When it comes to hot cars, sounds play a big role. Take the nitro burners, for instance; without the sounds they make, they may as well be just another alcohol dragster. Or where would the Pro/Street ...
A transmission is only as good as its missing linkage. If you can't get that trans into gear, the best internal synchros and gears won't do any good at all. Most OEM shifters leave a lot to be desired ...