Someone stated that they dont depress their clutch all the way to shift, just slightly passed the engagement point... how do the rest of you feel about that?
Do you guys do it? does it really do harm, or is it just a myth?

I depress all the way. I heard not depressing the clutch all the way in could shorten the life span of the clutch. Not sure if its true though.

All new manual drivers should be taught to press the clutch pedal all the way down to the floor. But yes, it is true you can still find the engagement point without going all the way to the floor. Is it safe? Not so much unless you are perfect every time. If the clutch isn't fully disengaged while trying to make a shift, its going to put more wear and tear/stress on the syncros. Like I said, it can be done but you have to find that sweet spot every time. I've grind gears before trying to do a quick shift and I was just a fraction of an inch off with the pedal. Better safe than sorry, I just put it to the floor.

This might be a dumb question, but how do I know if im grinding gears? I can imagine what it might sound like.. but is it something loud and noticeable?

Yes, its loud, plus you'll feel the resistance in the shifter.

Something else I would like to add that I think you might know...
Whenever I shift from 1st to 2nd there is a weird noise that comes from somewhere, like a few clunks, is this normal? sometimes when I shift to 2nd in a high RPM it doesnt happen. I usually shift to 2nd at 2-2.5K.

This is my first Manual car and I get paranoid that I might break the clutch or something.

The Z gearbox does make a bit of noise...pretty normal. As far as breaking your clutch, you can't really break it, rather burn it. If you are burning up your clutch you will smell it. Kind of smells like a light ballast burning out.

You picked an advanced car/clutch to learn manual from.

I think that's the best way of learning lol. Because then everything else would be a piece of home made, freshly baked, heavenly smelling, strawberry iced, marble cake.
But on a serious note, I pretty much got a hang of it now. Every once in a while I might not shift so smoothly, but Im sure that happens to anyone.

Also, dont use the clutch pedal as a foot rest in traffic.

So I assume that you have practiced taking off from a stop heading up a steep hill so that you are able to do it effortlessly when some nincompoop is right on your butt? :stirthepot:

Is there a cutaway of the Zs trans? I wouldn't doubt that the first and reverse gears are cut a little different to handle the strain of being such a high ratio.

I've driven manual gearboxes since I started driving. Like everyone said, the point where it grabs is a little high compared to most cars. I had an EVO9 before and they are very similar in pedal travel and catch point, so it was an easy transition for me.

And regarding not pushing the clutch all the way in when shifting, I usually don't when driving normally. My seat is positioned far enough so there is about an inch of pedal travel left when depressing the clutch at a very comfortable position. If I need to depress it fully, I just fully extend my left leg (during aggressive driving).

Just wanted to share, I'm sure most of you know this

"You can upshift a manual transmission starting from 1st gear without ever using the clutch"