Powerglide VS 4 Speed

[Randy M.]

I know it is a personal preference but really which one is better?
Powerglide cars have been treated less brutal and seem to be in better condition from what I have seen but from a value standpoint are the 4 speeds that much more desireable and worth alot more?
Just wanted to get everyones take and or opinion on this matter.
Thanks for any and all input

[Boyan B.]

Re: Powerglide VS 4 Speed

Its whatever you want. 4 speeds have a higher value on average. Powerglides are easy to drive. I always tell people who are looking to purchase their first Corvette not to discount the powerglide cars. You can usually get a better car for the same amount of money as a 4 speed. In the end, its still an old Corvette that your buddies will be envious of.

I personally have a 63 with a 4 speed. But my next project will be a powerglide mid year coupe, just a driver.

Boyan

[Paul B.]

Re: Powerglide VS 4 Speed

Over the past few years the PG cars have become more popular, I think it's because we're getting older.

Paul

[Stephen P.]

Re: Powerglide VS 4 Speed

I've got an unrestored 65 coupe with powerglide. Did I get a car in better condition because it has the powerglide? The answer is probably yes. Would I prefer to have a 4-speed. The answer is definitely yes. I'm looking at changing out the powerglide with a 200R4 overdrive and storing the original powerglide, to get away from the 2-speed tranny since that's a much simpler change and can be taken back to original fairly easily. If I had it to do over, I would probably wait on the right 4-speed car to come along. If you have multiple cars, the powerglide probably fills a need, but if you only have one car, as I do, you miss some of the fun element of shifting gears. Just one opinion.

[Tom P.]

Re: Powerglide VS 4 Speed

Over the past few years the PG cars have become more popular, I think it's because we're getting older.

Paul

Not so, I'm 67 and I don't think you could pay me enough to "cruise around" in a slush box car. EVERYTHING I own has a manual tranny and a very healthy engine. I still haven't outgrown my teenage tendencies to behave like a stupid hotrodder!
Even my rusty, POS, daily driver 51 Chevy sleeper is still fun to fool the ricer kids!

[Kirk M.]

Re: Powerglide VS 4 Speed

I have a 67 powerglide convertible, and yes, it was definitely a creampuff with lots of original un-abused engine parts. All I know is that I have put thousands of miles on the car since purchasing it 4 years ago. Every Spring I head from Columbus, OH to Staunton, VA to visit family, driving through the mountains of West Virginia/Virginia on the way. It is one of the most fun things I do, and I personally think it would be much harder in a four-speed (but that's just me). I rumble into the cut-backs, accelerate on the way out, and fish tail the rear almost every time I can rumble down the interstate at 80 MPH with my C6 vette buddies on the way to the 09 Caravan and Bowling Green, or even drive really slow in parade in 90* weather on the 4th of July, and the car never overheats or even budges much above 180*. My decision was predicated on wanting a car that I could cruise in AND hear the stereo. I drove a couple of big block 67's with sidepipes and a four-speed, and I just couldn't see myself enjoying a long cruise in those cars, and I definitely didn't think I would ever be able to hear the stereo. Yes, if I still needed to prove my manhood off the line - the big-block four-speed would have been it for me. But I am past that. I personally think the powerglides are more versatile cars - and heck, even if you drag, a powerglide ain't such bad thing from what I've seen!

Kirk

[Larry S.]

Re: Powerglide VS 4 Speed

I think Boyan hit it squarely on. I've been around a long time and looked at and driven many midyears. All 3 I've had have been powerglides, 2 327/300s and one 427/400. Not that they aren't out there, but I've never seen a body-damaged or modded PG car. And, the PG cars were tighter feeling and generally in better shape, all other things being equal.

So, yes, I think you get a better car for a little less money with a PG car. It's otherwise personal preference, whether you like to shift or not. Of course, there are some PG cars that far exceed their 4-speed kin in value, such as a 67 with 427/400 with PG and AC. (I won't mention that I have one....)