Need some help with shifting.

pbhakta · 02-28-2012, 09:03 AM

I installed the helper spring which helped out a lot as well, but when I was trying to learn to shift with the OEM Spring, I found it helpful to plant the heel into the ground when using the clutch and just pivoting your foot to let the pedal slide under your foot when letting off the clutch. This helped me control the release and make it slower since the OEM Spring had a tendency to want to push the pedal back out at me really quickly which would cause the jumpiness or out right stall.

I also learned how to drive manual on this car and spent a weekend in an empty parking lot just practicing from stop to 1st and repeated until I got it down smoothly.

Gauge · 02-28-2012, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pbhakta

I found it helpful to plant the heel into the ground when using the clutch and just pivoting your foot to let the pedal slide under your foot when letting off the clutch. This helped me control the release and make it slower since the OEM Spring had a tendency to want to push the pedal back out at me really quickly which would cause the jumpiness or out right stall.

You sir are my hero. Tried this and it is MUCH easier. Like night and day now. Much easier to find the exact point at which is catches. It's still small but since the foot is planted it gives you a lot more control to keep that tense spring where you need to in order to get it.

vividracing · 02-28-2012, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gauge

You sir are my hero. Tried this and it is MUCH easier. Like night and day now. Much easier to find the exact point at which is catches. It's still small but since the foot is planted it gives you a lot more control to keep that tense spring where you need to in order to get it.

His method is the way I use the clutch on 90% of the stick shift cars I drive. Also, like others have said swap out the helper spring. Also, the Z doesn't have a ton of torque for it's weight, so you'll need to give it a bit of gas.

pbhakta · 02-28-2012, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gauge

You sir are my hero. Tried this and it is MUCH easier. Like night and day now. Much easier to find the exact point at which is catches. It's still small but since the foot is planted it gives you a lot more control to keep that tense spring where you need to in order to get it.

I'm glad I could help out. I still would recommend getting the Helper Spring as it helps a lot. If you are unsure about how it would feel, many members removed the OEM spring all together to get a feel for what it would be like without the spring in there. If its something you like, then the spring is very inexpensive to order and installs in less than 20 mins.

Gauge · 02-28-2012, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pbhakta

I'm glad I could help out. I still would recommend getting the Helper Spring as it helps a lot. If you are unsure about how it would feel, many members removed the OEM spring all together to get a feel for what it would be like without the spring in there. If its something you like, then the spring is very inexpensive to order and installs in less than 20 mins.

I already ordered one.

Winters · 02-28-2012, 06:42 PM

Not just the clutch, but the gas pedal is touchy as can be! While getting used to the Mo, I avoided wearing heavy shoes.

Also, I have found that I have a better feel for the clutch using the ball of my foot, almost on my toes gives me the best control. And the 1st to 2nd shift is smoother for me if I shift more quickly.

Rusty · 02-28-2012, 10:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Winters

Not just the clutch, but the gas pedal is touchy as can be! While getting used to the Mo, I avoided wearing heavy shoes.

Also, I have found that I have a better feel for the clutch using the ball of my foot, almost on my toes gives me the best control. And the 1st to 2nd shift is smoother for me if I shift more quickly.

Shoes have alot to do with the feel of it. The lighter the shoe. The more feel you have. The 1st to 2nd gear shift. Sometimes I think the gear ratios are a tad too far apart. If they was closer. You wouldn't drop too many rpms. You wouldn't have as big of a problem.

ZMan8 · 02-28-2012, 11:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rusty

Shoes have alot to do with the feel of it. The lighter the shoe. The more feel you have. The 1st to 2nd gear shift. Somethings I think the gear ratios are a tad too far apart. If they was closer. You wouldn't drop too many rpms. You wouldn't have as big of a problem.

thin soles on the shoes!

02-28-2012, 06:42 PM	#6 (permalink)
Winters Base Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: West Los Angeles Posts: 16 Drives: 2011 Black Nismo Rep Power: 15	Not just the clutch, but the gas pedal is touchy as can be! While getting used to the Mo, I avoided wearing heavy shoes. Also, I have found that I have a better feel for the clutch using the ball of my foot, almost on my toes gives me the best control. And the 1st to 2nd shift is smoother for me if I shift more quickly. __________________ 2011 Magnetic Black NISMO: Kenwood DDX418, Polk Audio, Dynamat, Z1 25 row oil cooler, 4.08 differential, Stillen G3's

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02-28-2012, 09:03 AM	#1 (permalink)
pbhakta Enthusiast Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Kansas City Posts: 333 Drives: 11 GM 370z T/S 6MT Rep Power: 15	I installed the helper spring which helped out a lot as well, but when I was trying to learn to shift with the OEM Spring, I found it helpful to plant the heel into the ground when using the clutch and just pivoting your foot to let the pedal slide under your foot when letting off the clutch. This helped me control the release and make it slower since the OEM Spring had a tendency to want to push the pedal back out at me really quickly which would cause the jumpiness or out right stall. I also learned how to drive manual on this car and spent a weekend in an empty parking lot just practicing from stop to 1st and repeated until I got it down smoothly.