Clutch Release Methods

rmorrow · 07-12-2010, 06:51 PM

Waga Waga,
I have driven MT's for many years. The 370Z is not the easiest car to shift SMOOTHLY, especially with shifts between 1st and 2nd. The short throw shifter and synchro-rev match help some.
If you are just learning, part of the problem with a tired leg/foot or jumpiness is due to being tense. Shifting a car is muscle memory...after awhile it just happens without really thinking. In fact, you reach a point where you shift by feel, without even looking at the tach. Where you rest your foot or heel, ankle manipulation versus entire leg, etc. is going to result in paralysis by analysis. The key is really how smoothly you can release the clutch while simultaneously engaging the throttle. Starting from a stop and shifting between 1 and 2 is what you need to master. The best suggestion I can offer is to go to a wide open parking lot after hours and practice starting from a stop, and 1st to 2nd over and over. You can feather the clutch pedal as long as you do not ride the clutch pedal, until you start feeling more comfortable. Get used to shifting and then dropping your left foot on the floor or on the dead pedal, clear of the clutch. Even the best operators shift poorly (not as smoothly) at times. We all work on perfecting our shifts to get as smooth as possible. With the 370Z, especially 1 to 2...it is always practice to perfect. That is per-FECT.

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07-12-2010, 06:51 PM	#22 (permalink)
rmorrow Base Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Houston Posts: 79 Drives: 2010 370z Sports MT Rep Power: 16	Waga Waga, I have driven MT's for many years. The 370Z is not the easiest car to shift SMOOTHLY, especially with shifts between 1st and 2nd. The short throw shifter and synchro-rev match help some. If you are just learning, part of the problem with a tired leg/foot or jumpiness is due to being tense. Shifting a car is muscle memory...after awhile it just happens without really thinking. In fact, you reach a point where you shift by feel, without even looking at the tach. Where you rest your foot or heel, ankle manipulation versus entire leg, etc. is going to result in paralysis by analysis. The key is really how smoothly you can release the clutch while simultaneously engaging the throttle. Starting from a stop and shifting between 1 and 2 is what you need to master. The best suggestion I can offer is to go to a wide open parking lot after hours and practice starting from a stop, and 1st to 2nd over and over. You can feather the clutch pedal as long as you do not ride the clutch pedal, until you start feeling more comfortable. Get used to shifting and then dropping your left foot on the floor or on the dead pedal, clear of the clutch. Even the best operators shift poorly (not as smoothly) at times. We all work on perfecting our shifts to get as smooth as possible. With the 370Z, especially 1 to 2...it is always practice to perfect. That is per-FECT.