Hey guys finally got my 04 DG/Graphite loaded 6MT tonight and even though the 6mt takes some getting used to, the only real complaint is the dealer badge they put on the car! I mean I just got a 40K car and it has an emblem that says "kelly" (Kelly Infiniti). Can I get this off using a hairdryer, some floss, and then goo gone or do dealers have some scheme where it is harder to remove it? BTW, I love my G, I just cant take it to school in the morning becuase I am not fully adapted to the stick and dont want to roll into anyone... For some reason I launch from first using to much gas, I usually go up to 3k or more when I start. Any tips to make me adapt quicker, and for hills? And incase anyone asks this is my first standard car!

 

All i can say is, practice around your neighborhood. Thats what i did. And look for that sweet spot on the clutch. What i mean is there is a part that you dont need to push the gas to make the car move. If you can find that spot and then add a touch of the throtle you will be cool. Just one thing about hills. Dont use what i just said on hills. Practice balancing the throtle and gas to keep the car from going backwards downhill.
I can express how many times i practiced. I had a friend also tell me try driving bare footed. I dont know why i tried it and i am MUCH better now. Hope this helps.

 

i just peeled my dealer decal off and cleaned the area with some citrus cleaner. Problem solved.

As far as the clutch/ manual goes... its gonna take some getting used to. I drove manual for 7 years before this one, and its considerably different than others, just stick with it (no pun intended) and you will get used to it. The clutch engages high and the shifter is short. I found it necessary to push my seat back pretty far to compensate for the high clutch pedal. Try giving it a slight amount of gas on the shift. You'll get it.

6MT coupe, red/willow, premium, aero, splash guards, alum pedals, clear corners, 15% tint

 

I've got a Mustang GT convertible for sh*ts and giggles... just one of those "throw down the top, listen to the grumbling V8 and drive around town" cars. It also has one of the largest sweet spots of any car I've ever driven. Manual for idiots.

Anyway, I went by the Infiniti dealership in my favorite city to check out the new 6MT. They had one on the floor, and let me take it out... As I started to drive away from the dealership, I went to "Stang" mode and pulled the clutch to the sweet spot I'm used to. Stalled. Ouch.
The salesman said "Hah... how long has it been since you've driven a manual?" in a sarcastic tone that really didn't go over well with me. It's a new car, ya jacka$$...

Anyway, I pulled the key from the ignition, handed it back to him, and said "You know what? Nevermind." and walked out the door. Came back to the dealership in Indy and placed my order for the 5AT [img]/w3timages/icons/wink.gif[/img]

I'm a horrid example, but have patience. I learned to drive a manual uphill because of one moment: I was at a stop sign on a hill... if I didn't keep it from sliding back, I'd run into the car behind me, and if I didn't GO, a truck would hit me. Nothing like motivation!

G

2003.5 Black w/ Willow G35
Premium / Sport / Aero / Winter / Navi / Tint

 

Kelly Infiniti in Danvers? Lousy dealer, definitely take off their tag. It's hard to say whether floss alone will be enough since they all use different adhesives, but that's the first place to start. Whatever you do, don't pick off any excess glue with your fingernails, try to roll it off with the fleshy part of your thumb.

-Jack
Obsidian '03 G35 Sports Coupe
Titanium '03 MX-5 Shinsen #532

 

funny you should aks about the clutch. i thought i was the only one having difficulty getting it right. as far as im concerned, the clutch system sux on this car. i went from a 4.6 mustang gt loaded with a charger and nitrous and had no problem at all as well as a bmw 325 and that too was simpler. for some reason our G35 clutch is now very friendly.



Laser Red, Willow, 6MT, Premium sport package, Clear markers w/ hid bulbs, Platinum 20% mirror tint, JL Audio W7 13.5

 

gtorres44,

hahahah...lucky you, try to live in san francisco. Hill GALORES!!!!!

I used to live in San Jose and visit my friend in SF, it was hard at first but i got used to it eventually. Fun place to drive a manual that is for sure.

g35mt

 

The clutch is a foot from the floor and if you have to sit in rush hour...be prepared for a sore foot because it is tough to keep pushing down/let it out..again and again. I can't even feel the clutches now in my other cars. What is harder than the clutch to get used to is those Brembos!!! You can't roll slowly to a stop using those brakes. You either go or stop....no inbetween. I like the clutch and the brakes just the way they are because it gives me a reason to not let people drive it---too hard for them!!!

 

You just need to get used to the "friction zone" where the car moves without pressing the accelerator. Once you get used to where it is, you can start pressing the accelerator right before the friction zone and your take offs will be more smooth. I usually go up to like 1- 1.5 rpms when i start off and for the hills....practice. The friction zone is very important and knowing where it is. For me, I depress the clutch until it's near the friction zone then take my foot off the brake pedal quickly, step on accelerator and release the clutch more to the friction zone at the same time. Kind of weird to explain...would be easier to show it to you. haha. but yeah, practice is key. I live at a house that's on a mountain so lots of practice.

'03 G35c DG/G 6mt, full options

 

Yes, the handbrake is key to conquering hill starts.

And while you're learning, it's generally better to spin the tires than stall the engine.

2003.5 G35 Sedan Desert Platinum/Graphite Premium/Sport/Aero/Nav/Winter

 

I always feel bad for those folks who buy cars outside of California - everytime I see an out-of-state car, it has those stupid delear sticker/emblems on it!

If I were you guys, I would refuse pickup of the car unless they removed their emblem. Or better yet, tell them to not install it in the first place!

G35 6MT/DG/Fully Loaded

 

Where the heck do you live? I didn't know they still do that. I haven't seen a dealer emblem on a car here in Cali since the early 90's. I know they give you dealer plate frames but that's about it. That would look really tacky, just rip the damn thing off, carefully of course.

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Does anyone have a actual picture that they can post with those stupid dealer stickers?? i live in cali, and there is nothing on the car like that..,so if anyone has a pic....please post!