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Topic: Should I learn to drive a manual transmission???

in Forum: Vette Women

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Should I learn to drive a manual transmission??? (43/53)
1/19/08 2:22pm

kstyer

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CUYAHOGA FALLS, OH - USA

Vette(s):
1975 C3 Red, T-Tops, Black Interior. All I need is time and money! Getting there!

Joined: 12/2/2003
Posts: 6424

You never know when the need will be there to drive a stick, and it could mean a lot to be able to do so.

Besides it's just a lot of fun, once you learn.

My Vette is an automatic, and that's okay. It's acutally better in heavy stop and go traffic, but that's not where you want drive anyway.

I really would prefer a stick.

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Should I learn to drive a manual transmission??? (44/53)
1/19/08 7:32pm

KDADDY79
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Dutchess County, NY - USA

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White '79 Corvette. It's a driver.

Joined: 8/27/2007
Posts: 2484

You just gotta learn to drive a stick!

I think it gives any driver an appreciation of how the car reacts to RPMs and therefore, makes them a better all around driver. I tend to pay a lot more attention to the RPMs when I'm driving in snow and even downshift an automatic when its necessary in the snow. I just think its good "know how."

I wish my Corvette was a standard, but the missus kind of hinted that an automatic would sway her towards granting me permission when it came time for me to buy mine. I can definitely cause it to shift sooner or later depending on how and where I'm driving. I don't think I'd understand that if I had never learned on a standard.

P.S. My kids are going to have to learn to drive a standard. Definitely!

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Should I learn to drive a manual transmission??? (45/53)
1/20/08 12:54pm

DaveM

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Flanders, NJ - USA

Vette(s):
1982 Black, ZZ4, Hooker Side Pipes, 3.55 Rear, Rebuilt & upgraded 700R4, All new suspension, brakes, & new Charcoal interior.

Joined: 1/27/2004
Posts: 2553

I had my kids learn to drive on Automatics because it easier for them to focus on just learning to drive with out being intimidated buy using the clutch and not stalling. Once they they got their license and were at ease driving then I taught them to drive stick and it was very easy for them to learn. A couple of times out and you will do just fine. Go for it.

Dave

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Should I learn to drive a manual transmission??? (46/53)
1/20/08 2:09pm

ceastham1
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greer, SC - USA

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C(6-5+2)VR - 1964 convertible 327/365 & 2003 convertible - 50th Anniversary Edition & 2010 3LT Coupe

Joined: 10/15/2007
Posts: 746

YES !!!!

manual tranny is the only way to drive

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Should I learn to drive a manual transmission??? (47/53)
1/20/08 9:47pm

cthulhu

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Hot Springs, AR - USA

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69 Conv #'s match 427, TKO-600/.64, 3.36HD-Posi, HT, T/T, PS, PB, PW, SP, Leather, Comp XE264HR & Roller Rockers & Lifters, Air-Gap RPM intake, Holley St Av 770 VS, MSD 6AL+Dist+Blaster SS, K&N, Jet-Hot Hooker Side-Pipes, Steeroids, Al Rad, Spal Fans

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[QUOTE=DaveM]I had my kids learn to drive on Automatics because it easier for them to focus on just learning to drive with out being intimidated buy using the clutch and not stalling. Once they they got their license and were at ease driving then I taught them to drive stick and it was very easy for them to learn. A couple of times out and you will do just fine. Go for it.

Dave

[/QUOTE]

im teaching mine with sticks

they both are learning to drive in the pasture...

I figure if they can drive my truck with its granny 4 and deep clutch they should be able to drive anything...

they also can both drive the shuttle shift backhoe and the non-synchronized tractor 4 spd.

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Should I learn to drive a manual transmission??? (48/53)
1/21/08 8:07am

RADARB8

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Montesano, WA - USA

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had a really nice one. sold it to a good friend. Purchased 2004 custom coupe in Feb. 2009 did not tell anyone here until August 2009. BAD I KNOW.

Joined: 9/27/2003
Posts: 1931

Karen the smartest reason i know of to learn is for emergency reasons if you were out some where and you had to go for help get out quick etc etc and the only car had a stick you should know how to drive it that thinking is good for everyone, we taught Laceys brother to drive at around 10 or 11 in the van and in the mustang in the event he needed to get lacey into the fire station for medical help he at least had enough knowleadge to make it the 3 miles. just my thought. larry

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Should I learn to drive a manual transmission??? (49/53)
1/21/08 9:50am

kkfinch

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Gresham, OR - USA

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1977 Maroon T-Top

Joined: 9/4/2006
Posts: 652

Thanks for all of the advise. I've had one lesson. I know enough to move the car if I have to. I'll learn more, eventually... Driving a manual every day isn't practical for me, though. Constant stop & go traffic. I think I'd go nuts (actually I may be already.... LOL

)

My son has his permit now. He's learning on my Toyota (automatic).
kkfinch2008-01-21 10:51:17

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Should I learn to drive a manual transmission??? (50/53)
1/22/08 2:31am

dwright
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Victor, NY - USA

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2004 Commemorative Edition Coupe, Auto w/HUD. 13K miles in 2015. Sold 1982 Red Coupe

Joined: 7/12/2004
Posts: 6841

We had a '66 Chevelle, three on the tree, when we first were married, so the wife learned.

When the kids were 16, we had a Chevette, 4 on the floor, so all three learned to drive a standard.

None of them or me drive a manual now, but I am glad they all know the basics and could if they had to.

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Should I learn to drive a manual transmission??? (51/53)
1/22/08 4:25am

OlrustysGhost
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Spotsylvania, VA - USA

Vette(s):
1977 Silver Coupe

Joined: 1/20/2007
Posts: 293

My wife had never driven a stick. But when we we married I had a 68 Chevelle With a 4sp. She learned. A couple of weeks later, I found out she was doing a little Light to Light drag racing. AND whoopin them.

But that was a few years ago. Now she tells me how to drive. watch that car, theres a stopsign, etc. etc......

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Should I learn to drive a manual transmission??? (52/53)
1/22/08 5:04am

sundew
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Eagan, MN - USA

Vette(s):
Gone, but not forgotten: 1974 Coupe Red, matching numbers, Black Interior, L-48 w/ 4 speed; The “Admiral”, also gone and never to be forgotten. 1994 Admiral Blue LT-1 coupe, Black Interior Automatic

Joined: 6/18/2007
Posts: 427

Karen:

Stay with learning how to shift manually. Although automatics have come a long way since the days of the two speed "slush box", You will never realize the true performance potential of a Corvette with an automatic transmission. (My humble opinion). I would have a manual transmission in every car I own, if they were available, except for the vehicle used to a tow a trailer (Jeep Grand Cherokee). Backing a trailer up a hill around a curve with a manual transmission can be a real challenge

Wally

sundew2008-01-22 11:08:53

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Should I learn to drive a manual transmission??? (53/53)
1/23/08 5:43am

Ron 78

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BINGHAMTON, NY - USA

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Joined: 7/19/2003
Posts: 3808

Come over to N.Y. Karen,I'll teach you how to drive a 10 speed LOL

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