Your lucky you didn't bend your valves..

 

PLEASE DONT HATE ME FOR MY NAME, IGNORE MY NAME!! I DO
NOT WANT TO OFFEND ANYONE AND HAVE NOTHING AGAINST
AUTO'S. THANKS

I don't hate the name, it just makes me want to race you.

I have been fortunate to have owned a number of fun cars. The only thing I baby during the break in period are the brakes. When I first got the Z I had a hard time not hitting the rev limiter in first because it happens so quickly. I have never had any problems with motors because of high rpm's during "break in period". the only things I break in my cars is related to the running gear and that only happened after mods. I run my Z 1-2 times per month at the drags and I still have no problems with the engine or running gear.

I, in no way advocate anyone else doing what I do, but I would not worry about this if you have no problem right now.

 

I've read it in a couple different magazines / automotive journals, I'll see if I can track down a specific source and post it.

 

This link somewhat explains why you shouldn't rest your hand on the gear shift while driving. I think Road and Track published a more thorough explanation at one point, but I can't find it on their site. If I come across a better explanation I'll make sure to post it.
http://www.automotiveforums.com/t44243.html

 

Actually, I'd say the best way to avoid misshifts is to properly place your hand on the shifter. A lot of people try to just grab the stick around the **** with your knuckles toward the steering wheel. You should really put the top of the shifter in your palm or your cupped fingers. If you grip around the stick, you are more likely to pull it toward you and hit a lower gear by mistake. In this particular case, the 3-4 shift is basically just a straight pull, and you let the transmission pretty much line up the shift right down the center into 4 with no need for side to side effort on your part.

1-2 shifts I have my palm slightly on the passenger side of the ****, 2-3, 4-5, and 5-6 shifts, my palm is slightly on my side of the ****. 3-4 shifts my hand is pretty much right on top, cupped with my fingers pulling the stick back.

Hard to describe, but I've just found over the years if you grab the stick wrong, you are more likely to pull it toward you into a lower gear. YMMV, everybody has different styles.

 

Hey, thanks everyone...my nerves are calmed....and actually Ghost...someone else told me what you did about resting my hand on the shifter...so maybe you're right. i'll probably be babying this thing through winter, so maybe that'll make up for my driving indiscretions. Oh, and if anyone has anything else to add...tips for what to do to keep it in good condition and what not...let me know or point me in the right direction.

Thanks again!

 

I'm a mechanical engineer... let me calm your nerves. It's not going to be a big deal in the life of your car as long as you're not doing it every day 10 times a day. As for that having a direct correlation to the shifter **** forcing back into your hand... it's FINE. My friend has a G35.... has never red-lined it... and it does the exact same thing. You can feel the motor through the ****, and the **** moves around when you're moving around. Don't worry about it and have fun with your car.