I applaud you MT drivers. I really do...
08-27-2007, 09:30 AM
#61
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Originally Posted by Arnold K.
Anyways, I've driven a number of 6spd Zs, and between the model years I couldn't really feel any big improvements. Shifting was like pushing a stick through a bag of rocks and the clutch was too heavy (more so than a sports car should be).
I could never tolerate such a transmission, since the Z is my DD.
I could never tolerate such a transmission, since the Z is my DD.
I've driven a number of Porsches and there clutches are just as heavy. I think its the norm with sports cars when you start getting over a certain amount of HP and Torque... If you had a light clutch like a Honda Civic on a 350z you would probably need a new clutch every 10k miles.
I went from a 2000 prelude 5MT to the G35 Sedan 6MT (same clutch as the 350z) and I was like whoah this thing is heavy, but after a few weeks it felt normal, then I drove my nephews Civic 5MT and the clutch felt like a hot knife through butter, it felt non existent, was a weird feeling. So basically you get used to whatever you drive.
I do agree that the 350z shifter could be a tad less notchy.
Last edited by Built2shredZ; 08-27-2007 at 09:34 AM.
08-27-2007, 09:33 AM
#63
Originally Posted by Arnold K.
I went to the Nissan dealership, the same one I got my Z from, because my girlfriend wants a Sentra. After we finished talking about the Sentra, I asked if I could check out one of the 07s they had in the lot. They had a SMB Enthusiast demo on the lot, had something like 1100 miles on it.
Anyways, I've driven a number of 6spd Zs, and between the model years I couldn't really feel any big improvements. Shifting was like pushing a stick through a bag of rocks and the clutch was too heavy (more so than a sports car should be). So after driving the 07 and realizing not much has changed, it got me thinking that you guys have ***** and a ton of patience.
I could never tolerate such a transmission, since the Z is my DD. I just can't go a day without driving it, I really can't. When I was in Santa Monica on business in July, the one thing I missed the most was my car - over my gf, and family. I bet I'm not the only one, too.
Anyways, to me the manual mode is plenty of fun. But I know to you purists that clutch means everything. So my hats go off to you guys. I don't know how you do it, especially those who DD their Z, but it sure as hell does take some incredible patience.
/end girly man rant
Anyways, I've driven a number of 6spd Zs, and between the model years I couldn't really feel any big improvements. Shifting was like pushing a stick through a bag of rocks and the clutch was too heavy (more so than a sports car should be). So after driving the 07 and realizing not much has changed, it got me thinking that you guys have ***** and a ton of patience.
I could never tolerate such a transmission, since the Z is my DD. I just can't go a day without driving it, I really can't. When I was in Santa Monica on business in July, the one thing I missed the most was my car - over my gf, and family. I bet I'm not the only one, too.
Anyways, to me the manual mode is plenty of fun. But I know to you purists that clutch means everything. So my hats go off to you guys. I don't know how you do it, especially those who DD their Z, but it sure as hell does take some incredible patience.
/end girly man rant
08-27-2007, 09:39 AM
#64
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Originally Posted by Eazzzzzzy
People that look at MTs as Exotic Options and make a very simple component into rocket science have problems and sometimes never overcome them. Complicating things by "double clutching", speed shifting, What RPMs should I shift at ? Shift matching ??? turns a simple gearbox into a phobia and chances are will remain so.
I learned to drive MT back when almost everyone drove a MT. I guess we just never realized its so complicated.
Step on the clutch, select the gear, release the clutch. Repeat as necessary.
bill
08-27-2007, 10:58 AM
#66
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Originally Posted by vooper
How do you put up with the delayed throttle response? The whole car feels soggy!
And not being able to enjoy the satisfaction of throwing a good rev-matched downshift going into a corner, sometimes coming out with a little tail wiggle at higher revs?
What about when you abruptly put your foot down and you have to wait a second before the ECU realizes that a downshift is necessary to match your intentions?
Honestly, I feel that a manual transmission is essential to the sports car driving experience. Love that snick-snack shifting through the gears feeling!
And not being able to enjoy the satisfaction of throwing a good rev-matched downshift going into a corner, sometimes coming out with a little tail wiggle at higher revs?
What about when you abruptly put your foot down and you have to wait a second before the ECU realizes that a downshift is necessary to match your intentions?
Honestly, I feel that a manual transmission is essential to the sports car driving experience. Love that snick-snack shifting through the gears feeling!
1+
08-27-2007, 11:10 AM
#68
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Originally Posted by Wheelman
The shifter doesn't really come off as notchy nor the clutch heavy to me. I just wish the engagement wasn't so damn high!
Clutch engagement has been my only complaint thus far with the Z. I wonder if going to after market clutch helps any or if it would just make it stiffer with same engagement
08-27-2007, 11:11 AM
#69
Grew up in the Logging business---When I was 12 my Uncle put me behind the wheel of an International, pulling a gooseneck, with a Cat D-7 Dozer on it. IN the WINTER, way the Hell in the Woods, and said....Drive. I kept sliding sideways up the hills. Put it in reverse and did it again AND again AND again. If I hadnt driven it out of there, we would still be there. I could drive a stick but never with a load. Thats how we learned Stick.
DAMN.........Im late for my appointment with my Therapist
DAMN.........Im late for my appointment with my Therapist
Last edited by Eazzy; 08-27-2007 at 11:14 AM.
08-27-2007, 11:15 AM
#70
Originally Posted by Arnold K.
I went to the Nissan dealership, the same one I got my Z from, because my girlfriend wants a Sentra. After we finished talking about the Sentra, I asked if I could check out one of the 07s they had in the lot. They had a SMB Enthusiast demo on the lot, had something like 1100 miles on it.
Anyways, I've driven a number of 6spd Zs, and between the model years I couldn't really feel any big improvements. Shifting was like pushing a stick through a bag of rocks and the clutch was too heavy (more so than a sports car should be). So after driving the 07 and realizing not much has changed, it got me thinking that you guys have ***** and a ton of patience.
I could never tolerate such a transmission, since the Z is my DD. I just can't go a day without driving it, I really can't. When I was in Santa Monica on business in July, the one thing I missed the most was my car - over my gf, and family. I bet I'm not the only one, too.
Anyways, to me the manual mode is plenty of fun. But I know to you purists that clutch means everything. So my hats go off to you guys. I don't know how you do it, especially those who DD their Z, but it sure as hell does take some incredible patience.
/end girly man rant
Anyways, I've driven a number of 6spd Zs, and between the model years I couldn't really feel any big improvements. Shifting was like pushing a stick through a bag of rocks and the clutch was too heavy (more so than a sports car should be). So after driving the 07 and realizing not much has changed, it got me thinking that you guys have ***** and a ton of patience.
I could never tolerate such a transmission, since the Z is my DD. I just can't go a day without driving it, I really can't. When I was in Santa Monica on business in July, the one thing I missed the most was my car - over my gf, and family. I bet I'm not the only one, too.
Anyways, to me the manual mode is plenty of fun. But I know to you purists that clutch means everything. So my hats go off to you guys. I don't know how you do it, especially those who DD their Z, but it sure as hell does take some incredible patience.
/end girly man rant
Girly man is right!
Personally, I love the way my tranmission feels and the resistance of the clutch. I mean, I know my tranny doesn't shift as smooth as an S2000's but it still is nice and reassuring and I love how defined the shift gates are.
As for the clutch, it was my first stick shift car EVER but I drove it fine and I have gotten used to it but it also helps that I have strong legs.
My Z isn't a daily driver but I could drive it daily in L.A. / O.C. traffic if I needed to.
08-27-2007, 11:56 AM
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Originally Posted by vooper
How do you put up with the delayed throttle response? The whole car feels soggy!
And not being able to enjoy the satisfaction of throwing a good rev-matched downshift going into a corner, sometimes coming out with a little tail wiggle at higher revs?
What about when you abruptly put your foot down and you have to wait a second before the ECU realizes that a downshift is necessary to match your intentions?
Honestly, I feel that a manual transmission is essential to the sports car driving experience. Love that snick-snack shifting through the gears feeling!
Last edited by Built2shredZ; 08-27-2007 at 12:00 PM.
08-27-2007, 01:25 PM
#73
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Originally Posted by 07-Zman
The Z clutch is very light. Work out you calf muscle for heavens sake! I came from a 03 cobra that was like moving a bowling ball up hill.
and driving in traffic isn't that bad..it's better than an auto where you have to keep your foot on the brake.
08-27-2007, 01:32 PM
#74
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Originally Posted by bailey bill
Right!
I learned to drive MT back when almost everyone drove a MT. I guess we just never realized its so complicated.
Step on the clutch, select the gear, release the clutch. Repeat as necessary.
bill
I learned to drive MT back when almost everyone drove a MT. I guess we just never realized its so complicated.
Step on the clutch, select the gear, release the clutch. Repeat as necessary.
bill
08-27-2007, 01:35 PM
#75
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Hmmm I drive my car everywhere and manual is more fun and enjoyable. I live in Seattle too we have terrible traffic.
I don't know how you can say you love to driver your car everyday and would hate a manual? I just cannot comprehend that . . . . GG . . .
I don't know how you can say you love to driver your car everyday and would hate a manual? I just cannot comprehend that . . . . GG . . .
08-27-2007, 02:39 PM
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Originally Posted by Arnold K.
I went to the Nissan dealership, the same one I got my Z from, because my girlfriend wants a Sentra. After we finished talking about the Sentra, I asked if I could check out one of the 07s they had in the lot. They had a SMB Enthusiast demo on the lot, had something like 1100 miles on it.
Anyways, I've driven a number of 6spd Zs, and between the model years I couldn't really feel any big improvements. Shifting was like pushing a stick through a bag of rocks and the clutch was too heavy (more so than a sports car should be). So after driving the 07 and realizing not much has changed, it got me thinking that you guys have ***** and a ton of patience.
I could never tolerate such a transmission, since the Z is my DD. I just can't go a day without driving it, I really can't. When I was in Santa Monica on business in July, the one thing I missed the most was my car - over my gf, and family. I bet I'm not the only one, too.
Anyways, to me the manual mode is plenty of fun. But I know to you purists that clutch means everything. So my hats go off to you guys. I don't know how you do it, especially those who DD their Z, but it sure as hell does take some incredible patience.
/end girly man rant
Anyways, I've driven a number of 6spd Zs, and between the model years I couldn't really feel any big improvements. Shifting was like pushing a stick through a bag of rocks and the clutch was too heavy (more so than a sports car should be). So after driving the 07 and realizing not much has changed, it got me thinking that you guys have ***** and a ton of patience.
I could never tolerate such a transmission, since the Z is my DD. I just can't go a day without driving it, I really can't. When I was in Santa Monica on business in July, the one thing I missed the most was my car - over my gf, and family. I bet I'm not the only one, too.
Anyways, to me the manual mode is plenty of fun. But I know to you purists that clutch means everything. So my hats go off to you guys. I don't know how you do it, especially those who DD their Z, but it sure as hell does take some incredible patience.
/end girly man rant
08-27-2007, 02:42 PM
#77
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my 98 civic clutch felt a slight bit softer than the Z. my dads a4 is MUCH SOFTER. my moms protege5 is like pushing down a feather. ive driven a 02 328 bimmer before and that clutch felt like my moms protege5.
i cant wait to get the jwt clutch/flywheel!
oh, on saturday i went to the diamondbacks game and was in traffic for like over an hour, the next day at work it looked like i got raped in the butt. i could barely walk. probably the longest ive been in traffic to date with the Z.
i cant wait to get the jwt clutch/flywheel!
oh, on saturday i went to the diamondbacks game and was in traffic for like over an hour, the next day at work it looked like i got raped in the butt. i could barely walk. probably the longest ive been in traffic to date with the Z.
08-27-2007, 03:43 PM
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I can't even drive an AT. My gf tried to teach me, but I kept stopping in the middle of traffic because I would step on the brake with my left foot every time the car reached 20mph. 
08-27-2007, 03:44 PM
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Originally Posted by keniff536
I can't even drive an AT. My gf tried to teach me, but I kept stopping in the middle of traffic because I would step on the brake with my left foot every time the car reached 20mph.
lol. It takes awhile to get used to autos!