More Newbie Questions... - ZR-1 Net Registry Forums

Racinfan83 · 04-26-2013

Now that I have driven this thing some more - and I feel like an idiot for posting this - there are some things that have me wondering and nervous.
I have driven MANY vehicles with manual transmissions - up to and including dump trucks and semis. So I think I have a fairly good idea how to drive one

This thing makes quite a bit of noise in first gear and reverse. Just sounds like gears - but I would think a car of this caliber wouldn't make gear noises? Is this normal?
Clutch engages rather harshly - in fact my wife commented that I didn't know how to drive it. I probably have a million miles in all different vehicles and construction equipment. I think I know how to drive. Is there a trick to smooth shifts with this thing?
Idles about 1400 and then will slowly drop down to about 800. Will almost die at normal idle when A/C clutch kicks in. Just had that serviced - so it isn't the A/C I don't think???
Car makes a rattling sound from underneath when I shut it off? Like a tinny plate kind of rattle?
Seems to have a minor oil leak somewhere on the passenger side of the engine - you can smell it when you are driving - but I can't see where it might be coming from? Ideas?

Just wanting to get an idea what is "normal" and what I need to look into further.... Thanks

04-26-2013	#1
Racinfan83 Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Eastern Missouri Posts: 773	More Newbie Questions... Now that I have driven this thing some more - and I feel like an idiot for posting this - there are some things that have me wondering and nervous. I have driven MANY vehicles with manual transmissions - up to and including dump trucks and semis. So I think I have a fairly good idea how to drive one This thing makes quite a bit of noise in first gear and reverse. Just sounds like gears - but I would think a car of this caliber wouldn't make gear noises? Is this normal? Clutch engages rather harshly - in fact my wife commented that I didn't know how to drive it. I probably have a million miles in all different vehicles and construction equipment. I think I know how to drive. Is there a trick to smooth shifts with this thing? Idles about 1400 and then will slowly drop down to about 800. Will almost die at normal idle when A/C clutch kicks in. Just had that serviced - so it isn't the A/C I don't think??? Car makes a rattling sound from underneath when I shut it off? Like a tinny plate kind of rattle? Seems to have a minor oil leak somewhere on the passenger side of the engine - you can smell it when you are driving - but I can't see where it might be coming from? Ideas? Just wanting to get an idea what is "normal" and what I need to look into further.... Thanks