Downshifting to 2nd or 1st while moving (technique)

ZMan8

Copied from 2009 owners manual AK posted

For normal acceleration in low altitude areas
[less than 4,000 ft (1,219 m)]:
Gear change MPH (km/h)
1st to 2nd 8 (13)
2nd to 3rd 16 (26)
3rd to 4th 25 (40)
4th to 5th 28 (45)
5th to 6th 33 (53)
For quick acceleration in low altitude areas or in
high altitude areas [over 4,000 ft (1,219 m)]:
Gear change MPH (km/h)
1st to 2nd 15 (24)
2nd to 3rd 25 (40)
3rd to 4th 40 (64)
4th to 5th 45 (72)
5th to 6th 50 (80)

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2010 370Z 40 Anniv., 6 MT | Fast Intentions | Swift Springs | SPC | Z1Motorsports | JWM | Redline Oils | 35% Window Tint
2015 Mazda6 | 370ZChicago: Chicago Area Cars & Coffee

ZMan8

o and for anybody interested the max speed for each gear:
Gear MPH (km/h)
1st 38 (62)
2nd 63 (102)
3rd 91 (146)
4th —
5th —
6th —

__________________
2010 370Z 40 Anniv., 6 MT | Fast Intentions | Swift Springs | SPC | Z1Motorsports | JWM | Redline Oils | 35% Window Tint
2015 Mazda6 | 370ZChicago: Chicago Area Cars & Coffee

ZMan8

To answer OP, dont shift into 1 if your already moving. The only time i shift into 1 is when the car is traveling around 2-3 mph. If you're in neutral going 5-15 (maybe 20) mph shift into second. 20-30 shift into 3rd. This should limit any bogging. SRM should rev up enough to make it smooth. With the early shifts 1 & 2, my advice is make the shifts slower.

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2010 370Z 40 Anniv., 6 MT | Fast Intentions | Swift Springs | SPC | Z1Motorsports | JWM | Redline Oils | 35% Window Tint
2015 Mazda6 | 370ZChicago: Chicago Area Cars & Coffee

ESPdrunx

Thanks for the response. So when rolling up hill in second and traffic becomes too slow for second (but never stops), the appropriate way to keep from stalling is by rev matching into first? I usually face this issue when going up a ramp to a freeway with a quick red/green light. coming to a complete stop and shifting into first is not always an option wit cali drivers behind me (sorry to the op for thread jacking lol).

Vaughanabe13

I think they're saying you shouldn't shift into first in those situations, but I could be wrong. Unless you're basically at a stop. Would the correct solution be to just brake a tad bit and stay engaged in second and then just give it barely enough gas not to stall?

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2009 Nissan 370Z Touring, w/sport, 6MT, chicane yellow/black.

Cmike2780

I think a lot of it has to do with getting comfortable with 2nd gear. When first learning to drive a manual, I always felt like I was going stall in 2nd gear. You find out though, that as long as the car is moving forward, chances are, it won't stall. If you feel like you're about to stop, below 5 mph, disengage the clutch and shift to 1st. If I understand this correctly though, you should get into the habit of rowing down through the gears... very easy with syncro rev.

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[09][MB][6-Spd MT][Touring][Stillen Gen III][K&N][Borla CBE][Evo-R]

Vaughanabe13

Yeah I think I'm just not really comfortable with how slow is acceptable in 2nd without stalling.

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2009 Nissan 370Z Touring, w/sport, 6MT, chicane yellow/black.

elmz

Just reading you say "should I down shift to 2nd or 1st" makes me say "yikes!" There is no need to drop into first unless you are on a slow roll, 2nd will do.

Spikuh

You can CRAWL in 2nd without really getting into trouble and IMO, if you are traveling at least 10mph, you should stay out of 1st once rolling. Honestly, I am not sure if the car will even let you into 1st going that speed without some effort.

Just keep practicing and you will have it under control in no time.

6MT

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Andrew

2009 370Z Sport/Touring 6MT sold
2013 Honda Civic Si coupe D/D

WAGAWAGA

what vivid said. This is my first manual car also, but I learned never to put in neutral unless you are at a complete stop (safety reasons). And from your description I would just rev match downshift (not heeltoe) from 4th to 3rd, then if you still need to slow down i'll heel toe to 2nd gear. Its really hard to heeltoe from 4th to 3rd @35, it can be done but i think its just better to downshift without hitting the brakes.

kenchan

Too lazy to read the entire thread but if you are moving use 2nd gear.

theboydiddy

My father said the clutch is perfect. I feel like is to high, I can't even put my heel on the ground because the clutch push my feet backwards. Since I'm still getting used to it. I feel like is better for me to practice that way so when I get other cars it will be easier a little I suppose.
Thank you everyone.

Nick911sc

I can keep my heel on the floor while regulating the clutch. But I suppose I might have a bigger foot than you or something lol.

Also, changing the clutch helper spring will help get rid of some of that rebound pushing your foot backwards.

theboydiddy

I don't think you have a bigger foot. My clutch is really really up high. Like I have to let go all the way and just a tad bit at the end is when the gear engage it. And the kick back is ridiculous too. Is like if someone was kicking me on the foot. After a good 20 min ride my left leg HURTS !!!!