Maybe just me, but I have owned and driven may performance vehicles and the Z is about middle of the line clutch pedal wise. Its not a butter Honda clutch or a knee breaker like a manual in an older muscle car. It does take some getting used to, but I generally push the clutch full stroke. I have seen may people kill transmissions under power by not fully depressing the clutch. Even my KA boosted 240 was like the Z but not as high pedal pressure. The Z does have a firm pedal, but you will get used to it.

Just practice, it will make a difference.

 

Rex, be careful in adjusting the clutch pedal, as there is only a small amount you can do here. It’s imperative that some free play remains in the push rod that connects the clutch pedal to the master cylinder. If you adjust all of this out, the master cylinder piston will not be able to return to its default position. This will cause the clutch plate to constantly slip as you drive along.

Do look into the RJM pedal bracket available from one of our Forum sponsors, as this is a well thought out device. However before ripping into any component of your Z, do try to educate yourself on how the ankle bone connects to the leg bone so to speak.

 

Just leave it alone and you'll get used to it.

 

Don't bother adjusting. Buy the RJM bracket. It's not hype. It works great. Even after 7+ years of Z ownership I was amazed at how much smoother I could drive the car.

 

My problem's solved. I first adjusted the clutch pedal to be about level with the brake pedal, then I was able to turn the car on and not stall, but when I adjusted too far, the spring stopped working. I turned it back a bit, pretty close to the brake, and it sprung back like normal. Maybe I'll need a new assembly down the line but I like how it's set up now.

 

+100

 

I agree that the z33 MT is alittle or alot different than my z32TT . The z32 would release the clutch all the way at the top ...My z33 releases the clutch somewhere in the middle so learnign to drive this car has gotten me a lot of burning clutch smell.

Like one of the replies has said ..I just release the pedal real slow and ease on the throttle. If i release the clutch pedal too quick and try to give it gas like a throttle cabled car...the car just bucks like a Horse.

Shifting from 2nd up to 5th is no issue ...is the starting off from 1st thats a *****.

 

After countless cars, I would have to say the Miata 5 speed gear box is my favorite second to the S2000 6 speed(AP2 with the CF sychros). Switching to the 350z, the car felt sloth-like and I had to be much more deliberate with my shifting. Overall though, the 350z really isn't that bad; it just requires a bit more finesse to drive it as smoothly as any other car.

When I'm in bumper to bumper traffic, it isn't the greatest but I'm used to it. However, it's once you drive it... quickly... that it really shines. I was able to heel & toe just fine before the 380RS gas pedal but once I installed it, I was able to heel and toe every downshift whether it's at the track or just making a left turn at a light. Now, this isn't to say you should try to shift as quickly as you can but in my experience, the 350z feels a lot smoother when you shift a bit later and less abruptly. Don't treat the clutch like an on/off switch but don't slip it either.

It's the same as with any manual car, it always takes practice.

 

Best thing to do... Go to a local Z car meet and get an experienced Z driver to drive it and tell you if something is wrong.

 

That is a brilliant idea, Hookah... Nice job!

 

hahahaha

 

 

i barely pivot my left foot for clutch. since its so high i just pivot a little and then change gears. I used to put the clutch pretty far down and i would always rev higher and i know its not good on the clutch lol

recently ive been clutchless shifting lol, ive gotten pretty good and heal-toe and double clutching so now i found clutchless upshifting and downshifting without grinding