Hello folks,

Gas Hed here, with my first posting. I'm coming off of a '04 AT G coupe and am currently exiled with a VW Jetta (car shuffling due to new babies - yes 2). I'm starting my plans for a big come back and really like the 370. At any rate, before I start getting wishy washy, my question is this:

I would like to go back to manual for my next purchase and have seen postings about the 350/370Zs shifting being like on/off switches. Can someone elaborate? Is it not possible to get smooth as silk shifting with the manual?

Thanks!

 

Takes years and years of practice to get a 350Z to shift smoothly. Then its just a matter of luck. Better go automatic.

 

yeah I remember reading and wondering that was all about too..

but anyways I couldn't imagine my Z being an automatic. it would be SO BORING. Z should come standard in standards..

 

The Z was my first manual, took me a week to get used to it. By now, I heel-toe, rev-match, all that good stuff. It just takes some getting used to the high engagement point at first, but eventually you'll be able to start the car off at the same RPMs as idle.

 

Elaboration: The on/off switch that people refer to is the narrow engagement point. It is not long and does not offer much slip room....tho it is high in the pedal travel/far off the ground. Not sure what you are asking other than that....but no factory clutch (leave sequentials outta this)....especially one on a 350z...is like an on/off switch. Some hondas are closer...but still...its not designed that way. Not sure if that answers your question...

 

It does answer the question, sounds like the manuals need more effort to ensure a clean shift during casual driving.

 

No more so than any other factory manual car. I've owned ~15 manual cars, they each have their quirks. Within a few days of driving it around in a variety of conditions, you get used to any of them

 

The ON/OFF switches are for TCS, VDC and rev matching. Hell you need a checklist just to start the car.

 

+1.......... I totally agree with you in that. having driven 3 different z's, all manual transmission, the easiest way to describe it is that the clutch play is about 2 cm.. from being totally disengaged to being totally engaged.

one would argue that the gt-r is auto, as well as supercars like the MB mclaren SLR, ergo auto is "not a bad way to go."

i did test drive the auto and the paddle shifters were very impressive. i decided on stick for personal reasons (my lady can't drive stick, lol!)

good luck with your decision