v8 muscle cars, are the auto faster than manual for the drag strip?

the only auto gearboxes that are faster than manuals are modern autos usually made for high end cars. these gearboxes have locking sleeves that give a direct connection between engine and gearbox which isnt possible with a regular automatic thanks to the fluid coupling. there are also automated manuals with computer controlled clutches, (some even have 2 of them to make dual clutch gearboxes) that can shift extremely quickly and have the least amount of power loss of any type of gearbox (including manuals).

muscle cars have never had these modern automatics so manuals are faster unless you have a very bad driver behind the wheel.

Depends on the age, gear ratios, and transmission type.