Stiif clutch, weak legs. Advice please.
11-17-2012, 01:42 AM
#1
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Stiif clutch, weak legs. Advice please.
Ok. So I purchased a 2003 350z today and I have never driven stick before. Please Don't flame. I Find I am having problem with the clutch or more likely, the clutch is having a problem with me. The clutch seems to engage with the pedal 3/4 of the way up. I find when I am pushing the pedal to the floor and releasing it to the catch point, by the time I have released it enough my legs are in an awkward position and starting to shake and twitch from the strain and the stiff pressure coming from the pedal, thus me stalling the car 50 percent of the time. My friend drove it and he says it's a bit stiff, but he isn't having problems. He drives semi for a living.
I am not at all complaining, just seeking some advice here. Maybe I am keeping my leg in a bad position. I don't know.
Thanks.
I am not at all complaining, just seeking some advice here. Maybe I am keeping my leg in a bad position. I don't know.
Thanks.
Last edited by bmcmvox; 11-17-2012 at 02:00 AM. Reason: Found more info on biting point.
11-17-2012, 02:16 AM
#2
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Practice my friend... Make it a parking lot practice daily until you build up strength. My original clutch was extremely stiff. It makes for a great drive once you get used to it...
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11-17-2012, 07:59 AM
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As others said...just practice and keep at it. My 07 was my first MT car and i thought i would never learn, but with time and practice it'll come...+1 on adjusting your seat, try a few different setups till you find that just 'right' position.
11-17-2012, 09:44 AM
#10
11-17-2012, 10:21 AM
#14
The RJM replacement clutch pedal will fix that not problem and makes engagement point and pedal firmness all adjustable. Yes, you can get used to the crappy clutch feel and terrible engagement qualities of the factory system but why suffer with a poorly designed and stiff clutch system.
Have a look at the review thread in the Drivetrain and forced induction tech forum and decide for yourself. Practice and muscle building will help but won't fix the shortcomings of the factory pedal system.
Also the 03-04 had much a much stiffer pedal from the factory then the 05+ models do.
Have a look at the review thread in the Drivetrain and forced induction tech forum and decide for yourself. Practice and muscle building will help but won't fix the shortcomings of the factory pedal system.
Also the 03-04 had much a much stiffer pedal from the factory then the 05+ models do.
Last edited by RJM Performance; 11-17-2012 at 10:22 AM.
11-17-2012, 12:41 PM
#15
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Thread Starter
hehe thanks guys. Yeah, looking back now it was kind of a dumb question and yes, practice practice practice. I will also do some leg exercises since I am sort of an office jockey. My friend drove it again, this time for quite a ways through city and freeway to get a good feel for it since now he is wanting to buy one himself. He told me I am just being a wuss, I tend to agree. He says it feels great, his leg has already adjusted. He also says the back end didn't slip out in the slightest and it is raining in Vancouver right now. Very happy I bought this car. I am only 30, but I smoke heavily, so technically this is my "midlife" crises mobile. 
Awesome, I will look into that, thanks!
I got a whole pallet coming in on Monday! 
The RJM replacement clutch pedal will fix that not problem and makes engagement point and pedal firmness all adjustable. Yes, you can get used to the crappy clutch feel and terrible engagement qualities of the factory system but why suffer with a poorly designed and stiff clutch system.
Have a look at the review thread in the Drivetrain and forced induction tech forum and decide for yourself. Practice and muscle building will help but won't fix the shortcomings of the factory pedal system.
Also the 03-04 had much a much stiffer pedal from the factory then the 05+ models do.
Have a look at the review thread in the Drivetrain and forced induction tech forum and decide for yourself. Practice and muscle building will help but won't fix the shortcomings of the factory pedal system.
Also the 03-04 had much a much stiffer pedal from the factory then the 05+ models do.
Last edited by jerseystyle; 11-22-2012 at 07:46 AM.
11-17-2012, 03:28 PM
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11-17-2012, 10:43 PM
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muscle milk haha. seriously though it doesnt have to do with your leg strength or anything. its basically that you are not use to having to engage and disengage the clutch in a seated position like that ESPECIALLY with your left leg. like have you ever just for the f*ck of it tried to brake with your left foot instead of your right? haha its so weird for me its super jerky cuz i end up braking too hard or what not. anyways the movement becomes more natural after you practice a little bit. id say after a full week of driving it around it will feel natural. keep your head up it'll come and you will feel really accomplished haha
