New 370Z owner from Chicago

[370_Z_Illini]

Hi All,

New to the 370Z as well as the forum! Just bought the car a couple of weeks ago and loving every minute of it. 2011 Red Z touring w/ Sport package. Had a few questions.

First of all, any advice on shifting in the Z? The starts from first to second and second to third have been getting better but I am still feeling that "thud" or jerk when letting go of the clutch and depressing the accelerator. Is this damaging to the car? The times that I have a easy transition into second or third is when I am very gentle on the RPM's (under 2-3K) but the starts are so slow that cars left and right are overtaking me. Any advice or will i just get better with time?

When accelerating in first gear from a complete stop, I am finding that gently giving it a bit of gas while letting go of the clutch prevents the jerking motion somewhat. Will this ruin or wear down the clutch prematurely?

Any other advice for this newby would be great!

I am excited to be part of this great forum!