Just bought a Z need some shifting tips
06-26-2007, 10:56 AM
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Just bought a Z need some shifting tips
Hey guys after waiting 2 1/2 years I finally was able to buy a Z I purchaseda 05 enthusiast for 22k with 25000 miles on it, pictures are coming soon. Now this is my first stick shift vechile, I practiced on my friends 05 GT mustang just to get the hang of it befor I bought the Z. Now i'm having problems smoothly shifting from 1st to 2nd and not jerking the car around also is it ok when i'm parking the car I have it in 1st and I hold the clutch in half way and give it a little gas and slowly letting the clutch out but not all the way. Anymore shifting tips you guys could offer would be great. Thanks!
06-26-2007, 11:01 AM
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smooth shifting requires you to go from one gear to the next....and start giving it gas before you completley let off the clutch..that will eliminate all the jerking
06-26-2007, 11:11 AM
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Also, when shifting 1 - 2, make sure and pull straight back, not back and to the left like on some cars, it tends to clunk and hang up more than pulling straight back smoothly.
06-26-2007, 11:47 AM
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actually the only way I have gotten this to smoothly shift is to be fully off the clutch and then gas it totally after the shift.
This clutch is deff diff then other cars
This clutch is deff diff then other cars
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06-26-2007, 04:06 PM
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Most people recommend shifting at 3k for each gear, but if I do that I'll break traction going into 2nd. I usually shift around 2500 rpm for 2nd and 3k for the rest for normal everyday city driving. I tend to ease off the clutch very slowly for 1st, slowly for 2nd and not so slowly for the rest of the shifts. On hot days my car seems to idle extremely low so it's a must to add a little gas to get it moving in first. If this is your first manual transmission car I'd recommend going down to a parking lot for a few hours and practice getting the car in gear without using the gas pedal at all. That will give you a better understanding of the engagement point of your clutch. If your only problem is shifting into 2nd without jerking it, it just sounds like you are releasing the clutch too quickly... slow your roll.
06-26-2007, 04:11 PM
#11
Basically on these cars if you want a smooth shift just left off the clutch slow and easy. Dont just let off the clutch right away. If you take to long allowing the rpms to drop a little just blip the throttle and slowly ease in again. You will get the hang of it.
And congratz on the new Z.
And congratz on the new Z.
06-26-2007, 04:17 PM
#12
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"Practice makes perfect."
After "logging" a few hours on your new Z and its MT, you will be driving like an Indy racer. "Feel it" and trust your instincts. Blip (rev-match) the downshifts; apply power after turns and upshifts. The Z is an easy car to learn operating a MT. And, the learning experience is fun!
--Spike
After "logging" a few hours on your new Z and its MT, you will be driving like an Indy racer. "Feel it" and trust your instincts. Blip (rev-match) the downshifts; apply power after turns and upshifts. The Z is an easy car to learn operating a MT. And, the learning experience is fun!
--Spike
06-26-2007, 04:18 PM
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Wow, 2500-3000rpm shiftpoints?
Seems too low to me.
I'm usually 3500-5000rpm...or higher
Advice on shifting - don't linger on the clutch. Drop it, shift, engage - all as fast as you can (depending on traffic, speed, etc of course). It's there to get you from one gear to the next, not as a place to "linger" for any period of time.
Seems too low to me.
I'm usually 3500-5000rpm...or higher
Advice on shifting - don't linger on the clutch. Drop it, shift, engage - all as fast as you can (depending on traffic, speed, etc of course). It's there to get you from one gear to the next, not as a place to "linger" for any period of time.
06-26-2007, 04:25 PM
#14
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^^ Very good advice.
The thing making the Z so easy to learn "MT technique" is its torque. Heck, you can miss a shift and easily recover by simply applying more power.
--Spike
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EDIT: I'm not referring to the RPM point for shifting you suggest (Maybe a little too much?), but agree with your statement: "...don't linger on the clutch..."
The thing making the Z so easy to learn "MT technique" is its torque. Heck, you can miss a shift and easily recover by simply applying more power.
--Spike
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EDIT: I'm not referring to the RPM point for shifting you suggest (Maybe a little too much?), but agree with your statement: "...don't linger on the clutch..."
Last edited by Spike100; 06-26-2007 at 04:29 PM.
06-26-2007, 04:41 PM
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My advice is to watch out how you down shift the car. Please make sure you dont throw it in 3rd from 6th (or other combos). I know most people laugh at the thought but Ive read many stories of rookie Manual drivers not properly down shifting and flipping cars on the highways or loosing it downshifting turns. Also don't heavy downshift on wet roads. Take your time until you feel really comfortable driving the car.
On the way up in gears just keep practicing. Everybody and every car responds differently when shifting. Youll have to find your groove by just practicing. On my Z I usually shift between 3000-4000 RPM's for daily driving. Congrats on the car.
On the way up in gears just keep practicing. Everybody and every car responds differently when shifting. Youll have to find your groove by just practicing. On my Z I usually shift between 3000-4000 RPM's for daily driving. Congrats on the car.
Last edited by 350ZV3; 06-26-2007 at 04:48 PM.
06-26-2007, 04:43 PM
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Originally Posted by Deftones
Most people recommend shifting at 3k for each gear, but if I do that I'll break traction going into 2nd. I usually shift around 2500 rpm for 2nd and 3k for the rest for normal everyday city driving. I tend to ease off the clutch very slowly for 1st, slowly for 2nd and not so slowly for the rest of the shifts. On hot days my car seems to idle extremely low so it's a must to add a little gas to get it moving in first. If this is your first manual transmission car I'd recommend going down to a parking lot for a few hours and practice getting the car in gear without using the gas pedal at all. That will give you a better understanding of the engagement point of your clutch. If your only problem is shifting into 2nd without jerking it, it just sounds like you are releasing the clutch too quickly... slow your roll.
06-26-2007, 04:58 PM
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Probably because my Z is a Base and doesn't have the TCS, VDC, and no LSD. Couple months ago I was making a left hand turn... shifted to 2nd with a little over 3k rpms and ended up spining out. I felt like a total tool. I'll get more daring after I add my LSD, but for now, I'd rather play it safe with 2nd gear. I'm sure the new Toyo's played a part as well. They seem to grab better now... but when I first put them on I was drifting nearly every other turn.
06-26-2007, 05:10 PM
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Wow thanks for all the advice guys it all helps alot i'll keep in mind the advice you guys gave me next time I take the Z out. I took some pictures tonight i'll see if I can upload them tomorrow when I get back from work. Anybody know of any Z meets in Maryland coming up?
Also this was my 21st birthday present to myself woot! Now for my age does 200 a month seem high for insurance.
Also this was my 21st birthday present to myself woot! Now for my age does 200 a month seem high for insurance.
06-26-2007, 05:20 PM
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just cause there has to be a jackass in every thread, i cant believe people drop this kinda cash on a sports car when they don't even know how to drive stick, i mean really what the hell. i mean i leaned to drive stick before i got my license just to know how in case i had to drive someone else's car etc.....
[/jackass]
[/jackass]
06-26-2007, 05:43 PM
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I agree thats why I practiced on my friends Mustang befor buying the car to get the basics down to at least be able to drive it home and build my skill up from there. Oh and useing the logitech G25 with GT legends helped too check it out.