sale that was such a nice car I went ahead and
bought it anyway. I'm glad I did as the auto won me over. So much easier to drive in stop start traffic which I drive in alot of the time plus I think
the GT character of the car suits the automatic. Just be nice if it had one more gear!

The manual is definitely sportier and peppier but in parades, traffic, or hills the automatic is certainly much more pleasurable to drive. Since the Delorean is not a performance car I don't mind having an automatic. The manual does get slightly better gas mileage.

[Denverdelorean]

I'm the same. Originally I was adamant I had to have a 5 speed but an auto came up for sale that was such a nice car I went ahead and
bought it anyway. I'm glad I did as the auto won me over. So much easier to drive in stop start traffic which I drive in alot of the time plus I think
the GT character of the car suits the automatic. Just be nice if it had one more gear!

yes, i thought the same thing about the GT character of the car. good to hear that validated.

[SIMid]

I was in 2 minds when I was looking and bought mine due to the amount of work that was put in by the PO and Toby.

The Auto has grown on me and I find it a bit more relaxing to drive and I can spend more time keeping an eye on avoiding others wandering all over the road looking at the D. And I have driven the manual and did find this particular test car to have a lambo clutch (need like 50 kgs to engage) and a relatively long throw on the box. Wasn't pleasant to drive at all, a bit of a pain in the end. If it had a short shifter, like a MX-5/S2000, half the effort to engage the clutch then maybe a different story.

[NightFlyer]

If I was younger I would have picked a 5 speed, but with getting mine late I picked a auto and LOVE it, I'm past the age to need to show people I can handle a stick!!

You were handling 'the stick' just fine when I rode in your car with you - or was that Steve.... (yes, there were three of us in Tom Kish's car at DCS) :wink:

[NightFlyer]

The manual does get slightly better gas mileage.

The best fuel economy numbers I've seen posted by auto guys is around 25mpg.

I've personally achieved 34.6 mpg with my manual car. That's nearly a 10 mpg difference - definitely more than just a slight difference, more like a substantially significant one IMHO anyway....

[Rich_NYS]

The best fuel economy numbers I've seen posted by auto guys is around 25mpg.

I've personally achieved 34.6 mpg with my manual car. That's nearly a 10 mpg difference - definitely more than just a slight difference, more like a substantially significant one IMHO anyway....

I think I get around 22mpg in my auto, I think I have a suspect injector that's affecting the mpg.

Not loving having an auto, but I see in these posts some good reasons to like it.

[Denverdelorean]

I think I get around 22mpg in my auto, I think I have a suspect injector that's affecting the mpg.

Not loving having an auto, but I see in these posts some good reasons to like it.

i haven't done a MPG test yet. but my manual got around 25-27 on the highway, i expect 22-25 from this one. it's in good mechanical repair with an entirely new/refurbished fuel system.

[SIMid]

The manual does get slightly better gas mileage.

With 4th and 5th, it would definitely bring down the revs when cruising on the freeway. At 62mph, mine is hovering a touch over 3000 rpms. Ideally I would prefer to sit around 2200 rpms. Not sure what the manual box sits at 62mph.

I think once a manual driver get a taste of the auto, their perception may change.

I already had one Delorean owner years ago say to my face having bought mine "No way I would buy a D in an Auto. If it was the only choice, I wouldn't buy one." He still strongly agrees to this day.

Don't knock it till you try it.


Off topic, my 2.0 Litre "tuned" manual turbo is more efficient than my Mrs 1.6 Litre 6 speed auto. Go figure.

[OverlandMan]

The best fuel economy numbers I've seen posted by auto guys is around 25mpg.

I've personally achieved 34.6 mpg with my manual car. That's nearly a 10 mpg difference - definitely more than just a slight difference, more like a substantially significant one IMHO anyway....

But aside from the folks using their D as a daily driver... who really cares about fuel economy? Hell the thing could get 12 MPG and I'd still have one. :burnout:

[alexwolf1216]

Fuel cost is the LEAST of my expense worries on this car:nana1:

[OverlandMan]

Fuel cost is the LEAST of my expense worries on this car:nana1:

Amen brother

[NightFlyer]

But aside from the folks using their D as a daily driver... who really cares about fuel economy? Hell the thing could get 12 MPG and I'd still have one. :burnout:


Fuel cost is the LEAST of my expense worries on this car:nana1:

Very true - I was merely pointing out that because of the over-driven 5th gear and the lack of a torque converter and extra weight that comes with an automatic, that the manual can achieve up to a 40% increase in fuel economy over that of the auto. David called that a "slight" difference. I believe it to be a substantial difference. That's all :)

[Victor]

Fuel cost is the LEAST of my expense worries on this car:nana1:

Exactly, so very true. And adding to the fact that I always put premium in too.

But having own both, I find the manual much more in the spirit of a grand touring because the rpm is much at ease (lower) on the highway than the auto.

The engine also may possibly benefit from all that different rev that the manual transmission allow...

But that is just me. I just would not own any vehicule that is not manual.
I owned recently a 2013 volks wagon auto, and was so piss off about the gear changes. Even for a new car with DSG, and it was hesitating between two gears sometimes. I could not stand having a damn computer decide for me which gear to use!
Luckily I was able to trade this for something manual.

[Denverdelorean]

Very true - I was merely pointing out that because of the over-driven 5th gear and the lack of a torque converter and extra weight that comes with an automatic, that the manual can achieve up to a 40% increase in fuel economy over that of the auto. David called that a "slight" difference. I believe it to be a substantial difference. That's all :)

a LOT of fuel economy also comes from driving style. The manual gives you more control over this factor.

All I am saying, is that the automatic is plenty of fun!

[alexwolf1216]

I bought the automatic with the intent of paring the engine with a VR6, but changed my mind. I keep it because I am just straight up lazy now and my area is chock full of traffic.

[OverlandMan]

Very true - I was merely pointing out that because of the over-driven 5th gear and the lack of a torque converter and extra weight that comes with an automatic, that the manual can achieve up to a 40% increase in fuel economy over that of the auto. David called that a "slight" difference. I believe it to be a substantial difference. That's all :)

I hear ya Josh.



I just would not own any vehicule that is not manual.


Here in the states, new manual shift cars are becoming less and less available with each year that ticks by. It's sad really but reflects the overall correlation between our lazy society and automotive marketing. So unless things are radically different in Canada, I'd say better get used to the autos unless you plan on driving old vehicles all the time.

I've said this in other threads and I'll say it again. I prefer manual-shift for pleasure driving but driving into Dallas each day... no thanks... been there, done that. As for my D, the desire of the car trumped any gearbox preference. I wasn't about to pass on a car just based on that criteria alone.

[Josh]

The best fuel economy numbers I've seen posted by auto guys is around 25mpg.

I've personally achieved 34.6 mpg with my manual car. That's nearly a 10 mpg difference - definitely more than just a slight difference, more like a substantially significant one IMHO anyway....

Compare apples to apples here Josh. You said your 35mpg was achieved driving <50mph. Not really highway speeds. From my experience 30mpg is about the upper limit for stock 5-speed deloreans at highway speeds.

[Josh]

Here in the states, new manual shift cars are becoming less and less available with each year that ticks by. It's sad really but reflects the overall correlation between our lazy society and automotive marketing. So unless things are radically different in Canada, I'd say better get used to the autos unless you plan on driving old vehicles all the time.

I've said this in other threads and I'll say it again. I prefer manual-shift for pleasure driving but driving into Dallas each day... no thanks... been there, done that. As for my D, the desire of the car trumped any gearbox preference. I wasn't about to pass on a car just based on that criteria alone.

I Had to make a 1200mi round trip to find my truck in a standard. I could find none in my province, so i had to go the next province over. 2011 toyota tacoma for reference. Couldnt have bought a full size if I wanted to, as none of them come in standard in any engine or trim anymore.

[NightFlyer]

Compare apples to apples here Josh. You said your 35mpg was achieved driving <50mph. Not really highway speeds. From my experience 30mpg is about the upper limit for stock 5-speed deloreans at highway speeds.

Actually, average speed was between 50-55 mph. Where I live, other than expressways, 55 mph is the speed limit.

Also, when I achieved the 34.6 mpg, I had the A/C off, but both windows were down.

[Rich_NYS]

But aside from the folks using their D as a daily driver... who really cares about fuel economy? Hell the thing could get 12 MPG and I'd still have one. :burnout:


Fuel cost is the LEAST of my expense worries on this car:nana1:


Roger that! :thumbup:

[SIMid]

I refuse to calculate the mileage.

I didn't buy it to save fuel. I bought it for what it is. Plus it's not a daily so that's the least of my worries. It's not going to compete with modern cars of today anyway, so no point in comparison. If you want to really save fuel, put it on LPG.

[Freaky Beetle]

I am in the same boat as everyone else. All of the cars I own (or have owned) have been manual. The only exception is my DMC (price was right). I love driving manual cars, but I can't complain about the auto D. I enjoy driving my car just as much as driving an island twin turbo manual. If I am in a DeLorean, I am happy.

[AugustneverEnds]

I refuse to calculate the mileage.

I didn't buy it to save fuel. I bought it for what it is. Plus it's not a daily so that's the least of my worries. It's not going to compete with modern cars of today anyway, so no point in comparison. If you want to really save fuel, put it on LPG.

I still have the old fuel sender and it bounces all over the place so never really sure what mileage I get nor do I truly care. Probably fill the car up too often as well and again, Don't Care!! :tongue_stick:

[David T]

Mileage is important. When we caravan or do weekend cruises we have to figure range, rest stops, etc so no one runs out of fuel. A typical # is 25 MPG. Because many have inaccurate or broken fuel gauges the trip odometer and range can be more accurate for fuel burn. Besides, if you track your mileage you can tell when the car is running well and when it is not. It is not for economy but so you don't run out. I always cross-check the fuel gauge and the mileage, especially on long trips. Deloreans don't have those new-fangled computers that tell you MPG, miles to empty, outside temp, direction, etc.

[Jonathan]

My DCS trip got me 27.7 MPG overall. Around 1,500 km roundtrip and rarely above 100 km/hr. Air in tires about 28 and 32 psi. No A/C in the car at the moment so that wasn't running. Like many have always heard, keep the RPMs under 2,000 for better fuel mileage. I've also seen reference to the ideal speed for the best fuel mileage on average is 93 km/hr. My speedo is on vacation, so while my GPS tells me I'm doing about 95 km/hr or so, it's usually around 2,500 - 2,700 RPM. It is what it is on the auto.

The cost of fuel is not a big piece of the overall ownership costs for me. I think it's only 4% or so if I add up everything over the past 7 years. Conversely, it's about 30% of the costs on my DD. I put in 87 octane and not super. My D and auto trans is for cruising, or the nice, windy back roads, taking corners. Like they say, it's for turning heads, not putting your head back into the seat when you hammer it.

And who decided we still call it fuel mileage even in Canada? No miles here, but kilometereage sounds silly, eh?

[SIMid]

Several comments;

1:
Like they say, it's for turning heads, not putting your head back into the seat when you hammer it.
Not with a stock 130hp :burnout: :deedledee:

2: If the Auto was a 4 speed, I think a few would flock over to the dark side. That extra ratio would make a world of difference.

3: I have found the handling to be an eye opener in the wet. So the Auto will reduce my eagerness to explore.

4: If I want fast, I'll use my daily with 240hp than trying to extract every last 130 hp out of an old V6 motor wringing through the manual box.

5: I'm very content and happy, slotting the D into D and puttering around the streets than to think I can take on a Civic hatchback at the lights knowing that I will get my arse licked when that V-Tec (yo) kicks in.

6: The Mrs was actually happy to hear I bought the Auto as it would slow me down. It has. I just cruise as that's what I believe what the intention was, to be a GT.

7: Someone mentioned traffic. Totally agree. Best ever.

[dmc4087]

Autos are convenient and usually less trouble.

I agree they are convenient but surely not less trouble?

I averaged 32.8 mpg (UK) in my manual last week over a 500 mile trip. That was cruising at about 65mph.

Lets me know its running well.

[Denverdelorean]

I agree they are convenient but surely not less trouble?

I averaged 32.8 mpg (UK) in my manual last week over a 500 mile trip. That was cruising at about 65mph.

Lets me know its running well.

I think there are just more points of failure spread throughout the car for the manual. That doesn't spell more trouble in my opinion. It just means there is more to keep an eye on. In my manual i had to replace the master and slave cylinders, as well as rebuild the shift linkage.

At least with the automatic, all the trouble spots are in or around the transmission case itself.

I could do with an overdrive on the auto though. the car does feel like it is working harder than it needs to on the highway.

[Ron]

I agree they are convenient but surely not less trouble?I meant including the clutch. Their life expectancy is 2-7 years, depending on the vehicle/driver, 7 would be pushing it with a D, for most people. It is not uncommon for a well maintained automatic to outlast the vehicle. You never see that with a manual with normal mileage. But when something does go wrong with an automatic, you dig A LOT deeper, unless you have the knowledge to do it yourself. (A master kit for most automatics in the era were < $150. Now days a solenoid or other "simple" parts can cost that much alone. I'd say, including multiple labor charges for removing the manual every time, would make it a wash at best.
DeLorean automatics are odd but very simple. They could easily outlast several engines with a good cooler and replacing the Governor Computer at the first sign of trouble.
(Vehicles mainly used to haul/tow is a different story ;-)

[Farrar]

2: If the Auto was a 4 speed, I think a few would flock over to the dark side. That extra ratio would make a world of difference.

Hear, hear...

I don't take the DeLorean on road trips, and driving down the Interstate at 3,000 RPM with that drone behind me is one of the main reasons. (Other reasons: no cruise control, won't start, no a/c, etc.)

[jawn101]

2: If the Auto was a 4 speed, I think a few would flock over to the dark side. That extra ratio would make a world of difference.


I'd probably be one of them. I do love the manual but with a 4 speed at least I might make the switch. I found the DeLorean automatic to be surprisingly responsive and satisfying, but at highway speeds it's pretty unpleasant.

[Tillsy]

For me loosing control of the gears is the same as when we someday loose control of our steering - I prefer to have both the feel and control of the car.

That said, for my two daily cars I compromised back to auto for a variety of reasons.

So with the DeLorean there were no ifs or buts - manual it was and I tell you what, it is the thing I love most about taking her out for a drive. I couldn't imagine jumping in and not enjoying actually 'driving' her - that's what my dailies are for, going from a to b with no care factor what-so-ever.

Is also why I rarely have any music on whilst driving the D either - again I'm enjoying driving 'her' and am in tune with the car I don't need anything else.

[SIMid]

I don't know Chris.

I'm never in tuned with my Delorean. Failing steering rack and 30+ year old suspension design, doesn't leave me much confidence. Plus the extra weight over the rear is asking for disaster in the wet.

The only car that I can think of that has no power, but handles brilliantly and can get 100% enjoyment would be a MX5 (which I have driven). Minimal weight, perfect seating position, rifle bolt gear change, this is what makes a handling car. This would be a car that you can feel and be tuned into.

If the D was designed mid-engine with reduced weight, then I think a manual box would only be the way to go. Oh, adding a short shifter would also be nice as I have driven a manual D and did find the throw fairly long.

[Tillsy]

You can be in tune with anything you adore... anything.

6679 and I share a special bond and I know she's happy by the way she feels, sounds, runs, and on a couple of occasions smell... I've imported stuff out of gut instinct that has then given out right before I installed them including shocks, steering rack, fans, wheel bearings, etc. - and then there's all the stuff I've replaced and in the process realised didn't have much life left had I not done it. Some was being proactive, some was just instinct - I'm not mechanically minded at all so it's just being in tune with her that tells me what she wants.

She runs an absolute dream and I would, and have, driven her across Australia and look forward to doing it again.

[Jonathan]

Was anyone else aware that the auto trans pan gaskets (103516) are NLA?

Is there any research going on out there to source a replacement (the cork ones) or are we all going to use the Permatex liquid gasket maker product now?

[David T]

Was anyone else aware that the auto trans pan gaskets (103516) are NLA?

Is there any research going on out there to source a replacement (the cork ones) or are we all going to use the Permatex liquid gasket maker product now?

I would not worry about it. They can be sourced through many places (custom made) but may cost more.