In need of advice...
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Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 33
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From: Silver Spring, Maryland
In need of advice...
So, I apologize before hand if this post gets long.
To give some background, I currently have an '03 350Z Performance model. Bought it used at 49k and now pushing 52k. I drive mainly to school and work, but like to push it when I can on weekends and on the highway omw to work. This is my first mt car, and imo a great one. When I was practicing before buying the Z, I practiced on my neighbors '06 Cayman S 6mt. The big difference I noticed after getting the Z, other than the handling, was the smoothness between shifts. I'm fairly new so obviously my shifts aren't always great, but I'm having noticeable difficulty with my 1-2 shifts, always a little rough and slow. It seems like the only time I shift smoothly 1-2 is when I'm making a turn while shifting into 2nd.
I'd really like some advice as to how I could alleviate this problem. Also, the clutch pedal feels so heavy in comparison to my neighbors Cayman S. Obviously, they are two different cars but sometimes I get irritated with the feel of my clutch and how heavy and rough it can be. My launch from stop is always so slow, and takes a lot of focus to get that smooth shift. Not to mention when I take my gf with me, having to hear her say "So have you gotten used to your car yet?" is a real downer.
I'd really like advice as to how to better mod my car overall, since I am a noob, but I'll leave that to another thread. Thank you for any help anyone can give me.
To give some background, I currently have an '03 350Z Performance model. Bought it used at 49k and now pushing 52k. I drive mainly to school and work, but like to push it when I can on weekends and on the highway omw to work. This is my first mt car, and imo a great one. When I was practicing before buying the Z, I practiced on my neighbors '06 Cayman S 6mt. The big difference I noticed after getting the Z, other than the handling, was the smoothness between shifts. I'm fairly new so obviously my shifts aren't always great, but I'm having noticeable difficulty with my 1-2 shifts, always a little rough and slow. It seems like the only time I shift smoothly 1-2 is when I'm making a turn while shifting into 2nd.
I'd really like some advice as to how I could alleviate this problem. Also, the clutch pedal feels so heavy in comparison to my neighbors Cayman S. Obviously, they are two different cars but sometimes I get irritated with the feel of my clutch and how heavy and rough it can be. My launch from stop is always so slow, and takes a lot of focus to get that smooth shift. Not to mention when I take my gf with me, having to hear her say "So have you gotten used to your car yet?" is a real downer.
I'd really like advice as to how to better mod my car overall, since I am a noob, but I'll leave that to another thread. Thank you for any help anyone can give me.
The z33 is known for having somewhat of a notchy drive train...
There really isnt anything to get rid of the issue other than just trying to get the hang of making the best of it with practice, you will get the hang of it after some time...it took me a week or so to get used to it but i have also been driving manual for a while.
Your also comparing the Z to that of a legit sports car that is nearly 3-5 times the cost of your car lol...of course everything is going to feel "better"
There really isnt anything to get rid of the issue other than just trying to get the hang of making the best of it with practice, you will get the hang of it after some time...it took me a week or so to get used to it but i have also been driving manual for a while.
Your also comparing the Z to that of a legit sports car that is nearly 3-5 times the cost of your car lol...of course everything is going to feel "better"
You cannot compare the Z to the Cayman S.Porsche is known for precision throughout the vehicle.The shifter is butter smooth.As with any MT that a person is new to,it takes awhile to get used to how best to shift through the gears.I had a Taurus SHO years ago.
The shift mechanism was just awful.It was just a sorry design.
You may want to consider getting one of the many short shifters available for the Z.
That,along with practice,may help you catch up to the Cayman!
The shift mechanism was just awful.It was just a sorry design.
You may want to consider getting one of the many short shifters available for the Z.
That,along with practice,may help you catch up to the Cayman!
So, I apologize before hand if this post gets long.
To give some background, I currently have an '03 350Z Performance model. Bought it used at 49k and now pushing 52k. I drive mainly to school and work, but like to push it when I can on weekends and on the highway omw to work. This is my first mt car, and imo a great one. When I was practicing before buying the Z, I practiced on my neighbors '06 Cayman S 6mt. The big difference I noticed after getting the Z, other than the handling, was the smoothness between shifts. I'm fairly new so obviously my shifts aren't always great, but I'm having noticeable difficulty with my 1-2 shifts, always a little rough and slow. It seems like the only time I shift smoothly 1-2 is when I'm making a turn while shifting into 2nd.
I'd really like some advice as to how I could alleviate this problem. Also, the clutch pedal feels so heavy in comparison to my neighbors Cayman S. Obviously, they are two different cars but sometimes I get irritated with the feel of my clutch and how heavy and rough it can be. My launch from stop is always so slow, and takes a lot of focus to get that smooth shift. Not to mention when I take my gf with me, having to hear her say "So have you gotten used to your car yet?" is a real downer.
I'd really like advice as to how to better mod my car overall, since I am a noob, but I'll leave that to another thread. Thank you for any help anyone can give me.
To give some background, I currently have an '03 350Z Performance model. Bought it used at 49k and now pushing 52k. I drive mainly to school and work, but like to push it when I can on weekends and on the highway omw to work. This is my first mt car, and imo a great one. When I was practicing before buying the Z, I practiced on my neighbors '06 Cayman S 6mt. The big difference I noticed after getting the Z, other than the handling, was the smoothness between shifts. I'm fairly new so obviously my shifts aren't always great, but I'm having noticeable difficulty with my 1-2 shifts, always a little rough and slow. It seems like the only time I shift smoothly 1-2 is when I'm making a turn while shifting into 2nd.
I'd really like some advice as to how I could alleviate this problem. Also, the clutch pedal feels so heavy in comparison to my neighbors Cayman S. Obviously, they are two different cars but sometimes I get irritated with the feel of my clutch and how heavy and rough it can be. My launch from stop is always so slow, and takes a lot of focus to get that smooth shift. Not to mention when I take my gf with me, having to hear her say "So have you gotten used to your car yet?" is a real downer.
I'd really like advice as to how to better mod my car overall, since I am a noob, but I'll leave that to another thread. Thank you for any help anyone can give me.
Start by bopping your gf in the mouth. Not hard though, that's domestic violence.
Don't feel pressured- that was a big thing for me when I started. I didn't want to look like I couldn't drive my SUPER SWEET brand new car. Who cares?
I was so bad in 1st gear starting it looked like I was driving a see saw rocking back and forth. I even went with 2nd from a dead stop for about 2 weeks just to avoid the jerky 1st gear. All you can do is practice.
IN TRAFFIC/DAILY-When you clutch from 1st to 2nd let the clutch out as smoothly as you can and give it a tinyTINY amount of gas to keep from jerking.
I wouldnt install a STS (Short throw shifter) on the z to make it less notchy...thats kind of a stupid peice of advice.
Usually installing a STS makes for shorter but "harder" throws, so in theory it would only magnify your already existing problem even worse...
Usually installing a STS makes for shorter but "harder" throws, so in theory it would only magnify your already existing problem even worse...
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So, I apologize before hand if this post gets long.
To give some background, I currently have an '03 350Z Performance model. Bought it used at 49k and now pushing 52k. I drive mainly to school and work, but like to push it when I can on weekends and on the highway omw to work. This is my first mt car, and imo a great one. When I was practicing before buying the Z, I practiced on my neighbors '06 Cayman S 6mt. The big difference I noticed after getting the Z, other than the handling, was the smoothness between shifts. I'm fairly new so obviously my shifts aren't always great, but I'm having noticeable difficulty with my 1-2 shifts, always a little rough and slow. It seems like the only time I shift smoothly 1-2 is when I'm making a turn while shifting into 2nd.
Do not shift mid turn... bad technique
I'd really like some advice as to how I could alleviate this problem. Also, the clutch pedal feels so heavy in comparison to my neighbors Cayman S.
Because that car is made for a woman
Obviously, they are two different cars but sometimes I get irritated with the feel of my clutch and how heavy and rough it can be. My launch from stop is always so slow, and takes a lot of focus to get that smooth shift. Not to mention when I take my gf with me, having to hear her say "So have you gotten used to your car yet?" is a real downer.
I'd really like advice as to how to better mod my car overall, since I am a noob, but I'll leave that to another thread. Thank you for any help anyone can give me.
To give some background, I currently have an '03 350Z Performance model. Bought it used at 49k and now pushing 52k. I drive mainly to school and work, but like to push it when I can on weekends and on the highway omw to work. This is my first mt car, and imo a great one. When I was practicing before buying the Z, I practiced on my neighbors '06 Cayman S 6mt. The big difference I noticed after getting the Z, other than the handling, was the smoothness between shifts. I'm fairly new so obviously my shifts aren't always great, but I'm having noticeable difficulty with my 1-2 shifts, always a little rough and slow. It seems like the only time I shift smoothly 1-2 is when I'm making a turn while shifting into 2nd.
Do not shift mid turn... bad technique
I'd really like some advice as to how I could alleviate this problem. Also, the clutch pedal feels so heavy in comparison to my neighbors Cayman S.
Because that car is made for a woman
Obviously, they are two different cars but sometimes I get irritated with the feel of my clutch and how heavy and rough it can be. My launch from stop is always so slow, and takes a lot of focus to get that smooth shift. Not to mention when I take my gf with me, having to hear her say "So have you gotten used to your car yet?" is a real downer.
I'd really like advice as to how to better mod my car overall, since I am a noob, but I'll leave that to another thread. Thank you for any help anyone can give me.
If she asks if you gotten used to it yet just give her the drive and stare. Then tell her "NO... BECAUSE RACECAR!!!"
You can also remind her that questions like that are how young (insert hair color here) girls get black eyes
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Silver Spring, Maryland
Thanks for input guys.
I typically shift at around 3000rpm, except when I'm on highway in which case I'll tend to shift at higher rpm. From the sound of it, I'll have to practice more whenever I get the chance to get that smooth feeling when going into 2nd. Every other gear is more or less smooth for me, with the occasional bad shift.
Its been 3k miles since I've gotten the Z, but in comparison to how I started out my shifting is much much better. If you saw me at the beginning you probably wouldv'e wanted to stop me, pull me out the car, and slap the **** out of me lol
I typically shift at around 3000rpm, except when I'm on highway in which case I'll tend to shift at higher rpm. From the sound of it, I'll have to practice more whenever I get the chance to get that smooth feeling when going into 2nd. Every other gear is more or less smooth for me, with the occasional bad shift.
Its been 3k miles since I've gotten the Z, but in comparison to how I started out my shifting is much much better. If you saw me at the beginning you probably wouldv'e wanted to stop me, pull me out the car, and slap the **** out of me lol
if tis that hard to shift, and you ahve an 03, regardless of miles, you may have a dirty master cycl or a bad slave or an air bubble.
If the clutch is toast it can cause an issue as well.
If you changed ( or have not yetat all) the trans fluid to something other than 100% nissan oem fluid, that can be an issue as well.
If the clutch is toast it can cause an issue as well.
If you changed ( or have not yetat all) the trans fluid to something other than 100% nissan oem fluid, that can be an issue as well.
if tis that hard to shift, and you ahve an 03, regardless of miles, you may have a dirty master cycl or a bad slave or an air bubble.
If the clutch is toast it can cause an issue as well.
If you changed ( or have not yetat all) the trans fluid to something other than 100% nissan oem fluid, that can be an issue as well.
If the clutch is toast it can cause an issue as well.
If you changed ( or have not yetat all) the trans fluid to something other than 100% nissan oem fluid, that can be an issue as well.
When was the last time the gear oil was changed??
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