So recently picked up a 06 G35 Coupe manual trans. I am new to driving manual and let me tell you its really frustrating especially on a G. Every time i do something wrong i die inside and so does my wallet.

I needed some input from G manual trans drivers.

1. Reversing. When I reverse i put it in reverse then just let the clutch out to the biting point till it moves back then brake when i need to stop then clutch back in. When I push the clutch back in I feel like im doing it wrong. I was wondering what was the right way.

2. Where I go to school there is heavy traffic, so I was wondering if I was in traffic and I needed to creep up closer to the car how I would without hurting the clutch?

3. Also when shifting should i slowly release the clutch or should i release it to the biting point fairly quick then slowly release it.

4. Also say ur going and u think u need to brake so u put the car in neutral but green light goes should you rev match then put it into 3rd or 2nd? Also what revs should it be at?

5. Any tips on what not to do in situations (in a way i will not be hurting the clutch) and what to do would be appreciated!

It will be greatly appreciated if someone who has a lot of experience driving manual could help me out with these questions. I did use the search before I made a thread and I could not find anything that could help me.

 

I first learnt manual trans. on a soon to be scrap volks beetle..........do the same!

 

First off, there is like a 40 page thread on driving stick.
https://g35driver.com/forums/g-spot/...-drive-mt.html

1) Not quite sure what you are asking, but yes, you ride the clutch when reversing. You shouldn't need to use the brake all that much. You should basically be modulating your speed with the clutch, and the gas is just so you don't stall (you don't need much gas). Like you should really be juuuuuust at the engagement point, and totally riding your clutch (at near idle rpm's).

2) Don't creep up. You don't have an automatic. Just sit there. Watch a few cars ahead for the spacing and try to not brake and not gas and not clutch as much as possible.

3) Yeah, all the travel before the engagement point doesn't matter too much. You don't need to even press the clutch all the way to the floor when switching gears (though I usually do). Just don't cut it too close and end up grinding your gears (i've done it when getting too lazy, makes you die inside).

4) Yes, always rev match. You can also double clutch to save your synchros if you have the time. The car has plenty of torque, depends on the speed you are in but the higher gears are completely usable for local driving. I usually drive on local in 5th or 6th. It's totally a matter of preference, you'll end up with something you like. I usually opt for the taller gears unless i want to pass or something.

5) If you want to save your clutch, don't launch the car. Start the car slowly, then you can floor it after it's completely in gear. Learn how the transmission/clutch works if you don't already. Don't overwork your synchros needlessly; don't go red-lining it in 2nd onto the freeway, then slamming it into 6th immediately. Better to double clutch in that instance if the gears are too far apart. shift it into neutral, clutch out, rev match, clutch back in, 6th, clutch out, everything is happy. Also, practice heel-toe'ing. it's a nice skill to have, though fairly unnecessary off the track.

 

^Very good advice.. take notes OP

 

When a NOOB buys a MT G I cringe at the thought of gear grinding, burning clutch along with all those 3 foot launches where she falls on her face. Best way to learn so you don't screw up your coupe is to rent the cheapest MT for the weekend you can find....learn on there dime not yours!
Gary

 

Gary, I would agree with you, but I don't know of any place that rents manuals. Enterprise, Hertz, etc only carry automatic.

 

^lol right obviously you don't want to mess up your coupe.. you make it sound like people aren''t smart enough to think of that in the first place. maybe he can't rent a car because of some other reason we don't know gary so he's trying not to mess up his G coupe by seeking our guidance.

sigh.....

 

Everybody starts somewhere. I think what sets apart people is not how noobish you are, but how intently you try to get better and how willing you are to learn from other people and learn from your own mistakes. I ground gears; I stalled like mad when I was learning; everyone does it. It's not like the g35 is a super nice car, it was really the car I learned how to drive stick on as well.

OP, keep at it, you'll get better, It takes like 2 weeks for your brain to remap your left leg neurons anyway so it is usefull for something. You will feel much more confident in 2 weeks, trust me. Also, if you feel like your stuck, find a friend that drives stick and get them to sit with you.

Nigh impossible to find a mt loaner these days, as the only people who want to borrow it want to learn stick. The rental car companies aren't that stupid, they don't want to pay for new clutches any more than you do.

 

Thanks for the help totopo, its appreciated!

Yeah its been about 4 or 5 days and I'm still a little nervous getting in. Been mostly practicing in parking lots and back roads.

 

all the rental companies i spoke to in the past say they dont carry manual cars because its too much liability and few people ever rent them.

But what i would do is just go to a empty parking lot. Practicing going from a complete stop, go into first the drive then go into neutral and come to a complete stop and go back into first again and drive and come to a complete stop and go again.

Going from a complete stop to moving again without stalling is probably the hardest part of driving stick anyways, everything else is easy once your already moving.

 

I was on the same boat. I guarantee you will be find in one or two months.

 

Remove the assist spring and it will be much easier. Probably will take you about 45 mins following the DIY on here.

 

www.rjmperformance.com

This is a great modification that deals with the high engagement point and the narrow window for most clutch set ups. Check it out- I got one and the driving dynamic is worlds different. Don't waste time doing spring removals or the like- it makes a very small difference. You can do that and so much more by just stepping it up to the RJM bracket.

 

Is "RENT A WRECK" still in business? Can't believe no one rents a MT POS so you can practice....even a truck?
Gary

 

I don't know of anyplace that rents MT cars. The ones who do rent only expensive high-end cars, and it's nothing even remotely close to cheap.