Need tips how to shift smoothly

GraphiteZ · 08-07-2014, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dudev

I experienced the same thing when I got my Z last year. The problem for me was that the near simultaneous let-off-gas-cluch motion that I used would always be rough with the Z. Since then I've learned that if I let my foot off the gas a bit earlier than I was used to before clutching the jerkiness goes away. The torque and heavier flywheel make this technique necessary.

I found releasing the gas paddle earlier helps too.

b15 · 08-07-2014, 01:27 PM

The lighter spring helped me engage better 1st better. For me, the stock spring always seemed to 'kick back' at the engagement point (which is higher than I like), and it caused me to be jerky.

With the 1-2 shift, I have to force myself to wait for the revs to come down a bit before engaging when cruising around town. When I was new to the MT Z, numerous people told me to shift relative to the amount of acceleration. IE.) Shift slower when driving normally, then shift faster when beating on it. The Z does not like rushed shifts if you're driving like a granny.

JARblue · 08-11-2014, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by b15

For me, the stock spring always seemed to 'kick back' at the engagement point (which is higher than I like), and it caused me to be jerky.

And tell me why don't you have an RJM pedal assembly again?

The 'kick back' is in the stock pedal assembly. There is a pivot point in the pedal travel even with the spring completely removed. I have an OEM one sitting on my garage floor and could demonstrate this. The RJM pedal is completely smooth and linear. Plus you can adjust the engagement

Quote:

Originally Posted by katjmmx

So far it seems like you really have to find that smooth clutch engage point and give it gas at exactly that point every single time. Otherwise the jerkiness will be there if I'm even a millisecond late with the gas. A nice smooth 1st to 2nd shift in my babygirl always feels like a huge accomplishment.

It doesn't help that the throttle response is very muted at low rpms in low gear in the stock tune. I found my aftermarket tune helped me with more consistent throttle control when modulating the clutch.

b15 · 08-11-2014, 10:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JARblue

And tell me why don't you have an RJM pedal assembly again?

The 'kick back' is in the stock pedal assembly. There is a pivot point in the pedal travel even with the spring completely removed. I have an OEM one sitting on my garage floor and could demonstrate this. The RJM pedal is completely smooth and linear. Plus you can adjust the engagement

Honestly I thought the OEM assembly felt fine without a spring, I just didn't like the 'slop' so I installed the lighter spring. I think Nissan shouldve had the light spring from the factory. I also adjusted the stock clutch travel via a DIY i saw on the 350 forum. I've read a lot of rave reviews on the RJM, but it's not at the top of my list for mods right now since I'm content with the clutch with these two mods

tnav · 08-11-2014, 10:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cobra

Funny as it may sound but I need tips how to drive my 6 speed Z.
I cannot seem to get the hang of it from 1st to 2nd gear. It's always a little jerky when I release the clutch because it grabs so fast compare to my last car.
At what RPM is the best point to shift between 1st and 2nd. It seems to be
smoother when I don't rev the engine too high between shifts and keep the speed low. The higher gears are ok but it's between 1st and 2nd gears that cause me problems. I don't want my wife to snap her neck on her first ride with me, it will be embarassing. I've had the car for a full week of commuting now, stalled maybe twice but I'm better now. It's not my first 6 speed but this one is different.
I try not to push the clutch too far down and not rev too high,is it the best way,what's your technique, thanks

Only use the first 50% of the clutch pedal, not all the way, life becomes so much better after

Davey · 08-12-2014, 07:41 AM

Shifting gears is hard... That's why everybody buys automatics.

Practice, practice, practice. The Z is definitely not one of the easier cars to shift smoothly from 1-2 a lower speeds, but it's not that hard.

When driving slowly, shift out of 1st at 2,000 RPM.

When driving fast, shift at redline... Smooth as butter.

When driving moderately quickly, shift at 4,000 - 5,000 RPM.

When driving as fast as the slow-poke in front of you... Have a jerky shift.

At least, that's when it always happens to me.

JARblue · 08-12-2014, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by b15

Honestly I thought the OEM assembly felt fine without a spring, I just didn't like the 'slop' so I installed the lighter spring. I think Nissan shouldve had the light spring from the factory. I also adjusted the stock clutch travel via a DIY i saw on the 350 forum. I've read a lot of rave reviews on the RJM, but it's not at the top of my list for mods right now since I'm content with the clutch with these two mods

I ran OEM for 2.5 years. I just adjusted and had no issues. After removing the spring, I meant to purchase the lighter spring. But I'm a procrastinator who lucked out because 4 months later my wife purchased the RJM clutch pedal assembly for me for my birthday. I have seen the light now. The OEM pedal is complete garbage. Had I known the truth about the RJM pedal at the time of purchase, it would have been the first mod on the car.

In trying to "help" people operate the clutch, Nissan has just impeded those who do know how to operate a clutch from getting the most out of the vehicle.

Aescen · 08-12-2014, 09:09 AM

I've slowly been adjusting to the Z clutch. I think I found the sweet spot from 1st-2nd at around 2.5k RPM. Just release the clutch nice and slow and hold for a second where it catches before you let off. I'm probably going to replace it sometime down the road, but with enough driving you'll get used to it.

b15 · 08-12-2014, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JARblue

I ran OEM for 2.5 years. I just adjusted and had no issues. After removing the spring, I meant to purchase the lighter spring. But I'm a procrastinator who lucked out because 4 months later my wife purchased the RJM clutch pedal assembly for me for my birthday. I have seen the light now. The OEM pedal is complete garbage. Had I known the truth about the RJM pedal at the time of purchase, it would have been the first mod on the car.

In trying to "help" people operate the clutch, Nissan has just impeded those who do know how to operate a clutch from getting the most out of the vehicle.

Also I wish my wife bought my car parts. She flat out told me she'll never do that

JARblue · 08-12-2014, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by b15

Also I wish my wife bought my car parts. She flat out told me she'll never do that

This was the first time ever. It was a long struggle, but I finally won. Don't give up

kenchan · 08-12-2014, 11:07 AM

while the clutch spring does help a lot, i still think it's the throttle lag that gets new drivers confused. even seasoned MT drivers will need some getting used to at first in a Z to accelerate smoothly 100% of the time.

JARblue · 08-12-2014, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenchan

while the clutch spring does help a lot, i still think it's the throttle lag that gets new drivers confused. even seasoned MT drivers will need some getting used to at first in a Z to accelerate smoothly 100% of the time.

Very true. My research indicates that at low RPM and low gear, the throttle can be muted by as much as 50% of available throttle in addition to laggy response on the stock tune.

kenchan · 08-12-2014, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JARblue

Very true. My research indicates that at low RPM and low gear, the throttle can be muted by as much as 50% of available throttle in addition to laggy response on the stock tune.

yah, and the eco-mode the ecu seems to want to go into after a lazy cruise is also a problem for me too.
like i'd be cruising down a nice path and im ready to punch it at the next intersection.. the ecu is

zzzz...
then like a second later it wakes up.

oh you want wat, moar power?

kenchan · 08-12-2014, 11:22 AM

it's even worse in my honda fit.

thing always wants to go into eco mode...

cooltoy · 08-12-2014, 11:26 AM

Doesn't the fit only have one mode? Eco.

08-12-2014, 09:09 AM	#53 (permalink)
Aescen Base Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 103 Drives: 09 Nissan 370Z MB M6 Rep Power: 11	I've slowly been adjusting to the Z clutch. I think I found the sweet spot from 1st-2nd at around 2.5k RPM. Just release the clutch nice and slow and hold for a second where it catches before you let off. I'm probably going to replace it sometime down the road, but with enough driving you'll get used to it. __________________ '09 Touring +Sport 6MT Nismo Black Aluminum Shift Knob - Custom Audio Build

08-12-2014, 11:26 AM	#60 (permalink)
cooltoy Elite Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Calgary Posts: 13,971 Drives: 14 PW 370Z S/T MT Rep Power: 243722	Doesn't the fit only have one mode? Eco. __________________ Member of kenchan's "photoshopped mods" and "proper offsets" gang.

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08-07-2014, 01:27 PM	#47 (permalink)
b15 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Chicago Posts: 3,229 Drives: 4drz Rep Power: 36571	The lighter spring helped me engage better 1st better. For me, the stock spring always seemed to 'kick back' at the engagement point (which is higher than I like), and it caused me to be jerky. With the 1-2 shift, I have to force myself to wait for the revs to come down a bit before engaging when cruising around town. When I was new to the MT Z, numerous people told me to shift relative to the amount of acceleration. IE.) Shift slower when driving normally, then shift faster when beating on it. The Z does not like rushed shifts if you're driving like a granny.

08-12-2014, 07:41 AM	#51 (permalink)
Davey A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Indiana Posts: 3,766 Drives: '15 NISMO 6MT Rep Power: 117171	Shifting gears is hard... That's why everybody buys automatics. Practice, practice, practice. The Z is definitely not one of the easier cars to shift smoothly from 1-2 a lower speeds, but it's not that hard. When driving slowly, shift out of 1st at 2,000 RPM. When driving fast, shift at redline... Smooth as butter. When driving moderately quickly, shift at 4,000 - 5,000 RPM. When driving as fast as the slow-poke in front of you... Have a jerky shift. At least, that's when it always happens to me.

08-12-2014, 11:07 AM	#56 (permalink)
kenchan A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: N/A Posts: 76,801 Drives: N/A Rep Power: 141521	while the clutch spring does help a lot, i still think it's the throttle lag that gets new drivers confused. even seasoned MT drivers will need some getting used to at first in a Z to accelerate smoothly 100% of the time.

08-12-2014, 11:22 AM	#59 (permalink)
kenchan A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: N/A Posts: 76,801 Drives: N/A Rep Power: 141521	it's even worse in my honda fit. thing always wants to go into eco mode...