(Manual noob) Had a little trouble starting in 1st gear at test drive

bigdog1250 · 07-01-2012, 01:22 PM

If you know this bit of information it make getting started a whole lot easier. If on flat ground, most cars should be able to start and get going simply by letting the clutch out slowly with NO additional throttle. Once you start mastering that, then try adding throttle as you take off.

Fabio88 · 07-01-2012, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vaughanabe13

I learned manual on a beater Ford Taurus and while I know the basics, I'm definitely still a novice on manual trans (been driving auto since I learned to drive). The only reason I'm learning is because I want my Z to have manual. So after I learned the ropes I went and test drove a manual Z34. I figured it would be much different than the Ford and my suspicions were correct. Overall I didn't have too hard of a time but my biggest problem was first gear starts. Basically, I couldn't start smoothly every time, I was getting bucking/jerking when letting out the clutch. It was particularly hard because my shoes were wet from the rain and my foot was slipping all over the place but really it's just my lack of manual experience and what to do in those situations. I never actually stalled the car but did have a tough time on the first gear starts. I was hoping you guys could give me advice specific to the 370z (or manual cars in general) so that on my next test drive I can fix this issue and not embarrass myself as much. Any help is appreciated!

here's your answer bro through it in syncro rev that will help you out.

danegrey · 07-01-2012, 07:39 PM

LOL, you are not the only one who had problems, when I test drove the 370Z for the first time it was like I did not know how to drive a clutch. (Car I was driving before the Z was 91 Mustang GT 5 spd). I had initial problems on hills and felt like it rolled back quicker. It was a whole new learning experience. Still have some problems on the 1st shift after 9 months.

SmallermouseZ · 07-01-2012, 11:38 PM

No sweat, I bought my Z before I even know how to drive standard.

poorazn · 07-02-2012, 09:32 AM

My advice, if you're having continued problems getting a smooth shift, go bare left foot. (I believe it is illegal to drive barefoot in some states) I'm not saying wear no shoes, saying wear shoes on right foot, and bare foot left :P

You get a much better feel for the clutch.

07-01-2012, 01:22 PM	#61 (permalink)
bigdog1250 Track Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: San Francisco Posts: 846 Drives: 991.2 GT3 Rep Power: 18	If you know this bit of information it make getting started a whole lot easier. If on flat ground, most cars should be able to start and get going simply by letting the clutch out slowly with NO additional throttle. Once you start mastering that, then try adding throttle as you take off. __________________ 350z / 40th 370z / C6 Z06 / BMW M4 / V10 R8 / C7 Grand Spot / 997.1 GT3 / S2K / Camaro ZL1 / 718 GTS / 991.2 GT3

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07-01-2012, 07:39 PM	#63 (permalink)
danegrey A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Knoxville Age: 71 Posts: 3,190 Drives: 12 370Z BK Cherry M6 Rep Power: 649540	LOL, you are not the only one who had problems, when I test drove the 370Z for the first time it was like I did not know how to drive a clutch. (Car I was driving before the Z was 91 Mustang GT 5 spd). I had initial problems on hills and felt like it rolled back quicker. It was a whole new learning experience. Still have some problems on the 1st shift after 9 months.

07-01-2012, 11:38 PM	#64 (permalink)
SmallermouseZ Enthusiast Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Vancouver Posts: 368 Drives: 2012pw 6mt sport/nav Rep Power: 14	No sweat, I bought my Z before I even know how to drive standard.

07-02-2012, 09:32 AM	#65 (permalink)
poorazn Base Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: DC Posts: 176 Drives: 11 370Z BC M6 Sprt Rep Power: 14	My advice, if you're having continued problems getting a smooth shift, go bare left foot. (I believe it is illegal to drive barefoot in some states) I'm not saying wear no shoes, saying wear shoes on right foot, and bare foot left :P You get a much better feel for the clutch.