I just bought an '02 Z28 with the Hurst M6. My wife doesn't know how to drive a stick, but she wants to learn, so I took her out on Sunday afternoon to a high school parking lot.

We found out that she has a really hard time getting the shifter into reverse, and she claims it's (slightly) easier when the engine is running than when it's not.

Does it make sense that the effort would vary depending on whether the engine is running? If so, why?

Related question -- the clutch engages very high in the pedal travel. I prefer to have it engage near the floor. Is there a way to adjust this?

Thanks!

-Jake

 

Power is only supplied to the reverse lockout solenoid when the key is in the ON or RUN position. Therfore, when the key is off, you are fighting to manually override the solenoid, and it is more difficult to put in reverse when the key is OFF.

It may help to get ride of that 'mushy' feel of the shifter by installing a short stick. You will then be able to feel a little better when you are in gear with shorter throws and more positive shifts...doesnt make you feel like you are driving a semi.

As far as the clutch, most f-bodies engage near the top of the pedal. Get used to it because there isnt a factory adjustment on this.

McLeod makes an adjustable M/C that will fix this problem, but I wouldnt worry about it until you replace the clutch.

 

Thanks! I have the factory Hurst short shifter -- are you suggesting I get something shorter yet?

I'll definitely look into the McLeod master cylinder.

-Jake

 

No problem...I wasnt suggesting replacing the shifter inself...just the stick.

Something along this line...

http://www.ws6project.com/user_stor/...roducts_id=628

 

Hell yeah !! I have a 2002 SS and the M6 hurst shifter . This is not a true hurst shifter . Its a shame it has the hurst name . I changed mine in my 1995 to a hurst , made a big difference . Change your shifter . I went with the PRO 5.0 for my 2002 . It makes shifting so much easier . Shorter , sharper and you dont get lost in the gears , like the stock unit . Their are a few brands of shifters for our f bodies . Take your pick . Your girl will know when its in reverse also

 

NO! NO! NO! Why are you teaching your wife how to drive your car!!! You shuold have been happy that she couldnt!! Shes learning how to drive stick on your z28!! Ugh!! Learning how to drive a stick is like sex...practice on a beater until you find the keeper

 

Hey, the sooner she wears out the stock clutch, the sooner I can upgrade.

My wife is not your typical woman. She's a great driver, and she loves fast cars, and especially classic muscle cars. I'll ride with her in the driver's seat any day. The Z28 is "mine", though -- she's looking for a Grand National for herself, and she'll inherit her dad's 1970 Buick GSX someday...

It's why I married her...

-Jake

 

hmm...very good logic

 

Amazingly, the car still has the factory clutch. 45,000 on the odo when I bought it last week. Previous owner must have BABIED this thing, because it still barks the tires going into second and third!

-Jake

 

shift the shifter into first, then put it in reverse... putting it in 1st gear before you go to reverse is so much easier in my opinion

 

You forgot to mention you need to let the clutch out also, just to engage the gear . When going from 1st to reverse.

Just had to say it .

 

What's a clutch???







J/K