20th Feb 2012, 09:12
I guess you should have tried a few other cars. If I ever come across a manual that is that bad in any car, I would immediately leave the dealer and look elsewhere.
I definitely wouldn't be settling for an automatic in a sports car. Even the Mustang 6 speed is smooth as silk, and very easy to drive, and it is around 1/2 the price of a Vette.
I suspect you bought your Vette for more than the driving experience though, am I right? To me the drive comes before all else. I could care less about status symbols, chick magnets, show cars, and all the other "pure waste of cash" type of cars out there, just to make me feel more complete in some strange way.
The only view I care about is from the driver's seat. A car in its purest form with a manual tranny is the only way to go. An automatic is a nice cruiser car for long trips on the highway. I have a nice SUV for that, though that is better on gas and cheaper to insure.
18th Feb 2012, 13:25
I had my C3 shifter rebuilt and moved a notch as a short throw 4 speed shifter. I had a 406 400 hp motor put in for 8k. The racing clutch in it was hard on the leg, however on my C5 the 6 speed shifts as smooth a silk. I am sure the new Vettes are likewise. The C5 and up are very reliable and fun.