When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I have bought a 2004 Base with 6MT. First gear seems extremely short (if thats the right word), and am curious if anyone on the forum just starts out in second? The engine seems very robust, but dont want to mess up trans, clutch or u-joints. The car is in really good shape and dont want to f it up.
Thanks in advance.
1st gear is kind of a must when going from a dead stop in my opinion. However whenever possible, I prefer to keep it in 2nd and simply not make complete stops. I also stay in second a lot when dealing with heavy traffic. Shouldn't hurt the vehicle so long as you don't lug the engine, keep the rpm low with good pedal control. Takes some getting used to, but you'll figure it out.
-Icer
When cruising, I use the 1,3,5,6 from a stop. If moving ever so slightly, I'll go 2,4,6 unless I want to listen to the exhaust note all the way through. 1st is super short lived, but as mentioned, once you get used to it, it'll be natural.
When cruising, I use the 1,3,5,6 from a stop. If moving ever so slightly, I'll go 2,4,6 unless I want to listen to the exhaust note all the way through. 1st is super short lived, but as mentioned, once you get used to it, it'll be natural.
it's easier to get up to speed from a stoplight with lower revs & people don't run up behind you as quickly without all that shifting. The engine isn't lugging and I'm only at part throttle. I'd be interested to hear a case where anyone feels that it's causing any harm or premature wear. Our car has 90k on it now with the original clutch.
I'm on stock clutch at over 90k starting out in second like in the condition I said, clutch shouldn't wear if you know how to drive.
True. One could also say, you wouldn't have to start in 2nd from a dead stop if you know how to drive manual.
Originally Posted by Zelduh
it's easier to get up to speed from a stoplight with lower revs & people don't run up behind you as quickly without all that shifting. The engine isn't lugging and I'm only at part throttle. I'd be interested to hear a case where anyone feels that it's causing any harm or premature wear. Our car has 90k on it now with the original clutch.
You don't have to rationalize the why nor agree with me. Just saying I don't drive that way with my cars.
To speak from my own experience, unless you have parts out in person to see, you really can't compare the amount of wear. I have pulled trannies with 100k miles with the original clutch discs that looked nearly new and those from 50k that have been completely shaved down thin. Every owner says the same thing, they knew how to drive manual. There are reasons as to why some drivers are better than others, at the same time nearly everyone thinks they can do it better than the other. The evidence is hidden within.
I guess so, but most don't or ever drive a Z in the snow. I did 7 years, everyone has their preferences. I don't start in second often but this engine has more than enough torque to start in second without lugging or slipping and that is a fact.
I guess so, but most don't or ever drive a Z in the snow. I did 7 years, everyone has their preferences. I don't start in second often but this engine has more than enough torque to start in second without lugging or slipping and that is a fact.
I just got a 2003 350z also ,yeah the first gear was really short and slow.I use to owned a 2002 nissan spec v manual ,also really short 1st gear and i thought the better 350z has longer first gear,its almost the same.
08-27-2020, 07:46 PM
New to Z 6 speed. Do any of you start out in 2nd?
