[QB93Z]

Sorry to hear that you are having drivabilty issues with your ZR-1.

Regarding the clutch, I think that the ZR-1 clutch is a little "grabbier" than some other cars and may take some getting used to. That said, the clutch should work smoothly and may need to be serviced on your car.

Regarding the transmission noise in first and reverse, I suggest checking the oil level in the transmission and probably replace the transmission oil soon if you do not know that it was done recently. Another source of gear noise can be one or more failed fuel injectors. If your 1990 ZR-1 still has the original injectors, I strongly recommend replacing them before you do any other drive train analysis.

Regarding the oil leak on the passenger side, it does happen on some cars. The oil may be seeping onto the exhaust manifold so you smell it but not see it on the garage floor. Two possible sources I have seen are a cam cover leak from the rear part of the cam cover to head seal or a leak from a bolt that secures the exhaust manifold to the head. The bolt (near the center of the manifold, under the manifold, is a stud that goes all the way to the oil gallery of the head.

Regarding the rattle on engne shut off, I would start by checking the exhaust manifold heat shields. There are about 6 of them and a loose bolt could cause the noise you describe. Get under the car and tap lightly with a rubber mallet or a plastic screwdrive handle and see if you can duplicate the noise.

I hope you will be coming to the ZR-1 Gathering at Bowling Green, KY in May. I will be glad to let you drive my ZR-1 so you compare your car to another example.

Good Luck.

Jim