Learning to drive in a ZR-1???

secondchance · 01-26-03, 06:07 PM

For those of you who read my thread "carwash", I had my 15 years old son help me wash the salt off the car.

Well he's been bugging me to teach him to drive 6 speed. So, what the heck, I took him to a deserted parking lot and taught him to drive manual in my ZR-1. He stalled the car 3 times but I think he's got the hang of it.

Should I teach him how to launch, drag racing style???

I posted this here to see how other ZRoners react to this.

90 Corvette ZR-1 · 01-26-03, 06:46 PM

I too learned how to drive a stick in a vette. I had a 91 L98 to learn on though. The way I see it is either you show him how to do it, or he is gona learn how on his own.

My advice, keep that second key with you, and any spares you may have

secondchance · 01-26-03, 06:52 PM

Know what you mean. First time since 91 "valet key" may actually come in handy.

I turned the secondaries on and had him floor the pedal(in a empty parking lot). Should have seen his face-petrified at first then a uncontrollable grin.

90 Corvette ZR-1 · 01-26-03, 07:04 PM

I know that look!!!!!! I get it every time I drive the car

secondchance · 01-26-03, 07:15 PM

Are you the guy who was at Carlisle show? You know being judged? If so I'm the Korean-American guy you chatted with briefly and the kid who was with me is the subject of this thread.

90 Corvette ZR-1 · 01-26-03, 07:17 PM

I was at carlisle. However I was in the evolution display, not being judged. CAC had a meet every day of the show in front of my car.

secondchance · 01-26-03, 07:23 PM

Hmmm. maybe it was you. REd 90 ZR-1 with original gatorbacks? I may have cautioned you about 90 rear rims cracking on the inside.

90 Corvette ZR-1 · 01-26-03, 07:28 PM

Yep I have a red 90, but I don't have the org gatorbacks on there I had my stock rims on with GS-C's on them. I had a tent up behind my car. Depending on the day it was a green screen room or a white ezup.

secondchance · 01-26-03, 07:32 PM

Well, then we'll have to meet up this year at the Carlisle.

90 Corvette ZR-1 · 01-26-03, 07:34 PM

Why wait that long, come to the Gathering in May.

secondchance · 01-26-03, 07:37 PM

I would love to but we will have to see. Work and all...

90 Corvette ZR-1 · 01-26-03, 07:39 PM

Ya I know how work is. I have to rearage my schudle to see if I can get down there on wednesday like I want to

81NMVETTE · 01-26-03, 07:50 PM

I think you did the right thing with showing your son how to drive your Vette. I allso think it is a good idea to let them see the power that your car has. I think he will have respect for the car.
I know that when my kids were young I had them handle and shoot a gun I allso showed them what a wepon could do. They know that guns are not to be played with they allso know that a vehicle weather it be a 400+ hp Vette or the fam. Van they can both be deadly. Enjoy your son in his dream to drive.

secondchance · 01-26-03, 08:02 PM

81NMVette,
Funny you should mention guns. Same son, when he turned 12, asked me that what he wanted, for his birthday, to shoot a gun. I pondered on the subject for a while and eventually decided to take him to a Gun range(this was when I lived in Orlando) on International Drive. Although I love guns, another great machine, I never bought one with kids and all. Rented a .22 cal revolver, only calibre they would let him shoot, and let him go at it. Ofcourse, I gave him a big lecture and demonstration on safety. Then I rented a full auto MP5 and spent some bullitts myself. Needless to say, I managed to let him have a go at the MP5. Same look on his face.
Obviously, we believe in the same thing. Don't try to hide it from kids, teach them properly under serious supervision!

90 Corvette ZR-1 · 01-26-03, 08:03 PM

If you have to room to do so, find a nice stretch of road (when you feel he is old enough) and let him run through the gears with you in the car. However, by doing this you will ruin him for life. I first drove and owned, a ZR-1 in 99 when I was 16 or 17(for thouse of you doing the math Im going to be 21 here in a few months), now I compare every car to the ZR-1. I'll see a nice BB in the paper and look at the price of $50,000 or so and think I could get a nice low mile 95 ZR-1 for that.

Or you could do what my friend with a 427 4 speed 68 coupe said to his sons when they asked for the keys to go on dates ect.... He said something to the effect of "I love you to much to let you go out and kill yourself in that car." I prefer the other way, much more of a bonding going on with you and your son. Atleast thats how my dad and I feel.