How to drive a manual Z smoothly?

jeffreyfranz

BlueMax:

I spent considerable time out driving today, concentrating on shifting and handling. Shabarivas nailed it:

1) In town and in low-speed situations, shift slowly and gently. Drive like a Grannie and, after a while, you'll get smoother and more relaxed with the shifting.

2) In hard driving contexts, shift aggressively and get on the power immediately--shazam! Push the right foot down and feel the power pull you up toward the next shift--very gratifying.

Hope that helps. Now for real fun, turn the VDC off and and go for it. Oh, yeah...

kenchan

and CRUNCH! no need to shift aggressively or slam the throttle wide for fast acceleration. smooth is the way to go.

jeffreyfranz

No, I have never yet CRUNCHed my transmission on this admittedly new car (1200 miles)--I suppose there's still time. I simply meant not to be afraid of the car. In "hard driving contexts" (remember that?)... oh, never mind. It is absolutely not necessary to brutalize the car in order to shift aggressively (or drive aggressively, for that matter), and "getting on the power early" ("slam" was your word) is a necessary and desirable part of high-performance driving. Doing it all smoothly; that is where we are in complete agreement.

jharmal

I just purchased a 09 370z and im having that same clunk problem from 1st to 2nd. No matter how many different ways i do it.

whalebait

I've owned a bunch of mt vehicles but none had the clutch pedal feeling (or lack of) of the z. I figured it just took some getting used to... Then i saw a post for a replacement clutch assist spring on the forum...

BEST 15$ I EVER SPENT!

the stock spring is like 250 lbs of resistance, the replacement is like 60. it totally feels like the sports car clutch it should now. you can actually feel the point of friction and engagement... it's made the car so much more fun to drive, like night and day!

Z-Girl 12

I was embarrassed to even state how I could not shift smoothly in the Z when I first got it. So glad to find out it wasn't me. I was so frustrated the first 3 months, I thought it was because its not my DD. Every time I would get it in it was like learning to shift all over again. I began to doubt if I would ever learn the gearing. I was most frustrated with 1st being so short, I still don't get that. But I have owned 5 manual tranny's and couldn't believe how difficult it was to get 1st to 2nd smoothly. Finally after 6 months things are alot smoother but I still clunk 1st-2nd every now and then. Slow and easy, slow and easy!

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2012 Z-SOLD
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blackcherry20

Revs up from 1st to 2nd helps...had same prob as you and too embarassed to admit it! Lol somebody on here suggested the rev ups and the dif was amazing. Shifting now is a breeze.

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Grand Sport Corvette Arctic White

bboylegit

Every once in awhile I get that clunk when going from 1st to 2nd, usually after the first time I start the car. It took me some time to get use to driving the Z. At first I just totally sucked and get jerking when shifting gears. Now, I've learned to take my time and my shifts are pretty smooth.

forza370z

If you let out clutch slow and smooth you won't have clunk feeling. Also a lot of people don't get used to it might because of the SRM. When it's on, you don't need to blipping the gas when shifting from 1st to 2nd. Try it.

Magic Bus

Got a 13 w/SRM. 2/3 of the time, my shift's from 1 to 2 is fine. 1/3 of the time it's not as smooth as I like, but thought it was my driving. Does anyone know if this is better in the 13?

Magic Bus

Okay after reading this thread last evening, went out driving and really paid attention to shifts and when gas was applied with SRM On. I believe Forza is correct.

On the 1-2 shift, hitting the gas (even slightly) a little early causes a clunk and a jerk. Letting it engage into 2nd then smoothly applying throttle makes a very smooth shift, however if you apply the gas too late after the engagement, like any other stick you get the slowdown then jerk acceleration.

Practicing this, my drive to work this morning was really smooth. Got a 13 though, maybe different model years behave differently.

blackcherry20

you will have to let us know-we are all excitedly awaiting pics and evaluations...make sure we get closeups of all the changed parts.

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Grand Sport Corvette Arctic White

tonybui

Drive fast shift fast, drive slow shift slow. Ease on the gas. I got it to perfect now
Of course there are times that I still clunk but practice made perfect for me!!


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Evo-R CF fang | CF Mirror covers | 20/25 H&R spacers | RE-11 | TopSpeed exhaust + y-pipe | Stillen HFC | Carbon Fiber Amuse rear bumper + Amuse Spoiler | PWJDM

Stino

I purchased the RJM Performance Clutch Pedal Assembly and installed it a couple of weekends ago. I'm very impressed with this Clutch Pedal Assembly, I must say that my 370Z feels like a different car; It actually changes the whole car experience.

I have driven manual cars my whole life, however, when I first purchased my 370Z and drove it around for a day, It felt like I never drove a manual before. 1st and 2nd gear was very jumpy and difficult, now, with the Clutch Pedal Assembly, it's smooth as ice. I barely have to give it any gas when starting from a dead stop and I'm able to switch gears way smoother. I just can't believe the difference it makes. Also, being able to adjust the clutch pedal to your liking makes it even that much better. I highly recommend this MOD.

Here is a link to photos of the clutch pedal assembly.

RJM Performance.com - Home

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