Originally posted by Blmet I am looking to buying a 97-99 gsx or a 97-98 tsi awd. My question is about transmissions. This started because I am looking for an awd vehicle and I can't find any manuals in my region that are in good shape and are non-modified. So I started to think maybe I might have to get an auto. Anyways my questions are: How much power can the auto awd tranny hold? My goal is 300-400 hp, the closer to 400 the better but I am not going to render it unstreetable. Second, how much slower are they than manuals in stock form, then with shift kits and TC's? Third, what are the benefits other than no lost of spool during shifting and building boost at the line? Lastly, what is the top speed in an auto at the top of four gear and how do they pick up when they get stomped on in 4th gear? Does shutting overdrive off shut off four gear? I usually get into it at highway speeds and don't want to be hindered by a low top speed. I realize a gst/tsi would prolly be better at high speeds due to gearing and less weight, but I don't what the traction problems faced by fwd vehicles at the line. Thanks for replies.
The auto tranny can hold 400hp no problem. My old roommate (97TSiAWD here and a mod on DSMtalk) ran 12.0 at 115ish mph on the stock auto tranny (other than a shift kit). He has since run in the 11s with an upgraded torque converter too. The tranny is very reliable and works well.
As for other benefits, you have longer gears then the manual cars, and you can downshift for immediate boost (kicks ass).
If you get an auto, definitely go AWD. No offense to Tony, but I wouldn't want an automatic GS-T or TSi.
