WHY WOULD YOU DO IT?

THE auto versus manual debate has raged on for a couple of decades now. The old adage that autos were for going up-hill, and manuals for going down rang reasonably true back then. But there’s a very big problem with that theory: technology moves on, and while manuals are largely untouched, automatic transmissions have jumped forwards leaps and bounds. Autoconverting an older 4x4 does a few things for driveability that you simply won’t be able to get with any other modification.

The first, and most important to us, is an increase in off-road ability for a few different reasons. The transmission used in this case has a lower first gear ratio than the manual gearbox it’s replacing. That directly translates to more controlled low-speed work and more power on take-off, helpful for towing or steep terrain. The second is having a torque converter rather than a clutch gives smoother application of power than the old manual ’box, and, through torque multiplication in the converter, an even bigger boost in low-speed take off.

The other additional benefit is by swapping out a five-speed for a six-speed the top gear is taller than factory, this results in a lower rpm at freeway speeds, and a direct reduction in fuel economy.

“They’re just far easier to drive too,” added DPL front man Bruce Davis. “The owner (of the white Defender) wasn’t driving it much, but now he drives it all the time. It means anyone can jump in it and drive it.”