Need some help with shifting.

ZInferno0248 · 02-28-2012, 12:54 PM

When I test drove my Z (it was the first 370 I'd ever driven) I was surprised at how "truck-like" the transmission and clutch feel. It is very ratchet-like and torquey. I've driven manual trucks that feel smoother, actually. I figure it's just part of what makes the Z the angry little car it is... it has a finicky personality compared to other sports cars I've owned. Everyone above has good points, with time, it gets smoother and smoother. I would not advise teaching someone (especially your girlfriend or wife) how to drive a manual on the Z, though. It's probably a poor choice, lol.

fuct · 02-28-2012, 03:09 PM

ive driven manual transmissions for 15 years and i still look like a noob in my nismo. its a tough car to drive smooth. :\

vividracing · 02-28-2012, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fuct

ive driven manual transmissions for 15 years and i still look like a noob in my nismo. its a tough car to drive smooth. :\

Yeah, the Z is kinda a PITA. E46 BMW is the same way...

forza370z · 02-28-2012, 09:01 PM

After driving NISMO for monthes, I've switched to using my left feet to kick somebody's a** coz it's getting stronger.:P

bigsix · 02-29-2012, 05:59 AM

I stalled the Nismo multiple times on the first test-drive. On the other hand, no stalls in a roadster.

Gauge · 02-29-2012, 07:06 AM

Heh it's nice to see others having the same problems >< Thank's for the support guys.

cv129 · 02-29-2012, 11:12 PM

Z is the first manual car for both my wife and I. Still has stock helper springs in. We struggled for the first couple drives, until I realized to practice getting the car moving w/o using gas.

The Z is powerful enough where it this can be easily done. That method allowed us to really learn the area where the clutch slips, since my only focus is on my left foot. Once I told my wife that, she didnt' stall the car at all during the 2nd lesson (repeated stop-1st-2nd-stop in an empty lot).

You can do it man, no worries.

Gauge · 03-01-2012, 08:04 AM

It's getting better. A lot better. The foot planting that the one poster recommended helped me a ton. Now that I'm getting used to the catch point with the foot plant I can not plant it and get off just fine. It was just really hard to get used to with that tough spring. My new one should arrive soon I would imagine.

Another question though, does it hurt the transmission if I use lower gears to slow down for a stop light? I never bothered doing this in other cars but it's kinda fun in this car is why I ask.

roplusbee · 03-01-2012, 11:48 AM

Agreed. Good to know that you got it together. The NISMO has been a "different" beast in terms of clutch engagement. If you leave the SRM on, it seems to be a lot more forgiving. But then again, what fun is that?

02-28-2012, 12:54 PM	#1 (permalink)
ZInferno0248 Base Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 154 Drives: 2010 370Z Nismo SC'd Rep Power: 15	When I test drove my Z (it was the first 370 I'd ever driven) I was surprised at how "truck-like" the transmission and clutch feel. It is very ratchet-like and torquey. I've driven manual trucks that feel smoother, actually. I figure it's just part of what makes the Z the angry little car it is... it has a finicky personality compared to other sports cars I've owned. Everyone above has good points, with time, it gets smoother and smoother. I would not advise teaching someone (especially your girlfriend or wife) how to drive a manual on the Z, though. It's probably a poor choice, lol. __________________ 2010 370Z Nismo, Silver / GTM Stage-1 SC / Custom Tune / GTM Oil Cooler / FI Resonated Test Pipes / FI CBE / Alpine HU / Focal's / JL AMP & Sub / AP Racing BBK / TTA TE-37's / RE-11's / KW V3's / SPC Camber Arms / Whiteline Sways

02-28-2012, 03:09 PM	#2 (permalink)
fuct A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2009 Location: Sugar Land Posts: 3,692 Drives: 97' Ranger :) Rep Power: 25	ive driven manual transmissions for 15 years and i still look like a noob in my nismo. its a tough car to drive smooth. :\ Optimiser likes this.

02-29-2012, 11:12 PM	#7 (permalink)
cv129 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 3,268 Drives: 09 Nismo, 16 Nismo Rep Power: 163996	Z is the first manual car for both my wife and I. Still has stock helper springs in. We struggled for the first couple drives, until I realized to practice getting the car moving w/o using gas. The Z is powerful enough where it this can be easily done. That method allowed us to really learn the area where the clutch slips, since my only focus is on my left foot. Once I told my wife that, she didnt' stall the car at all during the 2nd lesson (repeated stop-1st-2nd-stop in an empty lot). You can do it man, no worries. Last edited by cv129; 02-29-2012 at 11:36 PM.

03-01-2012, 11:48 AM	#9 (permalink)
roplusbee A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Killeen, TX Posts: 2,360 Drives: 2007 350Z NISMO Rep Power: 23	Agreed. Good to know that you got it together. The NISMO has been a "different" beast in terms of clutch engagement. If you leave the SRM on, it seems to be a lot more forgiving. But then again, what fun is that? __________________ 2007 350Z NISMO #0618: Zerolift \| UPREV \| F.I. \| Greddy \| Competition Clutch \| Injector Dynamics \| Aeromotive \| Pioneer \| JL

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02-28-2012, 09:01 PM	#4 (permalink)
forza370z A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: 403 Forbidden Posts: 2,512 Drives: 2009 NISMO 370Z Rep Power: 19	After driving NISMO for monthes, I've switched to using my left feet to kick somebody's a** coz it's getting stronger.:P

02-29-2012, 05:59 AM	#5 (permalink)
bigsix A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Thailand Posts: 2,227 Drives: Honda City/Mazda 2 Rep Power: 19	I stalled the Nismo multiple times on the first test-drive. On the other hand, no stalls in a roadster.

02-29-2012, 07:06 AM	#6 (permalink)
Gauge Track Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Madison WI Posts: 867 Drives: 2012 370Z Nismo PW Rep Power: 15	Heh it's nice to see others having the same problems >< Thank's for the support guys.

03-01-2012, 08:04 AM	#8 (permalink)
Gauge Track Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Madison WI Posts: 867 Drives: 2012 370Z Nismo PW Rep Power: 15	It's getting better. A lot better. The foot planting that the one poster recommended helped me a ton. Now that I'm getting used to the catch point with the foot plant I can not plant it and get off just fine. It was just really hard to get used to with that tough spring. My new one should arrive soon I would imagine. Another question though, does it hurt the transmission if I use lower gears to slow down for a stop light? I never bothered doing this in other cars but it's kinda fun in this car is why I ask.