Clutch/1st gear question
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1st Gear
Joined: Feb 2025
Posts: 1
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Clutch/1st gear question
Hey everyone, new to the forum and corvette ownership. Just purchased a 2000 6 speed, still very much a rookie at driving stick since I learned on an s10 about 15 years ago then drove my friends mini cooper before picking up the c5. Had no problem with the mini cooper but legitimately feel incompetent getting going from a stop in the c5.
I’d imagine with all the torque this car has it should be able to get moving from the bite point alone like the mini cooper did but I have to raise the clutch pedal so high to reach the bite, it feels like it’s going to stall if I keep it there and the car doesn’t get moving. Then the gas pedal is super stiff that it’s nearly impossible to feather it to slightly raise the rpms to get going and it’s almost always super jerky. Feels like the clutch or transmission could have an issue but could also just be an inexperience thing but any insight is appreciated.
I’d imagine with all the torque this car has it should be able to get moving from the bite point alone like the mini cooper did but I have to raise the clutch pedal so high to reach the bite, it feels like it’s going to stall if I keep it there and the car doesn’t get moving. Then the gas pedal is super stiff that it’s nearly impossible to feather it to slightly raise the rpms to get going and it’s almost always super jerky. Feels like the clutch or transmission could have an issue but could also just be an inexperience thing but any insight is appreciated.
Last edited by Eb22; Feb 28, 2025 at 07:17 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2022
Posts: 1,033
Likes: 896
From: Nappytown MD
Have you inspected the clutch system? I mean is it bled and have clean fluid to the proper level? Seems like it might need to be adjusted. IRT gas pedal, get down there and see how clean it is around the pivot point and make sure it is not being obstructed somehow. If it feels "crunchy" lube the pivot to make sure it isn't dry. These cars are old and some moving pieces might need some attention.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 255
Likes: 72
From: Maryland
Eh, hard to say without seeing how you drive, but you're right, these cars have so much torque that I can idle into first if I roll off the clutch just right. Compared to all my previous manual cars, 1st gear is smooth. I've also noticed on my 04 that with traction control/AH turned on it's a little less smooth because I think the computer is trying to limit the torque (I'm guessing, just something I noticed and would occur on my 350z too). Anyway, I think you should find a Corvette mechanic in your area (check the local forums for your region) and have them test drive it and if they say it's fine then it's a user error and you need more practice. Also, definitely delete the stupid "skip-shift" because it drove me insane and that could be a problem for you with learning the car:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2021
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From: Florida
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The gas pedal should be very easy to modulate. Might be some beer cans under the carpet. 😳
The clutch pedal on these cars engages a little higher than some others, but check the clutch master cylinder as suggested above. Still, from your description it sounds like the wonky gas pedal is the problem.
The clutch pedal on these cars engages a little higher than some others, but check the clutch master cylinder as suggested above. Still, from your description it sounds like the wonky gas pedal is the problem.
1/4 mile/AutoX
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 11,442
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From: Buffalo Texas
I feel the C 5 corvette is one of the easiest manuals out there ( I'm 74 and have driven my share) also if the clutch has been replaced, the slave cyl shimming is very important, determines where the clutch grabs !!
Racer
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 397
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From: Flowood MS
You probably need to bleed and refill the clutch system with new fluid. This is a common problem on C5 manual trans cars per my friend who is a GM tech. The fluid gets overheated due to the slave cylinder proximity to the exhaust and becomes very much like sludge. I plan to check this and flush and replace the fluid proto when I pick up my C5. My friend said he just made it part of his oil change routine to change out a portion of the fluid to keep it fresh.
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