u will feel the ecu burn the last bit of fuel with a slight bump in 4th while rolling. thats when i slide the gear into neutral without using the clutch to roll to a stop.

im usually in 3rd gear though while approaching a stop.

and shift it into 1st gear just a second before you actually stop and slide it back into neutral, clutch-out. this aligns the folk to the holes so that you can shift into 1st easily when the light turns green.

otherwise you might encounter your gear shifter rejecting u into 1st gear unless you roll ur car forward or aft. since ure a newb, u might panic and kingkong the shifter into 1st which can damage it.

Hello again,

Much more improvement today. Shifting from 1st gear on wards is piece of cake. Feeling much more confortable, actually feels great when my shifts go as planned and don't give the car a jerk.

Here's a question that's been bothering me, the only thing that I don't know what it means or if its related:

Sometimes, not always, when I come to a stop from 3rd or 4rth gear, switching into 1st gear makes kind of a "zzzzz" sound, as if the car doesn't want me to switch. I have to kind of force myself into 1st gear. Also sometimes when I'm in 1st and I'm just using my clutch, there seems to be a sound, really fast, "tiktiktiktiktik". Am I doing something wrong?

Thanks

CONGRATS on the car!! It's going to be SOO worth it. A manual Z is the way to go!

Second, all normal sounds, this is a very noisy transmission but that's bc of how built and truly track ready it can be. Some of your fastest best race cars have the noisiest trannys.

Few pointers, don't ever put the car in 1st unless you are coming to a stop or very very close to it. Your second gear is low enough that even if you are at 5 mph you can be in second and keep going.

Biggest thing that helped me learning was I always thought you have to either be pushing in the clutch OR the pedal, not both and that's so far from the truth it's not even funny. When I first get into a car, any manual, I immediately find the clutches release point by just pushing it in and out a little. If you can't tell, try putting the car in 1st and WITHOUT even touching the gas sloooowly release the clutch and the car will actually start to inch forward. Without you even pushing the gas. Once you found that you've found right about your point that you want to start feathering the gas when you want to go. Keeping the clutch slightly engaged, start to increase on the gas a little. This is normal wear and tear on the clutch and you may even burn it a little but that's OK. Clutches are replaceable and normal wear and tear items. Seriously whenever in doubt BURN that clutch. LOL especially when coming from a stop uphill. Find that release point on the clutch and just before it, start to accelerate. You will need practice on how to feather the gas and disengage the clutch simultaneously. Not instantly, but together. This will make your transitions so much smoother... and seriously the ladies LOVE smoooooth.

The best analogy that always helped me is it's just like relay racing. When you are running with a baton in your hand you go to hand it to the next racer, for a split second you are both holding the baton, you make sure he has it THEN you let go. You don't throw the baton at them or let it go like it's a hot potato. Treat the clutch the same way. pass it along to the gas. You can do that literally ever transition as you go. :)

Hope that helps and congrats on the amazing piece of machinery!:happydance:

Awesome man thanks! From the advice I got here, ive gained a lot of confidence. Spent the last 2 hours on a slight hill just clutching... trying to hit that engage point as fast as I can. I think in 2-3 days i'll be driving around the city without the fear of rolling back into someone.

Thanks!! loving the Z this car picks up so much speed in 2nd and 3rd gear I'm still getting used to it.

Everytime i come outside the house it puts a smile on my face. You guys are all awesome thanks!!

Look up #2 in my previous post, I guaranty it will make your life much easier and you would enjoy driving your manual Z more.

Don't forget that you can use the handbrake trick on hills. Use the handbrake to hold the car instead of the foot brake. That way you can have both feet ready for the clutch and accelerator. When it's time to move, just get to the engagement point, give some gas, and release the handbrake. That way you don't roll back at all.

vooshhz, My Z has been sitting in the driveway since Memorial Day. I'm still smiling.

This!! Until you get comfortable with quickly switching feet from brake to accelerator, use the handbrake :)

Also, side note - I adjusted my RJM Clutch pedal a day ago and the shift is MUCH smoother from 1->2. So glad I have it :D

unless it is a super slope like san fransisco, i just use the side of my right foot while holding the brake to blip and start. of course this is for an advanced MT driver who also knows how to heel and toe without SRM.