Notices
2003-2009 Nissan 350Z

How do you drive your 6MT Z?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 08-11-2012, 10:31 PM
  #21  
Gunsmoke
Registered User
 
Gunsmoke's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Tennessee
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

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.
Old 08-12-2012, 01:10 AM
  #22  
Jennifer 2
Registered User
 
Jennifer 2's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Vancouver B C
Posts: 1,247
Likes: 0
Received 31 Likes on 20 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Rex08Z
That's a good idea and all, but first I want to try adjusting the pedal. I think I'd want to make the clutch and brake pedals even with each other.
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.
Old 08-12-2012, 09:43 AM
  #23  
Phenom
Toasty
iTrader: (4)
 
Phenom's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: New York
Posts: 13,783
Received 1,382 Likes on 990 Posts
Default

Just leave it alone and you'll get used to it.
Old 08-12-2012, 10:09 AM
  #24  
Voboy
New Member
iTrader: (58)
 
Voboy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 2,995
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Default

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.
Old 08-12-2012, 11:23 AM
  #25  
Rex08Z
Registered User
Thread Starter
 
Rex08Z's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Long Island, NY
Posts: 132
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Jennifer 2
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.
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.

Last edited by Rex08Z; 08-12-2012 at 11:24 AM.
Old 08-12-2012, 02:36 PM
  #26  
2007base350z
Registered User
 
2007base350z's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Lake forest
Posts: 133
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by grimm66
Drive it like a stole it
+100
Old 08-13-2012, 10:00 AM
  #27  
Rogerdodger
Registered User
 
Rogerdodger's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Atlanta
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default definately different from my Z32 TT

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 *****.
Old 08-13-2012, 12:00 PM
  #28  
EvilCrayon
Registered User
iTrader: (1)
 
EvilCrayon's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: SFC
Posts: 138
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

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.
Old 08-15-2012, 05:16 AM
  #29  
hookah
Registered User
 
hookah's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Reston
Posts: 237
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

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.
Old 08-15-2012, 05:22 AM
  #30  
hookah
Registered User
 
hookah's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Reston
Posts: 237
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by hookah
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!
Old 08-16-2012, 08:10 AM
  #31  
05UltraYellow
Registered User
iTrader: (1)
 
05UltraYellow's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Cheshire, CT
Posts: 173
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by hookah
That is a brilliant idea, Hookah... Nice job!
hahahaha
Old 08-16-2012, 08:57 AM
  #32  
Syner
New Member
 
Syner's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Alberta
Posts: 22,798
Received 829 Likes on 646 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by sportbiketed
Like a boss...
Old 08-24-2012, 08:19 PM
  #33  
falsey91
Registered User
 
falsey91's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: oak lawn
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

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
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Obadabot
Maintenance & Repair
16
06-18-2023 11:31 PM
350Z_Al
Exterior & Interior
133
10-29-2020 07:44 PM
hajwoj
Autocross/Road
27
11-01-2015 05:25 PM
Stevo Z
SoCal Marketplace
4
10-03-2015 09:14 PM



Quick Reply: How do you drive your 6MT Z?



All times are GMT -8. The time now is 03:17 AM.