The VQ sounds the most coarse in 1st gear. Even if you're not romping on it, you think it's working hard to move slow. (unlike other cars that rev smooth, or is muffled by the an over insulated firewall)

Get the right amount of grip off the line with good tires, pedal to the floor and it can be a slingshot.

 

Push the pedal down more? Shift higher then 2k rpm?

 

yea exactly

 

A supercharger will fix the problem.

But then you may start a thread that says "My Damn Z burns through tires too fast" LOL

 

yup +1

 

With enough practice, I have found that my car (stock) has a sweet spot in the lower rpms where you can let the clutch out qucikly without the rpms dropping down too low that the car boggs down and shift into second quickly at lower rpms without flooring the car and seeming like you are getting on it. This gives me a good jump and the opportunity to get on it or not (before shifting into second) depending on the situation. It is kinda like a stealth launch.

 

Sounds like OP should get an automatic Z or learn how to drive a manual better. The car hits a 2.0-2.1 60' times bone stock, that is very impressive and far from "slow" for a V6 3,200lbs. car.

 

Moving from rest with moderate throttle, the rear tires break loose on me. I generally baby it off the line so as not to make a scene. No - not in the rain - I'm talking dry HOT weather.

Go ahead and flame when I say this - but it's an AUTO. Maybe that has something to do w/it.

 

I think that has a lot to do with it. That's why I love having a manual. It allows you to have direct control over the application of the engine's power to the wheels via the clutch. If you practice enough, you can get great launches in the Z with just a "chirp" and without the tires breaking loose.

 

The minivans pull ahead of you because the automatic stays in 1st gear for 1 sec and shifts right into 2nd. If you do the same, I'm sure you'll feel better. Z's 1st gear is not meant to be driven insanely.

 

anyone know what the top speed in 2nd should be?

 

It's your MT's 1st, you say...It may be just that it FEELS slow to ya. Borrow another friend's standard "Z" and try it; see how it feels. At any rate, if you're satisfied with her 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th, DON'T WORRY 'BOUT 1st!!! Mine's has an AT and I'm more than satisfied with it (it's got 274ft lbs of torque, versus 260 on the MT, which is FINE with me!)

 

check your owners manual

 

Does anyone's Z not let them in first unless they're going under like 10 mph? If I try to put it in first when I'm going over about 10 mph, the shifter just won't go in and makes a little grinding sound till I slow down enough and then it lets me in fine.

 

Thats a saftey feature that is on most manuals. I never down shift to first unless at a dead stop

 

Thank god it's not just me!

 

Not sure why you want to get back to first gear unless you absolutely had to - I can go 10 MPH in 3rd without any lugging.

 

I also feel like 1st gear is weak, and seems like everyone is passing me off the line. But yes second and third pulls a lot harder. I'm not racing these fools but I do like to pull ahead without revving it to 3k and launching it. But then I know that I don't have an auto, but still love the ride.

 

This is kinda goofy...for daily driving I just use 1st to get the car rolling then go straight to 2nd. Maybe get it up to around 10-15.

Now, if I smash it in first mine seems to rocket like a bat out of hell...wheels spinning & slightly sideways.

Not sure what the problem is

 

Sounds like your car is getting old or is broken...