Hello to all. I am a new Z owner. Is a 2nd gear start OK in this car, with the low end torque that it has. I have tried it a couple of times and seems to work well. Anyone been at this for a while? Are there any long term effects?

 

Once inawhile is fine. On routine basis, no. It does put unintended (by the design) stress on the tranny.

 

2nd gear starts are just fine. Just don't slip the clutch too much.
On level ground this is probably better than 1st gear starts -- one less shift -- but on a hill, probably should use 1st to avoid too much clutch slipping.....

-frank

 

On a similar note, has anyone here started in 2nd at the track? You could probably rev the hell out of it and get an STi-style launch... anyone here done it?

 

Thanks

 

When i had the Mustang Cobra they were requisite in order to avoid a burnout. But that thing was a beast!

 

Once in a while should be fine, but don't make it a habit, as others said..

Best thing to do, just learn slowly how to control how gently you press the gas pedal. I know how you feel, because in beginning I felt same thing, but after driving it a bit longer you'll get used to the torque

 

It won't work, or work very well at least. 1st and 2nd are close, but not that close. The Sentra SE-R Spec V has probably yhe closest 1st and 2nd gear of any current production car and even in that car, 2nd is too long for it to work. Dave Coleman (SCC Editor) launches his Spec V rally car in 2nd, but that's on dirt. He said he also tried it for 1/4 mile times and it was much slower. Z really isn't any different.

 

i start w/ 2nd on downhills....

 

Its not becuase I can't launch or control the clutch. I am comming from a S2000. With the added torque, I was just wondering.