At my last track trip I missed shifts on 4 runs. Once was a 2>3(I hardly ever miss that one), but the other 3 were the 1>2 shift. I just replaced the clutch/fly, and I'd like to believe that I just have to get used to them, but that's not the case. I've come to realize that I just suck at driving this car. With close to 130 passes in my car, I shouldn't be making mistakes like that.

I don't know exactly what the problem is. The 1>2 shift has always been notchy(the car is an 05 sedan). As such, no matter what I do, I simply cannot shift to second as fast as I can in any other gear. As a result, my clutch timing is off; I *think* I'm getting out of the clutch before I'm even pass the gate for 2nd, though I'm not entirely sure. About the only way I can get a good run in is to granny shift the 1>2.

What are my options? At this point I don't think I'm going to get any better. If that's the case, what's left to do? DaveB suggested(on g35driver) that I might look into a taller shifter for more leverage. That makes a lot of sense.

Any other suggestions?

 

In my other car, a fast 1-2 shift requires me to really think about slamming my foot down faster than when I would usually do it on any other gear shift-because of a VERY notchy 1-2 gate. I know it sounds dumb, but as your approaching redline kick down on the clutch sooner than normal and go from there. You will likely be ok it just needs a little extra attention. Also, how do you hold your hand on the shifter for a 1-2 shift? If you are holding it like a joystick-palm facing you, making a fist with thumb up maybe try a different position, I find what works best for me is to hold the shifter more with my palm and pull back straight into 2nd then the way I explained above. I had a bad habit of pulling in toward me and getting stuck on the 1-2 gate in my old car you may be doing this in your car. If you dont understand what I mean with how to hold the hsifter look at this vid as an example of what you may want to try. It may feel awkward for you at first but give it a shot. Good luck...

Click here to see Video

 

I appreciate the tips. I have watched your videos. I have tried 3 different grips. None of them really affected my consistency. I do think it is a problem of clutch timing at this point.

I guess the good thing is that I was trapping low 101's friday night(80 degrees or so) even with granny shifting the 1>2. I was trapping low 102's back in december at 25 degrees.

I've read your posts many many times concerning the timing of the shift versus the clutch. I've got that down for 2>3 and 3>4. Do you think that clutching in a little early on the 1>2 will hurt my times/traps much? I guess it doesn't matter; it's way better than missing shifts.

 

No, it wont hurt your times more than granny shifting. I like sitting far back so that I dont kick the clutch even 1/2 way down on a shift, this works well also because the clutch engagement point is high. Have you tried this? Or maybe you need to sit closer to kick down sooner...

 

I normally do not adjust the seat location for the track(I do while autocrossing). This night I specifically moved the seat closer hoping that might help my clutch-in speed on the first shift.

I might try it the other way like you suggest. With the new clutch/flywheel, engagement isn't quite near the top like it was stock; it's just above the exact middle.

 

I dont move my seat at the track I always keep it adjusted in a postion to grab a gear. So do you think this issue is more related to your timing or your notchy 2nd gear? Could just be a mind *** @ this point, every time you go to grab 2nd you think about missing it and do....maybe try some better synthetic tranny fluid to smoothen up shifts?

 

Just go out on a test and tune night, shift it slowly from first to second, then work on speeding it up on each pass. It's all about timing, and your hand was just getting a little ahead of your foot.

 

Great Video Albert, Looks Like Your Power Shifting The Crap Out Of It...wohoo, Love It..lol..good Job!!!!

 

Thanks tany

Trey - forgot to add, do you use the stock shift ****? I hated how bulky that thing was I always put a straight style shifter in all my cars as I find the best leverage/comfort shifting with this style. While I did fine stock, I feel I do better with the Nismo rubber (wont slip even with sweaty palms)--just another suggestion for you that may help.....

 

Time slips are helpful.

As Alberto mentioned, the 1-2 shift begins earlier than the other shifts because to car goes to redline so quickly. Its also easy to pull the lever towards you instead of straight back. When the temperature is 90 degrees plus, I cover the shift **** with a handkerchief.

For some reason when the light turns green my brain goes to autopilot. I try not to think too much.

 

Alberto: I might try a different shifter. I've got notoriously sweaty palms, even in the dead of winter. As for the fluid, I just changed out the tranny and diff fluid about 2k miles ago with redline.

VeeTec: this was at a t&t. At Steele actually(I understand you've been there a few times).

davidv: I've got some, but not the ability to scan them here at work. But looking at timeslips won't help with my shifting problem; it will just point out my other inadequecies, like my launch . Best run of the night was a 14.16@101.05, 2.289 sixty foot, and 9.280@80.07 1/8th. I was doing this on a set of all seasons that I have since replaced with summer rubber, but my launches have never been particularly good. I only picked up 20.98mph, but that's a combination of the heat and careful shifting.

 

Try another **** and let us know how it goes, Im sure you will get it down perfect....good advice from everyone in here.

 

do this... try to push in the clutch sooner. it might have to do with your clutch timing, this is another way to get that notchyness out....

 

Yeah, I have raced several different cars, and one SUV, that I have owned there.

Just keep practicing, and never try to force it if it starts to grind. Nobody is perfect, and we have all heard the sound of synchros that were not meshing.

When that happens to me, which is very rare of course , I just put it in neutral quickly, and then ease it into the 4th for an easy ride to the pull off lane. Nothing good comes from continuing a run when you just ground a synchro.

 

You know, perhaps this may not be your problem, but my number one problem when driving hard 1->2 when i first got the car was holding teh shifter wrong for the 1->2 shift. If you palm it like you would while normal driving, you'll pull the shifter to the left and down, instead of straight down, which for some reason caused me to grind 1->2 ALOT. I became a little better at shifting, and held it so that my pinky was up and my thumb was on the base of the shifter (like how albert does his 3-4 shift) for the 1-2 and 3-4 shift. For the 2-3 and 4-5 shift (if ever needed), i like to wrap my thumb around the base and push as hard as I can. W/ less leverage, you'll push harder, but travel half as much distance. Also, which this method, you never push outside the gates so theres a less chance of grinding

 

Alberto, when I watched your video I was expecting some WOT shifts. I did see your leg go up briefly though so thats not the case. Did you ever full throttle shift with your N/A setup?

I still use the clutch and all, but I just keep my foot pegged to the floor. I never bounce off the rev limiter and my clutch grabs very well. Its a lot easier to work on your shifting if your never thinking about hitting the gas as soon as possible either. Its like taking one obstacle out of drag racing. You know that foot is planted and is not gonna move. Now just get your shift points correctly.

 

see when i am at the track, i move my seat back and inch, then i floor the car and never let off, the seat back an inch makes me not press the clutch in as far. im sure its not good for the tranny but its good for the ETs....

 

maybe i should try moving my seat back as well...my clutch grabs so high up, probably like 90% off the ground.

clutchmasters aluminum flywheel
UR 6puck clutch

 

I really need to make a new vid as this is the 20th time somebody has asked...I dont let off the gas, when I shift I put "effort" into it and it looks like I lift when I throw into the next gear, but believe me my foot doesnt lift off the gas.

 

Yeah, if he let off then how could he hit such great times.