Hey guys,

I just got my 2008 Z and I love it so far but it's my first manual transmission car. I'm getting better every day at shifting. However, when I take off from a stop light in 1st gear, I feel this dip in power after the clutch disengages. It's very annoying. I'm not flooring it or anything, just normal driving. I've made some clean launches by using the right amount of gas and clutch, but it's been difficult. Any advice on getting rid of the dip/stutter?

Thanks!

 

Rev it to about 2500rpm, let out on the clutch til you feel it start to catch, then give it slightly more gas as you release the clutch the rest of the way.

 

More gas.

 

Cool thanks guys, I'll keep at it.

 

It's not about right/wrong way. It's more about feeling the clutch engage. You'll get use to it. I know it's annoying but it'll become second nature in a matter of days. Enjoy it!

 

I agree, I had the same feeling when I first got the car. But mine was a 2003 so i had to replace the belts and tranny fluid. Even after it was rough. But once I drove it for couple weeks i got used to it. And i agree, you do have to rev it up between 2500 to 3000 for a smooth transition, especially in 1st gear. I'm jealous you have a 2008

 

Oh OK I didn't realize reving it up to 2500-3000 was key.

 

I have been driving a stick for a while and never rev'd it up that high to get going. If you learn to move your feet sequential to eachother, then you wont need to start with a high rev. Focus on release the clutch at the same rate that you are applying the gas..

 

maybe this is just the traction control kicking in? it cuts the power for ~2 seconds. are you getting a slip light?

 

I have to agree with Xlr82x. you just have to get use to it and find that sweet spot where the clutch catches.

 

1800-2000rpm is probably about the sweet spot for a smooth start, 2500 is fine if you wanna haul *** without triggering traction control starting in 1st gear... but you're going to slip the clutch more than you need to.

 

If youre sensitive enough try starting out on a flat surface and JUST using the clutch to get you going, no throttle at all. Youll feel the exact spot spot it engages.

 

1800 or so...that's my sweetspot also..nice and smooth, yet quick enough while maintaining decent mpg

Bu I agree with taking it to an open lot...slowly release the clutch to the point where the Z will slightly start to move...thats where she needs gas...once that spot becomes second nature you're good

oh and as weird as this sounds, the more you "think" about the luanch and timing, the worse you do..it's just gotte feel natural and not 'under the gun' so to speak...as good as I am at my starts..I'd fail miserably at my first few 1/4 mile launches when under pressure

 

Do you mean "I feel this dip in power after the clutch engages?"

EDIT: Or you are in first gear and push the clutch IN so you can shift to second? Yes you will feel a loss in power because you have lost all power to the drive wheels.

 

for the "feel a dip in power as clutch engages part"

you just need to add more gas, as you release the clutch. Go practice in an empty lot or something. It will come together in no time

 

No slip light

It's when the clutch is almost all the way out I feel a loss of acceleration

 

your just not giving it enough gas when you are letting out the clutch. now you dont need to rev it up past 2,000 rpm's to get going like some have said. it will just take time to get it down smooth. it took me a couple months just to get use to this car and it wasent my first manual car.

 

+1, 1800-2000 rpm is a good level. Going to a parking lot and engaging the clutch without gas is also a good practice technique

 

Yea I'll say you need more gas and practice

My 08 was my first MT too, and after a few days in a praking lot it took out most of my hiccups.. It just takes practice, these guys know how to do it so jus take their advice and practice.

Nice ride tho!!

 

More gas