Hey all, got a question for you experienced stick drivers. When your launching from a dead stop in 1st gear and just want a leisure, gentle launch, at what RPM do you want to be at in the 6MT Sedan? Since I'm new at driving manual, I find myself bringing the tach up to about 1,500 RPM while easing up on the clutch to launch the car as smoothly as possible. Is this too high? And if so will it wear out the clutch faster? If 1,500 is too high, around what value should I be at to launch the car smoothly in everday traffic? Any tips or instructions? I'm just worried that I'm revving too high and in turn doing unnecessary harm to my clutch. Thanks for any help.

 

Just do what you're doing now. The better gas mileage and clutch wear will get better in time. Keep driving the car and it should come naturally. Sounds like you're doing fine. We all had to learn just like you.

G35S 6MT
Diamond Graphite/Graphite
Premium Package

 

You can easily launch the car at 1000 rpm, although 1500 won't hurt it. Eventually you will get the feel of the clutch and you won't need to look at all.

 

Great. That makes me feel better. I guess I'm trying to get good too fast. I just need to relax and let it come over time. Need to stop thinking so much and just drive!

 

Once you know the engagement point of the clutch, it's easy to start swiftly from a stop with the clutch disengaged before the RPMs reach 1000. I'm still getting better at it, though.

The best thing to do is find a large flat parking lot and practice starting the car without putting your foot on the gas until you've actually released the clutch. This will help your foot learn the engagement point of the clutch.

--Steve

 

"The best thing to do is find a large flat parking lot and practice starting the car without putting your foot on the gas until you've actually released the clutch. This will help your foot learn the engagement point of the clutch.

--Steve"


When you say realease the clutch without stepping on the gas do you mean actually realeasing the clutch all the way? Wouldn't that stall the car out? Or do you mean release the clutch to the engament point, have the car start going forward, and then hit the gas?

 

Slowly release the clutch until you hear/feel it "bite". The car should start moving. When it starts pickup up momentum, you can release the clutch completely. Thus, using the clutch without stepping on the gas pedal.
Just relax, think of other things rather than the clutch. I haven't driven MT for over 4 yrs and it took a little while for me to get used to it and I find that when you're not thinking about it, the ride's a lot smoother. When you think about it...*clunk*@#$$%#$@%, then you have to turn the key again...ENJOY!

G35S 6MT
Diamond Graphite/Graphite
Premium Package