Still noobish with my manual transmission!!! :(
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: SF Bay Area
Originally Posted by FreeBaGeL
I've been driving mine about 2 weeks now and have most of the basics down. No more stalling or anything like that, however I still have a couple questions.
1. I'm having a lot of trouble when I'm in a zone with a 20-25mph speed limit. I just can't find a way to ride smoothly anywhere below 30mph. Even when I leave it in second, if my foot isn't pushing down on the accelerator I can feel the engine fighting me bigtime and everything just feels "heavy" and feels like it's pulling against my forward progress.
2. I'm having some trouble when I want to get a quick start. It seems like when I'm starting from first gear even when I only depress the throttle half-way or so the rpm's skyrocket up to 5-6k almost immediately. Then I have to shift when we're just getting started and (I guess I'm too slow?) see everyone else still going forward while my car waits for me to shift to get moving again.
1. I'm having a lot of trouble when I'm in a zone with a 20-25mph speed limit. I just can't find a way to ride smoothly anywhere below 30mph. Even when I leave it in second, if my foot isn't pushing down on the accelerator I can feel the engine fighting me bigtime and everything just feels "heavy" and feels like it's pulling against my forward progress.
2. I'm having some trouble when I want to get a quick start. It seems like when I'm starting from first gear even when I only depress the throttle half-way or so the rpm's skyrocket up to 5-6k almost immediately. Then I have to shift when we're just getting started and (I guess I'm too slow?) see everyone else still going forward while my car waits for me to shift to get moving again.
2. i used to be hella paranoid about getting a quick start too. when i first starting driving stick in my z, i felt like everyone was beating me off the start and leaving me in the dust (or driving on my ***). but then i realized that i wasn't really giving my car much umph and they're probably in an automatic and they don't have to shift, they just gas n go. i basically use first to get me going and shift to 2nd soon after (i don't let my rpms even get that high to 5-6k in first) but yeah, i do feel that my z is kinda sluggish just at the start...i want cams!
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 413
Likes: 0
From: Canada
Well I can honestly say that I'm usually ahead of the pack at a when the light turns green. Not that I try to be, but if you guys get use to shifting you'll see what I mean. First gear would be the hardest to get use to, but after that it's smooth sailing.
When I drive 35-40 MPH I'm usually cruising in 6th gear, keeps my RPM below 2 and saves a lot of gas. You guys should try it, but I suggest just taking off smoothly before you worry about how quickly you take off.
When I drive 35-40 MPH I'm usually cruising in 6th gear, keeps my RPM below 2 and saves a lot of gas. You guys should try it, but I suggest just taking off smoothly before you worry about how quickly you take off.
Originally Posted by rockinbboy
I used to stall at least once a day, but now it is better. I drove my Z to work today without any problems, but after work and running around, I still stalled a few times.
I just have such a slow time going from a complete stop. If I am coming to a rolling stop 4-5 mph, I still tend to keep my car in 2nd gear so I don't have to shift from 1st to 2nd...but the car feels like it wants to give out if I go any slower (obviously). Do you guys suggest I shift to 1st instead of hanging in 2nd gear?
Anywho....my shifts aren't perfect and I still tend to let out my clutch a little too fast between my 1-2 and 2-3 shifts since I feel a bit of "bucking". Do you guys have any tips? I am working on letting my left foot off slower
1. Going from a stop..how much gas do you give? That is..what is your rpm level as you start to ease the clutch. I try to keep it in the sweet spot and sometimes I get it right..other times the clutch vibrates..then get nervous..and buck the car by letting it out too quick.
2. I don't have my trouble with my reverse gear. I just shift it to R and then ease the clutch a bit and blip the throttle to get a little momentum and the clutch/brake the rest of way. Its like the opposite of 1st gear in some sense since I never use the gas. What is the deal here?
Hmmm...I would do a search but I think my post is sorta specific and since you guys have more experience with MT and the Zs than I do...well $hit..I am just too lazy to do a search and not confident I'd find anything relevant to my Qs!!
THANKS FELLAWS (and any ladies that might post)
I just have such a slow time going from a complete stop. If I am coming to a rolling stop 4-5 mph, I still tend to keep my car in 2nd gear so I don't have to shift from 1st to 2nd...but the car feels like it wants to give out if I go any slower (obviously). Do you guys suggest I shift to 1st instead of hanging in 2nd gear?
Anywho....my shifts aren't perfect and I still tend to let out my clutch a little too fast between my 1-2 and 2-3 shifts since I feel a bit of "bucking". Do you guys have any tips? I am working on letting my left foot off slower
1. Going from a stop..how much gas do you give? That is..what is your rpm level as you start to ease the clutch. I try to keep it in the sweet spot and sometimes I get it right..other times the clutch vibrates..then get nervous..and buck the car by letting it out too quick.
2. I don't have my trouble with my reverse gear. I just shift it to R and then ease the clutch a bit and blip the throttle to get a little momentum and the clutch/brake the rest of way. Its like the opposite of 1st gear in some sense since I never use the gas. What is the deal here?
Hmmm...I would do a search but I think my post is sorta specific and since you guys have more experience with MT and the Zs than I do...well $hit..I am just too lazy to do a search and not confident I'd find anything relevant to my Qs!!
THANKS FELLAWS (and any ladies that might post)
You should try a high pressure clutch!
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 861
Likes: 0
From: Washington D.C, San Fran, CA.
Originally Posted by BlackenedZ
i'm glad i learned on my mom's saturn.. i thought i was the man once i started to get the hang of the clutch and i was using it to stay still on hills instead of the brake... i always wondered what that burning smell was..
too cute 
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 147
Likes: 0
From: Florida
Originally Posted by GSX-R350Z
Well I can honestly say that I'm usually ahead of the pack at a when the light turns green. Not that I try to be, but if you guys get use to shifting you'll see what I mean. First gear would be the hardest to get use to, but after that it's smooth sailing.
When I drive 35-40 MPH I'm usually cruising in 6th gear, keeps my RPM below 2 and saves a lot of gas. You guys should try it, but I suggest just taking off smoothly before you worry about how quickly you take off.
When I drive 35-40 MPH I'm usually cruising in 6th gear, keeps my RPM below 2 and saves a lot of gas. You guys should try it, but I suggest just taking off smoothly before you worry about how quickly you take off.
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 413
Likes: 0
From: Canada
Originally Posted by FreeBaGeL
Yeah, I'm at the point where my shifts are very smooth now, it's just not quick getting out of first. Once I'm in second I can really feel the pull, but at that point I'm usually quite a bit behind because I've backed off the gas shifting out of 1st, and am not getting ahead of people while in 1st.
Are you out of break in? and are is your acceleration from a dead stop smooth? Try to give it a little more gas on your way out. You'll feel the pull and wait till you take it to redline in 1st. :P
As soon as the light turns green, I'm out and ahead of everyone. Usually go til 2.5k then shift into second. I try to shift between 2-3 when driving normally.
It took me a week to get used to the z/s clutch, but it still feels like it changes on me. I'm used to a lower engagement point.
It took me a week to get used to the z/s clutch, but it still feels like it changes on me. I'm used to a lower engagement point.
I don't know how much of an issue this is on the Z with it's good torque band, but you guys can shift early as much as you want as long as you don't "lug" the engine.
Lugging the engine is what happens when you're at too low of an rpm for the gear you're using. Say you're in fourth at 1500 rpm just because you shift early... if you get on the throttle hard, you may hear the engine make a deep bassy noise along with it's regular engine tone that clears up as you get higher in rpm. This isn't good for the motor.
Generally, try to keep the rpm in the gear you are shifting to at or above 2000 for daily driving. I recommend this for two reasons, one is what I wrote above, and the second is so you have power available when you get into your next gear... you never know when you might need to get out of a bad spot on the highway. Good luck.
Lugging the engine is what happens when you're at too low of an rpm for the gear you're using. Say you're in fourth at 1500 rpm just because you shift early... if you get on the throttle hard, you may hear the engine make a deep bassy noise along with it's regular engine tone that clears up as you get higher in rpm. This isn't good for the motor.
Generally, try to keep the rpm in the gear you are shifting to at or above 2000 for daily driving. I recommend this for two reasons, one is what I wrote above, and the second is so you have power available when you get into your next gear... you never know when you might need to get out of a bad spot on the highway. Good luck.
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 126
Likes: 0
From:
Originally Posted by cheshirecat79
I don't know how much of an issue this is on the Z with it's good torque band, but you guys can shift early as much as you want as long as you don't "lug" the engine.
Lugging the engine is what happens when you're at too low of an rpm for the gear you're using. Say you're in fourth at 1500 rpm just because you shift early... if you get on the throttle hard, you may hear the engine make a deep bassy noise along with it's regular engine tone that clears up as you get higher in rpm. This isn't good for the motor.
Generally, try to keep the rpm in the gear you are shifting to at or above 2000 for daily driving. I recommend this for two reasons, one is what I wrote above, and the second is so you have power available when you get into your next gear... you never know when you might need to get out of a bad spot on the highway. Good luck.
Lugging the engine is what happens when you're at too low of an rpm for the gear you're using. Say you're in fourth at 1500 rpm just because you shift early... if you get on the throttle hard, you may hear the engine make a deep bassy noise along with it's regular engine tone that clears up as you get higher in rpm. This isn't good for the motor.
Generally, try to keep the rpm in the gear you are shifting to at or above 2000 for daily driving. I recommend this for two reasons, one is what I wrote above, and the second is so you have power available when you get into your next gear... you never know when you might need to get out of a bad spot on the highway. Good luck.
Originally Posted by _Fayte_
I'm already in 6th at 45 mph. I try to keep my RPM as low as possible to save gas... I think around 45 mph @ 6th, the RPM is like 1.5k? I do hear the bassy tone though... But is it really bad for the motor?
I wouldn't worry about it too much, bro. It's not going to be something that destroys your engine.
Just out of curiosity, what's your average mpg? I shift at around 3k most of the time and I usually average around 22. Most people don't get the Z with an economical frame of mind when it comes to fuel. However, having a 300hp car that can get 25mpg and better is pretty good in itself.
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 126
Likes: 0
From:
Originally Posted by cheshirecat79
If you think about it, it's almost like putting a 10-speed bike in too high of a gear and trying to pedal it. It's harder on your legs and it's harder on engine components the same way. You have the power from the engine trying to push the car but the gearing isn't enough where it can really pick up speed.
I wouldn't worry about it too much, bro. It's not going to be something that destroys your engine.
Just out of curiosity, what's your average mpg? I shift at around 3k most of the time and I usually average around 22. Most people don't get the Z with an economical frame of mind when it comes to fuel. However, having a 300hp car that can get 25mpg and better is pretty good in itself.
I wouldn't worry about it too much, bro. It's not going to be something that destroys your engine.
Just out of curiosity, what's your average mpg? I shift at around 3k most of the time and I usually average around 22. Most people don't get the Z with an economical frame of mind when it comes to fuel. However, having a 300hp car that can get 25mpg and better is pretty good in itself.
edit: Oh yeah, I always shift around 3k since Im in break-in... And i accelerate gradually too.
15.8 and you're going easy on it? Wow.
My driving is about half and half. Highway is usually around 24-25, like most everyone else, city is around 16-18 usually. The Z likes to guzzle gas in the city for sure.
Being easy on the throttle during break in is nothing to be ashamed of. Once you get out of break in, try shifting a little higher just to see how your mpg changes.
My driving is about half and half. Highway is usually around 24-25, like most everyone else, city is around 16-18 usually. The Z likes to guzzle gas in the city for sure.
Being easy on the throttle during break in is nothing to be ashamed of. Once you get out of break in, try shifting a little higher just to see how your mpg changes.
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 410
Likes: 0
From: Miami, FL
ah, the depression I suffered when i was first learning and i stalled out at the light every time
I've been driving my 6MT G for 2 1/2 months and Im now at the 'try to shift as fast as fuking possible while gunning it' stage
For those of you who just recently started driving MT, you're gonna love that stage!
I've been driving my 6MT G for 2 1/2 months and Im now at the 'try to shift as fast as fuking possible while gunning it' stage For those of you who just recently started driving MT, you're gonna love that stage!
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 126
Likes: 0
From:
Originally Posted by MIA G35
ah, the depression I suffered when i was first learning and i stalled out at the light every time I've been driving my 6MT G for 2 1/2 months and Im now at the 'try to shift as fast as fuking possible while gunning it' stage For those of you who just recently started driving MT, you're gonna love that stage!
I've been driving my 6MT G for 2 1/2 months and Im now at the 'try to shift as fast as fuking possible while gunning it' stage For those of you who just recently started driving MT, you're gonna love that stage!Lol i tried that like 2 weeks after getting the Z, but i think ill stick to perfecting smooth shifts for now rather than trying to act cool on the street .......
For the new manual drivers in this thread, your Z will NOT stall in 2nd gear as long as you are moving. You can take your foot completely off the gas and it will not stall. It will feel like it is going to, but it won't.
As for shifting, I personally go with the following.
- Highest gear possible as long as the RPMs are above 1500 while cruising. That is, at 40 mph, unless I am going up a hill, I am in 6th gear. Obviously you can't pull doing that, but when you are driving conservatively and trying to get good gas mileage, that is the way to go.
- Shifting at 2,500 to 3,000 RPM while driving normally.
- From the above driving, you can imagine I get pretty good gas mileage. On a 120 mile highway trip (mostly highway that is), I averaged about 68 mph, and my mileage was 30.2 mpg. The closer you get to 75-80, the faster it starts to drop. At 70-72 I never get more than 28 mpg, and upwards of 80 mph, figure 25-26 mpg.
As for shifting, I personally go with the following.
- Highest gear possible as long as the RPMs are above 1500 while cruising. That is, at 40 mph, unless I am going up a hill, I am in 6th gear. Obviously you can't pull doing that, but when you are driving conservatively and trying to get good gas mileage, that is the way to go.
- Shifting at 2,500 to 3,000 RPM while driving normally.
- From the above driving, you can imagine I get pretty good gas mileage. On a 120 mile highway trip (mostly highway that is), I averaged about 68 mph, and my mileage was 30.2 mpg. The closer you get to 75-80, the faster it starts to drop. At 70-72 I never get more than 28 mpg, and upwards of 80 mph, figure 25-26 mpg.
Originally Posted by Zmazing03
For the new manual drivers in this thread, your Z will NOT stall in 2nd gear as long as you are moving. You can take your foot completely off the gas and it will not stall. It will feel like it is going to, but it won't.
i take off in first below 1k shift at 2200 second to 2200 third same at 45 im in 5th or sometimes 6th. I average about half and half driving my avg. for mpg says 25.4 right now.
