Hey guys, i've been driving the Z for several days now, and it's my first stick-shift car. Few questions. First, is it alright to start from 2nd instead of 1st? It's a lot easier for me since i don't have to immediately shift from 1st to 2nd. Second, can i shift to whatever gear i please as long as i revmatch? As in, is it alright to jump from 2nd to 4th, 6th to 3rd, etc? Third, when in traffic and stuck in 1st, is it ok to press the clutch half-way down and just slowly roll for awhile? Or should i stop, wait and then just fully shift into 1st once there is a longer way to go? Fourth, how do i avoid wasting too much gas? I've gone through two tanks in three and a half days! Granted, my first day was spent driving at really high RPMs (i dug the torgue ), but still! The second tank only lasted two days. Thanks!

 

Per your points:

1. Starting in 2nd tends to wear on the clutch more.

2. Revmatching is always a good idea.

3. I suspect that rolling with the clutch half-way depressed will also allow for more clutch wear (and you want to preserve your clutch). If you fully depress the clutch and then re-engage, it should be ok (as long as the rpms match).

4. Save gas by shifting at lower rpms and keeping your overall speed low (AC off might help a little?). Sure, it's not as much fun to drive this way (as your Z will be protesting to be let loose), but it's more fuel econmical when you drive easy.


If it's a totally new car, you'll want to drive it gently anyway (for the "break in" period, although some do consider it to be a myth and not totally necessary, but I followed through with the break in, just in case. Didn't want to potentially mess up my car...).

 

Starting off with a Z as your first stick shift is one heck of a way to start *thumbsup*

I started on a mercary topaz:

 

First, is it alright to start from 2nd instead of 1st?

Not a good idea.

Second, can i shift to whatever gear i please as long as i revmatch?

Sure. With practice, “revmatching” will be automatic. You’ll know intuitively that you cannot shift from fourth to second gear at 70 mph.

Third, when in traffic and stuck in 1st, is it ok to press the clutch half-way down and just slowly roll for awhile?

Sometimes you have no choice. What I would avoid is using the clutch to hold you on a hill.

Fourth, how do i avoid wasting too much gas?

Buy a 4 cylinder Honda Accord.

 

The z was my first stick too, remember to never put it in 1st unless your completely stopped and just shift around 3000-3500 rpms to save gas, also make sure your tires are at the right psi and your a/c is off for better fuel mileage.

 

ugh..
ok
if u dont want to immediately shift from first to second then rev up in first a lil longer?
then blip a lil shift into second for a smooth shift cuz second is synchros is suck
up tire psi to a bit more than standard for better milage
rev match = goood... but its lame if u dont rev up ... cuz it doesnt really work =(

 

That picture makes me think: "I'm Xzibit!!! And I'm here to PIMP YO RIDE!!!" Hahahahahahahaha!!!
My first car was a 1990 Pontiac Sunbird though so don't feel bad, .

 

Do not start in 2nd gear; it wears the tranny & lugs the engine.........both of which are bad.

 

My first car was a 1984 Nissan Pulsar. Go Nissan!!

 

If you're rolling already, not at a dead stop, let's say 1 to 2 mph it is okay to be in 2nd...correct? I also noticed the manual shows that at 33mph you can shift to 5th gear...is this correct?