Well a torque converter also does a thing called a shift extension. This is when the rpm falls to a certain rpm durring gear change. Well this raises that, and allows you to be in the beef of the gear the entire time. It is why auto whoop the ass of any manual car at the track. That is one with a higer stall.

Another this is Stall Torque Ratio, or Torque Multiple. My new converter has a STR of 2.6, this means that at stall it is multiplying my torque by 2.6. My car is making *cough*342rwtq*cough* maybe so that means at stall the car makes roughly 889rwtq. Wow doesn't that make you want to cry to think of something being able to do that!

Anyway, with a manual, that car would be running much slower, and would not be producing the boost he desired at launch.

Manuals are fun, but do think twice about an automatic.....yes, I just gave away the secret of the domestic.