So I just got my license on Friday, and my brother took me out in the Z to teach me stick for the first time. I picked it up in a little less than an hour believe it or not (sans even attempting hills right now); hopefully he'll have some time off from work to spend some time with me this week, but...

He once drove a '93 R1, and isn't very knowledgeable about 350Z's; is there anything in particular either he or myself should know about the 350Z MT? He did say the clutch is pretty damn heavy compared to his old R1, and I felt that it was as well, but I have nothing to compare it to.

Any info would be appreciated...

 

Just keep an eye/ear out for some of the issues with the transmission on those years (03-04). Axle clicking, trouble getting into gears, etc.

Good luck learning to drive w/ the Z. Be careful!

 

are we driving the same car? the Z clutch is soft as heck...

nebo

 

^+1 I must agree.

OP, when you say R1, I am guessing you mean '93 FD R1?

If so I would have to disagree on the clutch feel. I would say that they are somewhat similar, well except for the super high friction/clutch point in our Z's.

Cheers,

R350z

 

Disagree. 03 clutch is pretty hard.

 

Heh, my apology; by R1, I meant '93 RX-7 R1...

 

What particularly should I be concerned about? Or rather, how would I be able to tell if something's wrong...
The trouble shifting into gears is self-explanitory, but how about the axle clicking? And if that were the case, how badly will it affect the car?

 

It is pretty severe from what I have read. I would take your ride into a dealer to be checked and serviced for any outstanding TSB's that have not been addressed on your vehicle.
But I would imagine that you would hear the axle clicking if it was indeed having problems.

Best of luck with the Z!

Cheers,

R350z