8 Speed Automatic or 6 Speed Manual in Dodge Challenger Scat Pack?

#DodgeChallengerScatPack #Dodge #Manualtransmission #automatictransmission
In this video I share my opinion on which transmission I prefer in the Dodge Challenger Scat Packs.
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[@igorfacchetti9921]

I have a 2020 Challenger 6.4 WB Manual : I love the pause during shifting, it creates a sublime variation of sound, a true old school driving!

[@Gonin60]

Couldn’t agree more!

[@GLHS592]

Most people think I'm crazy for buying a Challenger 6 speed. "It's too much work" they say. Back when I was looking around for my car, my wife asked me if I was going to get an automatic (so she can drive it) and I told her I'd rather not have one. Most cars I've ever owned were manual cars. I never have thought it to be a burden and don't really think about it when I'm driving. Automatics are boring to me. It is so much fun to run the back roads shifting gears. I can't imagine an automatic being that much fun.

[@Gonin60]

Couldn’t agree more! My dad had a friend telling him I need an auto. I drove a manual and I was sold. My dad drove it too and was then converted.

[@jayeean3890]

You're correct... an automatic isn't fun! Autos were never meant to be fun... they were meant to NOT be a manual! I learned on a stick 42 years ago at 16 and most of my cars to this day were sticks. When I retire in 2024 if all goes well, my retirement car will be a 2024 Challenger WB with a stick!!

[@michaelthebarbarian3380]

If I wanted two peddles, I would buy a bicycle.

[@frankie072]

The day i turned 17 and went to motor vehicle to get my Liscence back in 1989 ,I drove a 1987 F350 Flatbad (That was my first vehicle "I legally drove" ,About a month later i finished the car i had in the shop and that was amanual ,and many others afterwards 😆, Anyway for those of us that really know how to drive a manual (and i mean really know how to drive) Traffic dont matter ,actually nothing matters because u dont realize its even happening, A manual to me might as well be an automatic, Its just an extension of myself .The people that have all the complaints, they say what a bitch it is in traffic etc,They might be able to drive a manual but they really dont drive a manual (if that makes sense) I am turning 50 in July ,and there are 2 things that still excite me ,A muscle car with a stick ,and 2 Stroke dirtbikes /quad, Nothing like a manual or a 2 stroke .I own a A8 Hellcat The autos are impressive ,they came a long way from years ago ,But on a sunday drive id rather have a manual

[@michaelthebarbarian3380]

@@frankie072 Exactly. It's so natural that I really don't notice it's Manual in traffic. But I do notice the moment I want to start pushing the car.

[@LICobra]

I'm old school as I had a 70' challenger r/t manual big block for close to 25 years, it's now gone 20 years and I miss it. I ordered a 19 scatpack with a 6speed and MDS was not an option, luckily as I didn't want it anyway. Young guy's today are only concerned with which one is faster, and really there are so many muscle cars out there that are no longer stock and making more horsepower that having an automatic just doesn't make a difference unless you meet up and your both completely stock. Now a days no one considers the driving experience a manual gives, as it's almost like a lost art. All the races I see on you tube are all from a roll, nobody goes from a dig or from a stop light anymore...which was a great equalizer of traction and shifting. I think if your going to purchase a new American muscle car and you have to debate whether you want a stick or an auto...your not a stick person.

[@Gonin60]

Man I love every point you made! I agree 100%!

[@professorx1323]

Amazing words!

[@garnetkelly8898]

Well said.

[@Jeremy_810]

I disagree with that last part. I love rowing gears, always have, but these new autos ain't your pappy's 4 speed. The ZF 8 speed is aggressive af. It was a game changer in 2015. It's the reason Ford and Chevy had to create their 10 speed auto. Spend some real time with one, it grows on you. If it's just an R/T 5.7, there's no question, gotta get the 6 speed. The auto comes with an open diff. Scatpacks and up, it is a tough call. Gas guzzler tax, resale value, slower performance times, and that annoying skip shift all have to be considered.

[@JihadPowell]

I really love that locked into gear feeling of the manual,

[@cdale613]

Great video. Really enjoyed it. Save the manual and save the V8. Thanks!

[@Gonin60]

Thank you so much! Appreciate all of your support!

[@frankmmiii]

I've driven automatic transmission cars my whole life. I have a 2017 Ram 1500 Laramie with the 8-speed, and it shifts pretty quick. Well on the 8th of this month (July) I picked up my first manual transmission automobile. A 2021 Dodge Challenger 392 Scat Pack Widebody T/A Edition in the limited-edition Gold Rush with only 3000 miles on it. Oh Yeah, it has the 6-speed Tremec. I've driven stick before, but not much. When I went to test drive this car, I wasn't really nervous and there were signs that pointed me to this car. I won't go into detail about that, but I believe that I was meant to have this car. So, on the test drive I stalled it once on a jug handle (that is a U-turn Lane in Jersey). I drove it without issue and even backed it up perfectly back into the spot I pulled it out of next to a 2022 Challenger Scat Pack without the widebody. Long Story short, this car is fun, and it turns heads. Driving automatic transmission automobiles all my life, I am happy with my decision to get this car.

[@Gonin60]

Right on! That’s all that matters!

[@walkeryj4233]

Thank you for the video. Fulfilled my dream and pulled the trigger on a scatpack widebody in beautiful torred with the 6 speed manual here in Germany. Can't wait to join the Mopar brotherhood🙂

[@Gonin60]

That’s so awesome to hear! Congratulations! You bought an amazing machine!!

[@Basslightning666]

Good topic my Mopar Brother! The ZF 8 speed 392s have MDS, but I don't use it much...I had a Manual on my 5.7 Shaker, drove it for years, but when I upgraded to a 392 Challenger I had to go with the ZF 8 Speed. They are over a second faster ET at the track or on the street, and they run in the low to mid 11s with a Drag Pak. But, it depends on your perspective, and preferred experience. I love either really...

[@Gonin60]

Yeah I can’t blame ya there!!

[@DoctorHemi]

I specifically bought my Challenger R/T because I was looking for a manual-trans car with a V8 I could fit comfortably in (I'm 6' 5"). I know the autos are faster, and after watching videos of how the auto-cars accelerate, it looks really fun and I have an enormous amount of respect for them. I've even thought about getting an auto car (probably a Charger R/T) too so I can have both.

[@Gonin60]

Right on!

[@kelbo1523]

I wish I could have said “ me and my dad did” anything… salute to you and tell you dad you love him!

[@Gonin60]

Thanks brother!

[@es30888]

Great video! I just brought home a 2020 Scat Pack shaker with a manual. It does come with a $1,000 gas guzzler tax, however the auto trans is $1500 so it is really nets out to a $500 difference.

[@Gonin60]

Oh you bought my dream car. I wish mine had a shaker! Enjoy brother!

[@brophymusprime593]

I rented the 2020 R/T automatic back in June and it was such a blast to drive that when it was time to start thinking about buying a new car the Challenger came up in the conversation. Initially I was hell bent on getting a manual even after seeing how fun the 5.7 was in automatic. I go to the dealership to check out what higher trim levels they had in stock and end up test driving the 2016 Scat Pack 392 automatic and fell in love. The extra power of the 6.4 under the paddle shifters was magnificent. I'm currently in negotiations for the floor model (it was stickered only $4,100 more than the 2016) 2021 Challenger Scat Pack 392 in frost bite.

[@Gonin60]

Can’t go wrong with that combo my friend!

[@Sam-zb3ho]

Very cool, just be aware that cylinder deactivation may likely cause engine problems down the road unless you stay on top of that oil. As long as you run high quality synthetic, don't prolong an oil change, and check it from time to time to top it off if needed, then you will be fine. My brother in law has a lot of experience with cylinder deactivation tech and how it works, both GM and Dodge, and it is extremely unforgiving if you go a little too long on an oil change or run it a little low on oil even once--just once is all it takes sometimes and then the days are numbered. They are very fragile, but work fine if you know what to do and keep the thing maintained. Having said that, any car guy who would consider buying a manual in 2020 probably knows and takes care of his stuff, so I'm probably preaching to the choir, lol.

[@doughboy7686]

I changed my clutch in my 15 challenger scat pack to a centerforce stage 3 aluminum flywheel set up. Shifts and goes thru the rpms so much faster.

[@Gonin60]

Nice!

[@hemi_cajun8332]

Nice video I have a 6 speed myself I love it!!!! And the automatic does go into 4 cyclender mode but they get faulty so we're lucky yo have the manuel. Thanks for the awesome video.

[@Gonin60]

Thank you!

[@nathantimm8909]

You could do that clutch delay valve delete meaning pull those rubber washers/seals out of the hydraulic line and that will greatly improve the response, shifts much smoother and quicker. The clutch engages and disengages faster to help with your shifting and being a little quicker from gear to gear

[@Gonin60]

Thanks for the idea!

[@kd-jj1rn]

I picked a 6-speed manual I have a 2016 RT with that transmission also have the pistol grip aftermarket Hurst shifter so much fun to drive

[@Gonin60]

It really is a blast!

[@joeyn7399]

The hurst shifter is great

[@kevin_hemi3923]

Great Video... I wanna buy a challenger scat pack next year, and Not Sure if manual or automatic yet.. But i think i will a manual after your Video 😛

[@Sam-zb3ho]

Great video, enjoyed the presentation. I have a 10-speed auto 5.0L V8 single cab, short bed 2018 Ford F-150 and the speed is definitely breathtaking at full throttle (runs 1/4 mile in the 13s bone stock on street tires), it shifts so fast and keeps the engine in the power band, but it's boring to drive around town--there is nothing like how a good manual engages the driver and makes you feel a part of the process, because you are. I suppose the auto is fine for a truck, but for a V8 modern muscle car I would go for a manual for sure, and because of that I would have to go with Dodge or Chevy since the Ford Getrag 6-speed in the Mustang seems to be very problematic, which is a shame because I tend to be a Ford guy, but not to a fault. Also, in terms of styling the Challenger takes the cake among all the modern muscle, IMO. The autos are fast, but pretty boring under normal driving, and honestly about 99.9% of your driving is going to be "normal" putting around. So I'd rather have an enjoyable, engaging experience 100% of the time at the cost of maybe 1 mpg (if that) and a couple extra tenths in 0-60, than be able to nose out a manual by a bumper in a drag race twice a year and be bored the rest of the time, lol. Also, both the 345 and the 392 have cylinder deactivation (MDS) with the auto, but no MDS with the manual, which in my book is fantastic because MDS is about as problematic down the road as a Ford 6-speed transmission unless you really, REALLY stay on top of your oil, changing it frequently on the dot and never going over the recommended interval, and checking the oil level several times between oil changes to make sure it's topped off, and using the highest quality oil (Mobil 1, Pennzoil Ultra Platinum, Amsoil, whatever). If you do those things, you may get lucky and not have to replace your engine a few years down the line, but the sad fact is that the average driver does not do those things. So for any of y'all out there with automatic HEMI Challengers/Chargers, you better stay on top of that oil if you plan on keeping the car for the long haul.

[@DarkSlayer487]

You're dead on about the clutch being really catchy and not smooth when you first get it. I just got a 21 Challenger Widebody Shaker that I custom ordered and I've been trying my best to drive the car smooth just putting around town. Its not horrible by any means but letting out the clutch after going into 2nd can be bumpy if I'm not perfect at the timing. 3rd and 4th are mostly fine. 5th has a little bump if I let off too quick but other than that (and I'll blame some of that on me still sort of learning manual) this car is everything I wanted. Currently at just over 500 miles. Finally did my first hard 1st-2nd pull today and holy hell was that fun. Theres just something about the sound of everything when you have that momentary pause in shifting before the beast gets let loose again. Its so visceral. And yes the automatic 392s have the cylinder deactivation which will kick on at cruising speeds. Though for whatever reason it doesnt work above 70mph or so on the 392s. Its called MDS (Multi Displacement System) Its REALLY quick to activate/deactivate and is extremely seamless but you can tell by the tone chance in the exhaust. Its good on paper but the MDS system requires collapsible lifters which tend to have issues at higher mileages. And its not just limited to Dodge. Everyone who uses that kind of lifter has issues with them. I had a 2013 SRT with it and a lifter seized and chewed up the camshaft at 98k miles.

[@Gonin60]

I love the shaker!!!! I found the car shifted smoother in track mode as well. It felt very stiff and first but overall a great manual car.

[@marcussmith5088]

@Verod hey I need a little help if you don’t mind. I customized a Scat Pack 21’ on the Dodge website, How did you actually get it sent to the dealership?

[@DarkSlayer487]

@@marcussmith5088 Save the PDF and email it to a salesman. Theyre not taking orders for 21s anymore though so youll have to do a 22.

[@marcussmith5088]

@@DarkSlayer487 Thanks!! And What!????? I just built a custom challenger on the website, is there source for this info if you don’t mind me asking. Im coming off a deployment and trying to get it ordered currently

[@DarkSlayer487]

@@marcussmith5088 They switched over to 2022 orders about a week before Christmas according to the plant workers

[@pharoahmonk50]

I own a 2020 Chally Scat WB 6 speed. In street mode, I have been very frustrated with the shifts. In street mode, the engine does not shift to my liking in 1st and 2nd gear. From your video, I will adjust to sport. Hopefully my shifts in 1st and 2nd gear won't feel as though the engine is struggling to build torque.

[@Gonin60]

Yeah try sport and track. Shifts will seem a little smoother. What I didn’t like about the car was the computer that learns your pattern for driving. Their is a fuse you can pull out and it will reset.

[@pharoahmonk50]

@@Gonin60 Will do. Will also reset computer via the fuse pull. BTW I failed to mention how well you discussed the subject matter. I appreciate the info!

[@Gonin60]

Very kind of you. I hope it gets better for you.

[@kristenmoon4405]

I’m torn. I’m about to buy a used 2016 challenger hellcat. I LOVE manual transmissions in sports cars, but I am unsure for a muscle car. Especially for a super high horsepower application. I worry I’ll just spin tires needlessly with a manual in a launch. The ability to rev and enjoy the exhaust would be nice though. Then again, getting an automatic isn’t glad either. Access to paddle shifters, and drive modes make it a consistent beast.

[@Gonin60]

Whether it’s an auto or manual you will spin the tires. Maybe give both a test drive and see

[@BaronSchmatz777]

First I wanted an ATM...now I love my manual. So much fun

[@Gonin60]

Enjoy it!

[@mr.g.7125]

yes also on the Scat Pack Automatic there is the possibility to have this MDS system which cut off 4 cylinders in Economy setting.

[@Gonin60]

Mr. G. Thank you for this! Great point that I was trying to make. You just solidified it.

[@kd-jj1rn]

These stupid MDS systems can also cause lifter issues with manual you don't have to worry about that

[@297modz]

Both are nice! Like you said can't go wrong with either. Besides 8 speed automatic being faster. You have the REMOTE START! Which is awesome! How does the 6-speed do with line lock? Do you have that option?

[@Gonin60]

You brought up a point I completely forgot: remote start! Mine does have like lock but I have never used it. I have used launch control and I think down the line I’ll make a video on that.

[@keytothegate68]

Dodge had a V8 AWD with automatic but it had to cancel it on account of transmission problem. However the manual in an R.T. 2022 Challenger is awesome I drove it!

[@Gonin60]

Nice

[@dharokthewretched7373]

Could you post that CA law? Thanks

[@richardlong8014]

The debate never ends.

[@shredlife1841]

Have you driven the 2020/2021 Camaro 1LT manual? Even if not, in your experience, what would your insight be in terms of the better manual transmission car? The Camaro or the Challenger. Specifically in terms of transmission engineering and reliability. I do understand that Camaro is the better handling/sportier but the Challenger just trumps it in terms of the looks. Especially the widebody. Thanks!

[@Gonin60]

I would drive both if I were you. I’ve driven only the manual v6. Both transmissions I know are solid and really good. I don’t think you can go wrong. The camaro might have shorter throws.

[@shredlife1841]

@@Gonin60 Awesome! Thank you!

[@ckane510]

I like and have had both. They are both fun! Which is faster? The automatic without a doubt.

[@Gonin60]

For sure!

[@BMan100]

Slight Correction, Chrysler Torqueflight (how Autocorrect spells it) was actually a little faster, but you'd just have to keep your foot in it. At least from my understanding. but of course manual is always more fun..... (tomorrow morning Jan 2nd I pick up mine)

[@Gonin60]

Enjoy your new ride!

[@BornToBeFamed]

For the 6.4 I need the 6speed Wide body preferred as well.

[@Gonin60]

Good call

[@PeterWaldmann-nr9oc]

i actually just got a ford ad on this vid XD XD XD

[@Gonin60]

Lol

[@ChrisSmith-dp9qi]

I've driven my auto Scat Pack for two years now. The 8 spd is good, no question. However, even in track, it wants to upshift too quick, and it lags in downshifting. The paddles are quicker though. Then, I got to drive a 6spd for a fair distance. You really notice the 3:90 rear end. Shifting is smooth and clutch is firm but not difficult. The automatic is the optional trans and is over 2 grand. I'd rather pay the 1 grand gg tax. Plus the manual deletes mds.

[@Gonin60]

Good to know!

[@mikekendrick4586]

Question what's best for each individual

[@Gonin60]

Hey Mike! Yeah everyone has their own preferences for sure. Just drive both and then you will know. Thanks for watching!

[@donfinkey692]

How stiff is the clutch compared to say a mustang GT?

[@Gonin60]

I wish I could say. I’ve only driven an automatic

[@BMan100]

it's stiffer, but the throw is much shorter. I find the mustangs clutch to be hard to modulate because of of the "kick" back midway, along with the long travel. I wanted to buy a bullit to be honestly but ergonomically I just couldn't drive the thing. so I went with another challenger.

[@donfinkey692]

@@BMan100 Thanks!

[@OldGregsMangina]

Don idk what this guy is talking about, the Dodges throw is much longer and awkward imo due to the shifter itself (modified pistol grip). It also is much less forgiving than a Mustang when you shift it feels VERY deliberate and you must be in the right place via rpm's to catch a gear correctly. The clutch doesn't feel stuff but like throwing gears is longer. The GT imo is much more "user friendly", and the short throw shifter as far as mashing gears makes a big difference. The clutch does feel heavier but the clutch bites closer. I feel Dodge feels much more solid, but both have the tremec if you buy a newer model.

[@donfinkey692]

@@OldGregsMangina I hear ya! 😊

[@coopaloop013]

I like to have a manual for when im chasing a cute chic in a Ferrari

[@diegohorton869]

Auto for me 👍🏽

[@Gonin60]

Good choice!

[@joeyn7399]

I love the sticks growing up with manual transmissions, downside is the automatic transmissions hold their value a little more. Started looking for a challenger recently and 2 dealers recommended getting a automatic because of the resale being significantly higher.

[@Gonin60]

Good points for sure!

[@akatopes1]

Factory ordered challenger scat widebody shaker manual. MERICA

[@Gonin60]

Merica!! Haha

[@Tamburahk]

I was Driving manual and automatic since day 1 of my Drivers licence, here in EU are manual cars more common so I wasn't rly bothered when bought manual challenger, but damn that's so much harder to drive with manual then any European car :D Also some standart behaviour on Tremec would be big NO NO for EU car :D Its just matter of get used to it, but its definitely a "cultural shock"

[@Gonin60]

Thanks for sharing

[@bailey9r]

Yes 392 autos have MDS to run on 4, my 6 speed frees me of that complexity and worry of the failures they have. ;

[@Gonin60]

Right on!

[@danieljohn4603]

The manual 6 speed is more fun, but better performance With the A8.

[@Gonin60]

💯👆

[@aaronbritt2025]

Here's all you need to know... Auto is a little quicker, manual is more involving (IMO, more fun).

[@doughboy7686]

Hey hold up I see 8 speed automatics beat 10 speeds all the time. I have a manual

[@Gonin60]

It’s all relative. Car mods etc. Which speeds they are doing pulls from. How good drivers are.

[@user-wc1po1gl5r]

I hear the clutch only last 30000 miles

[@Gonin60]

No

[@JihadPowell]

If I’m going to get a muscle car it will be manual if I’ll going to get a 4 door It will be automatic

[@RR-js2ie]

It seem's to me that all challenger's and charger's equipped with MDS are having problems with there lifter's. you can avoid this problem with purchasing a 6speed manual challenger only, because charger's only come with auto. watch this video! kzbin.info/www/bejne/opiYoqtvhrR9fdE

[@Gonin60]

Good points! I’ll be sure to check out the vid.

[@aioshi24]

You still pay more for the automatic. Gas guzzler tax is less expensive than what you pay for the automatic transmission. Build one and see for yourself.

[@Gonin60]

Yeah I think they are $1500

[@garybishop4030]

Factoring in the gas guzzler tax the auto is $600 more

[@bangbang-ko2gi]

Dont forget manual has 3.90 gear ratio.

[@Gonin60]

Ah yes

[@meggabitz]

Auto has MDS, manual in all hemi's does not have MDS.

[@Gonin60]

You’re right

[@skylersmall6322]

I stalled out my bike in 2nd gear thought I was in first, Womp Womp much embarrassing.

[@darrend1068]

You get gas guzzler tax no matter manual or automatic.

[@KieselDru]

Love mine.

[@KieselDru]

Manual, all the way.

[@Gonin60]

You betcha!

[@fairfax_fran5109]

In my opinion I save more gas in my manual due to the fact I can coast in neutral

[@Gonin60]

Nice!

[@DarkSlayer487]

That doesnt save you gas. Coasting in gear will because the injectors cut off at 0% throttle. The momentum of the car keeps the engine turning while youre in gear. In neutral, the injectors have to fire to keep the engine running

[@fairfax_fran5109]

@@DarkSlayer487 I'm lost with your comment

[@DarkSlayer487]

@@fairfax_fran5109 When the trans is in neutral, the injectors need to be fired to keep the engine running since its not connected to the wheels via the trans and driveshaft and differential. When you're coasting while in gear, the injectors can shut off without the engine stalling because the engine is still being turned via the momentum of the car. The engine cant stall since the speed at which it is being physically turned is high enough. At idle and in neutral, the injectors are fired so the combustion can be generated inside the engine and the force of that combustion is what causes the crankshaft to rotate. When the transmission is in gear, it is connected to the engine via either a clutch or a flex plate. That in turn is connected to the central shaft on the transmission which is connected to the driveshaft which is connected to the differential which is connected to the axles which are connected to the wheels. When the car is in motion and the trans is in gear, the momentum of the car will force the engine to spin. The engine is doing the same thing as it does when it idles, but since you're not applying any throttle, the fuel injectors stop firing since the engine is using the energy from the momentum of the car moving to turn instead of the energy generated from combustion.

[@fairfax_fran5109]

@@DarkSlayer487 if I'm going down hill in neutral my mpg jumps up to 99mpg when I'm in gear I average a maximum 25mpg plus stick shift manual is always famous for coasting in neutral on flats roads or down hill to save gas the rpm shuts off in idle mode saving gas and oil temperature

[@HemiBurns]

6 speed manual.....

[@Gonin60]

Amen!