Thread: Tdi Manual or Auto

I think you're on the money with choosing an auto... no arguments from me.

And if you're into sand work the benefits of an auto (I never thought I'd say this, having sworn by manual 4WD's in the past) are a real plus.

It has a lockup torque converter that engages at around 80 and unlocks when you fall below about 80. It doesn't unlock if you put the boot in like most other newer automatic cars. The converter only locks in 4th gear.

Combined with the relatively modest power output from the Tdi and the tall 4th gear ratio (around .72 IIRC) this has implications climbing large hills on the open free way that the manual doesn't.

That's possibly the only downfall I've found owning both a manual and auto Tdi.

There is an $800 modification that fixes this problem by allowing the converter to lock up in 3rd gear - providing a "true" 1.000:1 ratio (just like putting the manual in 4th) and you could cruise all day like this.

buy it they do gear brake going down steep hills just manually select a lower gear mine will gear brake gown a hill at idle in low first

Hey HBWC- You back and well I hope.

I had both and when I have an Auto I wished for a manual and vice versa.
There is no pleasing me really.

I think manual more economy but auto way more comfy.

The torque converter may swallow some of its precious power though, so a tweak and intercooler upgrade may improve that.

I have a manual currently and am mostly happy with choice if that helps at all.

There will be nil difference in fuel economy betwwen auto and manual tdi, auto is much easier to live with and keeps the turbo spooled up between gear changes.

I absolutely prefer the manual in my '95 disco. Have driven the autos. The 2 autos both returned far worse fuel economy than my manual.(i.e. I get 150km more per tank) They are also worse to drive with off-road due to lack of engine braking and control.

Just one other thing. I munched a couple of bearings when an oil leak in the gearbox drained it of oil. Fixed the leak in Coober Pedy and drove all the way to Melbourne (mostly in 4th gear). It crunched and grumbled most of the way, but there's no way a stuffed auto is going to get you home...

Auto's double torque at low revs, you are always in the correct gear, will leave manuals for dead on sand and really rough going (look at majority of comp. rock crawlers), 1st gear low range and drive it down a hill, can use as a manual, allows you to concentrate on wheel placement, will not stuff up if you change gear (auto or manually) while crossing a river or deep mud hole. I have had more manuals break and left stranded than an auto (never been stranded in an auto) LR has **** weak clutches, master and slave cylinders, clutch arm pivot, and gearbox's, esp. LT77 and then there's the on road peak hour traffic...., Regards Frank.