| Author | Message | ||
     David Bingham (Davidb) New Member Username: Davidb Post Number: 2 Registered: 01-2004 |
Hello again, I am looking for my first Land Rover, as I stated in my earlier post. I want a manual trans, I have only had manual vehicals and I see no reason to change that now. Is it true there was only a total of about 3000 manual Disco 1's in the USA? I have found a few within buying distance. In fact there is a car lot that has 2 manaul ones on the lot in Eugene Oregon. If for some reason I go with a Auto, how adversly will it effect using the truck off road. I plan to install the OME springs and shocks, a real bumper, skidplates ect... I think I would miss having a clutch. http://www.europeanmotorcycles.net | ||
| Leslie N. Bright (Leslie) Dweb Lounge Member Username: Leslie Post Number: 2826 Registered: 02-2002 |
a) the ZF automatic is stronger than the manual R380 transmission b) true, there are much fewer manual transmission Disco's than automatics, at least in North America c) an automatic transmission is not a disadvantage offroad, and in many cases, an advantage With that said, there are many folks who have had no trouble with their manual transmissions. And, a manual transmission can be more fun (at least it is in my Subaru Impreza!  ). I would find the cleanest, most well-maintained Disco that you can find, and get it, whether or not it's an automatic or a manual. FWIW.... -L | ||
| Ray Gerber (Raygerber) Member Username: Raygerber Post Number: 219 Registered: 09-2002 |
Daivid- I've got a manual transmission Disco (1994, 144k on the clock) and if you do some searching I think you'll see this well discussed, and I think the last time it came up my words were something like "If I had it to do over again, I'd get an automatic" Which is not to say I don't enjoy the benefits of the manual-which is all I've ever owned in a vehicle BTW (small list: Toyota Tacoma 4x4, Nissan 300ZX, Honda Prelude, VW Jetta (s) 1991 & 2001)-at times, but all things considered I think the ZF is the best choice for wheeling these trucks when I compare my experiences with my friends with autos. The ability to concentrate a little more on the outside world without the constant symphony of gear shifting, clutch & brake depression, speed reduction (not a complaint you'd hear too much from a Disco owner, but on the trail its relevant!) etc makes the auto preferable in my mind. That being said Leslie advice is sound-buy the best truck you can and wheel it the best you can. I've enjoyed my truck immensly, despite a self-inflicted clutch casualty, and if I keep her forever I doubt I'd ever switch to the ZF (how's that for a paradox-reccomend getting one and then admitting I'd probably never upgrade my existing one...) although the thought has gone through my head, numerous times. There are some benefits to her being a manual-engine braking, fairly good take off 'speed', the ability to choose gears, the alleged 'limp her home' ability inherent with manuals vice auto (no evidence to support that in this case) and the preference of manual over auto if I were to switch to diesel as I hope to do one day (although if you look down the board Frank Dalton's input seems to make that far less relevant in the 2.8L engine than the 300TDI and 200TDI) Just my $.02, welcome to the club! r- Ray | ||
| Dave Crall (Discoverover) Member Username: Discoverover Post Number: 96 Registered: 11-2002 |
David, I have a 95' RR automatic and a 96 D1 manual. I think the auto will prevail for serious rock-crawling (which I don't do). I feel more connected to the trail with the manual. There is more input of what you are driving over when you are working a clutch. Engine braking feels stronger with the manual as well. I haven't had any problems with either transmissions. Dave | ||
| Alyssa Brown (Alyssa) Senior Member Username: Alyssa Post Number: 413 Registered: 01-2003 |
The manual transmission is a MUCH faster car. We had two identical cars, both '96s, one auto, one manual. The manual is a weaker transmission. The auto is absolutely fine for off-road. You'll have a much better chance of finding an auto for sale. | ||
| Jeff Mclaird (Granitedisco) Member Username: Granitedisco Post Number: 125 Registered: 08-2003 |
Leslie - what Impresa do you have - I used to have an RS black with gold wheels and a big wing .... sniff I miss it  | ||
| Hugh Bischoff (Go_ducks) New Member Username: Go_ducks Post Number: 5 Registered: 01-2004 |
David, I have a 95 Disco Manual that I bought in Eug in 96. I have never had a problem with the transmission or clutch and think the main difference is how much city driving you do. If you are mostly a city driver then the auto might be better but I think that the manual offers better power management for highway and off road driving. If you want to have the vehicle checked specifically the transmission take it to Advanced Transmission on 1st street. They are honest and will be able to give you an idea of how well the transmission/drivetrain have been maintained. | ||
| Leslie N. Bright (Leslie) Dweb Lounge Member Username: Leslie Post Number: 2829 Registered: 02-2002 |
Jeff, An '02 2.5RS... it's my commuter.... makes commuting fun! Blue Ridge Pearl, darker than the rally blue. Has the factory spoiler; however, I've got a WRX hood on it with an STi scoop.... eventually I'd like to make use of it, and while the body shop was replacing the hood, I went ahead and went with the aluminum instead of the steel.... -L | ||
| Peter Conrad (Pconrad) New Member Username: Pconrad Post Number: 1 Registered: 12-2003 |
Now I'm curious. I got a 98 D1 that my wife has assumed. Now I am looking for #2. I have considered the manual that is for sale locally. I do alot of city(Chicago) driving for work and the occasional off-roading when I can get away. Does the manual get better gas mileage and does it drive better around town? I know that the D1 auto is the best 4x4 I have owned. But I'm a little reluctant to get the 5sp. ??? | ||
| Norm Orschnorschki (Norm) Member Username: Norm Post Number: 97 Registered: 02-2003 |
I own a '95 D1 manual and have driven several automatics -- the thing that stands out is that the manual is just so much more FUN to drive than an automatic. True, the 94-95 factory R380s tend to wear out -- my original one started having problems w/ 2nd & 3rd synchos due to my wife driving it like a Lamborghini and me putting in a 4.6 motor at @43K miles. I went ahead and put in a rebuilt Ashcroft R380 and have had no problems for 30K miles -- with a 4.6 driving hard. Also, be sure to use Red Line synthetic MTL (manual transmission lubricant) which is supposed to be the best available. Bottom line -- the auto may have an advantage in rock crawling, but the manual is just so much more fun to drive 99% of the time. ---Norm | ||
| Jack Leitch (Liveattheedge) Member Username: Liveattheedge Post Number: 55 Registered: 12-2003 |
Norm, Where did you get your 4.6? How expensive was it? Any troble with installation? Disco's are great but i want more power out of it. Thanks Jack XDDisco97@aol.com |
