When I test drove the 6speed, I found the shifter to be a little difficult operate (i.e. - not smooth or easy to shift into gears), also the shortness/location of the shift **** did not help matters any.

Now, I am sure this will just take getting used-to, since I'm an ex-Integra owner... maybe it's just me, but can anyone out there give me their 6-speed driving impressions so far?


Thanks.

 

My last manual was also an Integra GSR. I think the throws on the Z are shorter, and more precise, no problems for me.

 

hmmm, based on your recent posts, looks like I wasn't the only one to experience this.... I'm glad I wasn't imagining things.
i had problem just from the test drive, it must suck to have to deal with this on a daily basis. i hope u get a fix.

not to say I told u so, but I told u so...

 

maybe my rwd bmw didnt pamper me, but as long as Im not killing synchros by not even close to rev matching, it shifts into gear easily, and my car is a baby with 150miles and about 30 hours old.

 

I too switched from a '96 integra GSR, and my Z does NOT shift as quickly or smoothly as my integra did. Period.

 

I don't think the Z will ever be as easy to shift as a FWD 4 cylinder car, just because of the fact that the transmission internals are a lot heavier. After 1500 miles, mine has loosened up quite a bit and I love the feel. I've driven a good selection of manual cars, and the Z is definitely one of my favorites.

 

I have to agree -- mine has "loosened" up (but not in a bad way -- in a smooth way).

I just hit 3k miles. I love it. Probably about 800 or so miles the shifter started to feel less notchy, more smooth and precise. It was a little notchy and hard to get into first when it was new. Some of the other gears were harder to get into, but not as hard as first.

Everything is wonderful and smooth now.


Ryan

 

I posted the same thing in another thread... but mine does the same thing. It's really hard for me to shift into 1st and 2nd. It feels like there is a bump stopping the stick from sliding into the proper gears for 1st and 2nd gears. I thought it was weird. Other gears (3rd ~6th) are fine. The stick slide into gears w/o effort but for some reason, it takes a good amount of effor for the stick to be forced into 1st and 2nd gears. I think this could potentially lead to mis-shifting. or not being able to shift and rev the snot out of my engine by accident! Is this normal for Z cars? I have 170 miles on my car only and from what you guys said, it takes time for the tranny to be "loosened up"??

 

I find it difficult to shift too, and not because its not a fwd 4 banger. Its more difficult to shift than previous cars I've owned, including 91 Twin Turbo Z and V-6 mustang. Just have to get used to it, I guess.

 

Like everyone else said, It takes a while for the Z to shift smoother. Probably somewhere about 1200 miles. I had the same problem. The 1st and 2nd are a bit tough, but after break in period, it's much smoother and easier. Just sometimes when the car is on a slow roll that i have problem put it into 1st gear. Everything is so good now Can't stop driving the Z

 

I have about 700 miles on my car, and have found it to have loosened up a bit, but not all the way. One thing that really makes a big difference is rev-matching. Virtually every forward gear is easier to engage if you blip the throttle before entering the gate. I'm not sure what this says about the synchros, but so it goes... Another thing that makes a big difference is engine/tranny temp. When the car is cold (has been sitting all night), the shifter seems more reluctant. When the car is all warmed up, it shifts much more easily. Just my observations.
Mika

 

the reason it wont go into first gear is because it shouldnt. 1st gear is meant to be engaged once the car has come to a complete halt, or you are forcing the synchros(the difficult part that requires force) if your doing more than a mile or 2, pull away in second. the RPMs will be low, but the car has plenty of torque to make it happen.

that should solve that problem

 

I noticed that my car didn't like to go into first gear normally, which was exactly the same way my '95 240SX was. But, when I was autocrossing it, I matched revs and downshifted into first in the tight corners with no problem. I was actually very surprised I was able to do that, but it worked very well, and was really helpful to really pull out of the corners (or bring the back end around with power-on oversteer).

 

Some cars let you rev-match 1st in these situations. My VR-4 did and so does my Integra GS-R. If you're rolling a bit, just blip the throttle to where the rpms would be in 1st and then slide the shifter into gear. I don't have a Z yet, so I can't speak from experience and that's why I mentioned the other two cars. Someone might want to try it. If there's resistance when even attempting this, don't force the shifter into gear. Just pull away in second.