350Z_Redline

iTrader: (1)

I have an 03 6 speed touring with ~3000 miles on it. This is my first manual car so I'm not sure if what I'm experiecing is normal or not but it has done it since day one. My car does not grind into any gears but it will not go into 1st at any speed over ~15mph. This is with the clutch fully depressed and the engine can be at any rpm ~700 - redline. When I try to push the stick into 1st I hear a loud whine (synchros??). If I force it into 1st it will grind. I usually just shift into first when I'm nearly stopped. If I rev the engine to match the road speed in 1st it will sometimes go into 1st without a problem. Is this normal? I know the tranny is notchy but does everyone else's do the same thing? As I said this is my first manual car, the only other manual I can compare it to is my yam R6 which is also known for its less than smooth tranny. Thx for any help.

350Z_Redline

zrob

don't try it anymore. 1st is for starting from a dead stop, use 2nd for when you're on a role.

Inova

from what i recall via other responses, you will not ever need to downshift into first. our cars have excellent torque. on the otherhand, s2000's downshift into 1st all the time to get power out of slow turns. you can even start in 2nd with ease. i will cruise over speedbumps and such in 2nd around 10 mph because first gets jerky if you are not concentrating on throttle. anyway, just try not to downshift into first unless you are at a complete stop or close to one.

xndsan

I don't think that any car likes to be shifted into 1st gear when moving very fast. I'm not sure of the reason. I have noticed this on all the manual cars I have driven. So I think that your tranny is ok. Iwouldn't worry about it. I would defently stop forcing it into gear though.

350Z_Redline

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for the responses! Just to clearify, I'm not trying to downshift for more power or anything just when I'm coming to a stop. I'll usually have the clutch in and drifting at ~20mph up to a stoplight and noticed that the stick just will not go into gear until I slow to under ~15mph.

350Z_Redline

Rizzness

iTrader: (2)

Mine does the same-- I'd say it's pretty normal.
As you coast down from like 25 mph, the rpms also are decreasing. Your engine and transmission reach a point where they are close to being in synch, this is where you can push the stick into gear.
Otherwise:
You can depress the clutch and rev the engine to increase the rpms and raise the "Point" where the stick engages OR you can let the synchros do the work for you (not recommended). Either way, practice makes perfect - read other posts on shifting elsewhere in the forum...... the guys on this site are EXTREMELY helpful!!!! Good luck!!
ZZ