Originally Posted by GeauxTigers1

CONGRATS on the car!! It's going to be SOO worth it. A manual Z is the way to go!

Second, all normal sounds, this is a very noisy transmission but that's bc of how built and truly track ready it can be. Some of your fastest best race cars have the noisiest trannys.

Few pointers, don't ever put the car in 1st unless you are coming to a stop or very very close to it. Your second gear is low enough that even if you are at 5 mph you can be in second and keep going.

Biggest thing that helped me learning was I always thought you have to either be pushing in the clutch OR the pedal, not both and that's so far from the truth it's not even funny. When I first get into a car, any manual, I immediately find the clutches release point by just pushing it in and out a little. If you can't tell, try putting the car in 1st and WITHOUT even touching the gas sloooowly release the clutch and the car will actually start to inch forward. Without you even pushing the gas. Once you found that you've found right about your point that you want to start feathering the gas when you want to go. Keeping the clutch slightly engaged, start to increase on the gas a little. This is normal wear and tear on the clutch and you may even burn it a little but that's OK. Clutches are replaceable and normal wear and tear items. Seriously whenever in doubt BURN that clutch. LOL especially when coming from a stop uphill. Find that release point on the clutch and just before it, start to accelerate. You will need practice on how to feather the gas and disengage the clutch simultaneously. Not instantly, but together. This will make your transitions so much smoother... and seriously the ladies LOVE smoooooth.

The best analogy that always helped me is it's just like relay racing. When you are running with a baton in your hand you go to hand it to the next racer, for a split second you are both holding the baton, you make sure he has it THEN you let go. You don't throw the baton at them or let it go like it's a hot potato. Treat the clutch the same way. pass it along to the gas. You can do that literally ever transition as you go.

Hope that helps and congrats on the amazing piece of machinery!