Just returned from a 360 mile round trip to Palm Springs in my brand new '02 EBZ. It arrived on Monday off an enclosed truck and had 10 miles on it. Needless to say, I was cautious at first.
I hadn't driven a stick in 10 years, so the experience was somewhat getting used to the stick shift patterns. 5th gear is a real challenge getting into. May consider an aftermarket shifter for smaller distances in the shifting.
Here's my experiences:
1) Very comfortable seats and sturdy, solid feeling- much more than my '00 coupe. I crave just sitting in this beautiful interior that is so comfortable to drive in, and the new leather smell is intense. I feel very much in control in the cockpit and love the AC controls and even the stereo sounds better than the coupe, perhaps due to the smaller interior layout.
2) HUD feature is great! I had it on all the time but had to remind myself not to look at the speedometer out of habit. It is unobtrusive and is just the right size with a great blue hue- very handy for speed zone worries and occassional highway speeding...
3) Kept the RPM's below 3,500 for the most part- couldn't help accelerating up to 75 MPH at times, mostly 65-70, keeping the gear in various modes. Have 400 miles- can't wait to use WOT after 500 miles. As I was on the cell, a black Z06 pulled up along side me, we waved and then he took off like a bat out of Hell, with that great exhaust sound trailing behind. I didn't think I could catch him even if the car was broken in. I hope my car will fly like that.
4) Burning smell noticed after returning home- outside car near exhaust- is this normal??
5) Show/ off/ gawk factor- This beautiful color looks even nicer in the sun. I haven't cleaned it yet and it has some dust- will detail this weekend. This car is a sleeper- it doesn't scream "look at me" like a Viper would, but just looks incredible. Only those enthusiasts that really know the distinctions between the Z and the standard Vette would appreciate the finer parts, so I like the fact that it seems like the "normal" vette with just a few badges and colors for distinction.
Time to drive around for an errand and get the odometer past 500...
EB is a great color. I saw my first one on the road a couple days ago driving on MD 32 East. I was at a light, other wise I would have tried to catch him.
The gawk factor never ceases to amaze me. I had a blonde in a jeep chase me down yesterday just to :share the wave: ..
CONGRATS on your car
__________________
Kevin D.
HallTech Intake, Hurst Shifter w/MGW Pistol Grip Shift Knob, Kewl '01 Z06 Exhaust plate, Euro Tail Lights, Corsa Ti Exhaust, '04 Shocks...
"Nothing Compares with Corvette" Jan 2004 C6 Unveiling
I think that "burning" smell is normal. My girlfriend just bought a new car and we drove a ton with very very low mileage. On each one of them we got back to the lot and smelled an almost clutch like smell. Now, I got to do the test driving for acceleration etc since I drive a manual better, but I never toasted the clutch in them. All the salesmen said that was the smell of the engine breaking in. This was at more than one place on different model cars.
If I am correct, it will go away. Don't worry. Enjoy.
Thanks for the reassurances.
I can hardly wait for mile 500 so I can open it up a bit.
It feels like the car is already becoming quicker at 380 miles...
AutoForums.com is the premier network of enthusiast-owned
enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
We operate more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share
experiences and opinions as a community.
Now I really want a EB Z!! 
..
Linear Mode
