What is your favorite transmission?

On my quest to build the ultimate Crown Victoria, I’ve been eyeing the current (stock) transmission with sadness. It is fantastic for a luxury sedan (quiet, smooth, and decent MPG) but it really lacks the drama, fun, and driver involvement I envision it having someday. I’m actually considering changing the transmission (in a few years) to a special kind of manual transmission you may not have heard of until now: a Lenco transmission.

I bet you’re thinking “Woah! Look at all those levers! How can you possibly learn how to use something that complex!” Well, it’s not as crazy as it looks. It’s actually very intuitive and simple. Check out this video of it being used:

Notice how this hero driver only uses the clutch to get his car rolling… and then, with each gear change, he doesn’t lift his foot off the gas pedal even for a second! He must be destroying his gearbox, right? Actually, no… because this is not a regular synchro gearbox, or even a dog box. This transmission uses planetary gears (just like an automatic does), and, because of that, it can support up to 3500 horsepower and shift without lifting or using the clutch. Wicked!

Instead of wasting money on the balls-out racing version, I have my eyes set on their “street/strip” transmission, the ST1200. Like the name suggests, it can support up to 1200 HP easily, and is available with 2 to 6 forward speeds, optional reverse, and optional neutral. All gear ratios can be specified to your preference, the bell housing bolt pattern can fit anything from GM, Ford, MoPar or anything custom you want, and shift pressure can be adjusted between gears to taste.

I think this transmission would be extremely fun, and it would be perfect in a Crown Victoria. Especially because you don’t need to lift to shift if you don’t want to! Not to mention, it looks like it’ll shock and awe my passengers…

My question to you is, what do you think of the Lenco transmission? Should I stick with my 4 speed automatic for that luxury? And, if you had a choice, what transmission would you want to see in your dream car build? I’m always down to learn something new. Leave a comment & let’s talk!