<VV> Automatic Trans Speeds Re: PARK PAWL ON PG'S

[FrankCB]

     Yes, I certainly would have ordered a 3 speed automatic if it had been available for the Corvair.  I remember in 1961 spending months trying to find a 1958 Plymouth convertible that had the 3 speed Torqueflite automatic.  Most owners had NO idea what was on their car so I had to tell them to count the number of pushbuttons - 4 indicated the 2 speed while 5 buttons were the sign of the 3 speed:  Reverse, Neutral, 1, 2 and Drive.  One guy even got THAT wrong and told me he had 5 when his car only had 4.  I guess he had trouble with those BIG numbers.<GGGGG>
     The car mfrs have finally realized that more speeds in the automatic let them drop the rpm at cruising speeds to get higher mpg.  They can get away with this because their cars have EFI with computer control and mixture control feedback using the O2 sensor in the exhaust.  That's why my TransSport minivan that weighs 40% more than a Corvair and has a 40% larger engine can get better cruising mileage than our PG Corvairs ever got.  The TransSport's engine is only doing 1800 rpm at 60 mph versus the Corvair's 3000 rpm at the same road speed.
     And now new cars are even coming with 6 speed automatics!
     Frank Burkhard

In a message dated 11/18/08 13:19:53 Eastern Standard Time, chaz at ProperProPer.com writes:
No offense intended, though that's the way it might have sounded ! 

But you have to admit that two speeds are not as good as four to really 
appreciate the Corvair. 

Wouldn't you have ordered a 3-speed auto if it had been available (or if 
it would even fit) ?