If you accept that you are never going to run as good as an auto with similiar RWHP at the track and you build your car to handle what the engine puts out, you will more than likely never be either. It feels good to drop the clutch at 6 grand with no worries. If I can get my 60's down a bit more I would be even happier. My car has done 2 of the three goals I set for it, even my my non-driven ass in it, lol. I wanted 400 RWP. That didn't happen. However it did run the 11 I wanted it to do and it has pulled both front tires off the ground on the launch (I know it's not best way to get down the track but it is cool looking, lol). Now all I am trying to do is improve my 60's so I can get an even better ET. I knew that a 6 speed is going to hurt me off the line when I started but that's what I chose. Auto or manual doesn't matter what you choose, just learn to drive it as fast as you can.