HELP! Need Adivce on 6MT

Znewb · 09-15-2009, 10:05 AM

I am new to driving stick, and I dont have a problem stalling or with starting on hills etc. I am just worrying about burning out the clutch too quickly. Anyway i just wanted to see check if I am downshifting incorrectly.

To downshift: I take my foot off the gas, depress the clutch and shift to the next lower gear, and as I am coming off the clutch i am blipping the gas to get my rpms higher so i dont buck the car.

I read that pressing the gas while the clutch is engaged is harmful so whats the deal?

semtex · 09-15-2009, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Znewb

I am new to driving stick, and I dont have a problem stalling or with starting on hills etc. I am just worrying about burning out the clutch too quickly. Anyway i just wanted to see check if I am downshifting incorrectly.

To downshift: I take my foot off the gas, depress the clutch and shift to the next lower gear, and as I am coming off the clutch i am blipping the gas to get my rpms higher so i dont buck the car.

I read that pressing the gas while the clutch is engaged is harmful so whats the deal?

You're doing it right. What you're doing is called rev-matching, and it's a good thing, not a bad thing. I'd be interested to know what the logic is of those who argue that it's harmful.

Znewb · 09-15-2009, 10:49 AM

yea the only time i know for sure im burning the clutch is in reverse. I ride the clutch for better control. its only backing out of spaces and the driveway so i dont think it is that harmful...

semtex · 09-15-2009, 11:17 AM

Well, riding the clutch and blipping the throttle are two entirely different things. As long as you're not riding the clutch when you downshift I think you should be fine.

Znewb · 09-15-2009, 11:22 AM

nah im coming off the clutch and as i get near the top i am blipping the throttle and fully coming off the clutch in one motion for the most part.

kannibul · 09-15-2009, 12:12 PM

Riding the clutch is defined as having your foot resting (or more) on the pedal while the car is in gear. It decreases the pressure on the clutch (slightly if resting) causing slip, and, puts pressure on your throwout bearing, putting a lot more wear on it. Kind of like riding the brakes...

Clutches can take a LOT of abuse and neglect - unlike 20 years ago. Sitting at a stoplight, technically you should be in neutral and not touch the clutch until you can safely enguage the clutch into 1st gear completely....but people sit at a light with it in 1st gear, clutch pedal to the floor (or almost...), and they seem to hold up for 100K+

09-15-2009, 10:05 AM	#1 (permalink)
Znewb Base Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: NJ Posts: 20 Drives: 2009 370z m6 Rep Power: 16	HELP! Need Adivce on 6MT I am new to driving stick, and I dont have a problem stalling or with starting on hills etc. I am just worrying about burning out the clutch too quickly. Anyway i just wanted to see check if I am downshifting incorrectly. To downshift: I take my foot off the gas, depress the clutch and shift to the next lower gear, and as I am coming off the clutch i am blipping the gas to get my rpms higher so i dont buck the car. I read that pressing the gas while the clutch is engaged is harmful so whats the deal?

09-15-2009, 11:17 AM	#4 (permalink)
semtex A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Behind enemy lines Age: 54 Posts: 5,995 Drives: People to drink Rep Power: 32	Well, riding the clutch and blipping the throttle are two entirely different things. As long as you're not riding the clutch when you downshift I think you should be fine. __________________ "There are no small accidents on this circuit." -- Ayrton Senna 316.8whp & 248 ft/lbs (Dyno Dynamics) \| 319whp & 256 ft/lbs (DynoJet) (04/23/10) Stillen G3 CAI, CBE, Pulley / F.I. LTH / GTSpec Ladder Brace / Setrab Oil Cooler / UpRev-tuned by Forged Perf.

09-15-2009, 10:49 AM	#3 (permalink)
Znewb Base Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: NJ Posts: 20 Drives: 2009 370z m6 Rep Power: 16	yea the only time i know for sure im burning the clutch is in reverse. I ride the clutch for better control. its only backing out of spaces and the driveway so i dont think it is that harmful...

09-15-2009, 11:22 AM	#5 (permalink)
Znewb Base Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: NJ Posts: 20 Drives: 2009 370z m6 Rep Power: 16	nah im coming off the clutch and as i get near the top i am blipping the throttle and fully coming off the clutch in one motion for the most part.

09-15-2009, 12:12 PM	#6 (permalink)
kannibul A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Jenks, OK Posts: 2,281 Drives: 370z Touring/Sport Rep Power: 267	Riding the clutch is defined as having your foot resting (or more) on the pedal while the car is in gear. It decreases the pressure on the clutch (slightly if resting) causing slip, and, puts pressure on your throwout bearing, putting a lot more wear on it. Kind of like riding the brakes... Clutches can take a LOT of abuse and neglect - unlike 20 years ago. Sitting at a stoplight, technically you should be in neutral and not touch the clutch until you can safely enguage the clutch into 1st gear completely....but people sit at a light with it in 1st gear, clutch pedal to the floor (or almost...), and they seem to hold up for 100K+