How to correctly drive an MT.
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: Auckland
I'd think about it as more of a gentle squeeze rather than a "tap".
Remember, what you are trying to do is give the engine enough fuel to increase in revs slightly, but also remember that there's no load on the engine so it should spin-up quite quickly.
As I said, starting with a 2k down shift you don't need much to get the revs pretty close and that makes it a nice gentle pace to learn at.
However that's all on the assumption that you are down shifting because you want more power for acceleration because you might also want to be doing this sort of thing if you want a little bit of additional engine braking.
If you do want the power, once you get the hang of 4th-3rd, why not try rev matching 4th-2nd or more realistically 6th-4th for some "progressive" overtaking manoeuvre's ...
Also, as Aaron's just pointed out, you don't want to be rev matching with the clutch partially engaged. That's a good way of burning out a perfectly good clutch.
Remember, what you are trying to do is give the engine enough fuel to increase in revs slightly, but also remember that there's no load on the engine so it should spin-up quite quickly.
As I said, starting with a 2k down shift you don't need much to get the revs pretty close and that makes it a nice gentle pace to learn at.
However that's all on the assumption that you are down shifting because you want more power for acceleration because you might also want to be doing this sort of thing if you want a little bit of additional engine braking.
If you do want the power, once you get the hang of 4th-3rd, why not try rev matching 4th-2nd or more realistically 6th-4th for some "progressive" overtaking manoeuvre's ...
Also, as Aaron's just pointed out, you don't want to be rev matching with the clutch partially engaged. That's a good way of burning out a perfectly good clutch.
thought maybe i should post in here, cause i came in here thinking i didn't really know how to drive a manual because of this clutch/tranny...
if that's the case for you then you really REALLY need to do this mod...
https://g35driver.com/forums/drivetr...g-removal.html
this little spring is the bane of my manual driving experience.
such a STUPID idea. basically from what i can tell, it's main function is to trick you as to when the clutch is engaging. apparently it's to "assist" in pedal pushing, but it does about 5% of the work, but makes the releasing of the clutch feel completely inaccurate.
i did this mod about 2 weeks ago. now that i've gotten some good time in without that stupid spring, the manual experience has become instinctive. it used to be a constant thought process of trying to figure out when then shift points were and all that stuff. it makes the whole process of driving a manual feel natural again.
takes about 2 hours if you are slow. and the best part? its FREE and completely reversible.
if that's the case for you then you really REALLY need to do this mod...
https://g35driver.com/forums/drivetr...g-removal.html
this little spring is the bane of my manual driving experience.
such a STUPID idea. basically from what i can tell, it's main function is to trick you as to when the clutch is engaging. apparently it's to "assist" in pedal pushing, but it does about 5% of the work, but makes the releasing of the clutch feel completely inaccurate.
i did this mod about 2 weeks ago. now that i've gotten some good time in without that stupid spring, the manual experience has become instinctive. it used to be a constant thought process of trying to figure out when then shift points were and all that stuff. it makes the whole process of driving a manual feel natural again.
takes about 2 hours if you are slow. and the best part? its FREE and completely reversible.
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 47
Likes: 1
yeah I read about this mod yesterday. I dont feel comfortable doing it. Im going to try that clutch stopper mod and see how that works for me. http://my350z.com/forum/engine-drive...lutch-kit.html
I've heard nothing but good things about the clutch stopper mod. But if it doesnt work for me, then I might have one of my mechanically inclined friends help me do the spring removal.
I've heard nothing but good things about the clutch stopper mod. But if it doesnt work for me, then I might have one of my mechanically inclined friends help me do the spring removal.
You can replace the spring with a softer spring found here clutch-helper-spring-group-buy. Had it for a couple months now and is one of the best things to get for our 6mt.
Just take it out. Don't fiddle with all the other mods. Waste of time. Softer spring, you will still have the same feeling.
Its not hard to do. 2 nuts, a bolt, and a kotter pin. Unhook 2 sensors. The hardest part is stuffing your body down under the dash, at least if you are a fat kid like me.
Seriously, I know its hard to believe, but this mod totally changes everything. It makes it behave like a normal transmission.
Its also completely reversible. I'm telling you, that sping serves as a disconnect between what you FEEL and what is REALLY happening. How can anyone expect to drive like that? Its like making the car turn left when you turn right.
Its not hard to do. 2 nuts, a bolt, and a kotter pin. Unhook 2 sensors. The hardest part is stuffing your body down under the dash, at least if you are a fat kid like me.
Seriously, I know its hard to believe, but this mod totally changes everything. It makes it behave like a normal transmission.
Its also completely reversible. I'm telling you, that sping serves as a disconnect between what you FEEL and what is REALLY happening. How can anyone expect to drive like that? Its like making the car turn left when you turn right.
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 47
Likes: 1
I just did that DIY clutch stopper mod, and I really like it. The engagement point is now only a little bit off the floor. It feels so much smoother out of first gear now. Second gear still jumps a bit sometimes. I have to let out the clutch real slow if I don't want 2nd to jump. Do you guys have any tips on shifting into 2nd smoothly?
Everybody says that this mod wont wear my clutch any sooner, but is that true? This wont mess up my clutch or transmission will it? I did exactly what they said and used 3 pieces of tape.
Everybody says that this mod wont wear my clutch any sooner, but is that true? This wont mess up my clutch or transmission will it? I did exactly what they said and used 3 pieces of tape.
Last edited by dmarz45; Sep 19, 2011 at 05:40 PM.
Just take it out. Don't fiddle with all the other mods. Waste of time. Softer spring, you will still have the same feeling.
Its not hard to do. 2 nuts, a bolt, and a kotter pin. Unhook 2 sensors. The hardest part is stuffing your body down under the dash, at least if you are a fat kid like me.
Seriously, I know its hard to believe, but this mod totally changes everything. It makes it behave like a normal transmission.
Its also completely reversible. I'm telling you, that sping serves as a disconnect between what you FEEL and what is REALLY happening. How can anyone expect to drive like that? Its like making the car turn left when you turn right.
Its not hard to do. 2 nuts, a bolt, and a kotter pin. Unhook 2 sensors. The hardest part is stuffing your body down under the dash, at least if you are a fat kid like me.
Seriously, I know its hard to believe, but this mod totally changes everything. It makes it behave like a normal transmission.
Its also completely reversible. I'm telling you, that sping serves as a disconnect between what you FEEL and what is REALLY happening. How can anyone expect to drive like that? Its like making the car turn left when you turn right.
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: Auckland
The difference is I've been driving mt since the '70s ... [now where's that Dinosaur smilie] ...
disconnect sensors just to get the clutch pedal assy out. then hook them back up. more details in the DIY. i was just providing a summary.
and it's not a matter of having "issues" it's that it's not normal. being that it's your first, well, that's why.
as for you John_C....well....you must just be a weirdo.
and it's not a matter of having "issues" it's that it's not normal. being that it's your first, well, that's why.
as for you John_C....well....you must just be a weirdo.
... 
am i the only few that actually likes and appreciates the kinda stiff clutch on the g35? i like the feedback and being able to feel the entire clutch and the clutch point. ive driven a 335 and the clutch is so soft i can barely even feel the clutch point. im guessing thats how most cars are? is that the preferred way? soft clutches feel gay as hell.