Nissan 370Z Forum - Smooth launch in 1st Gear?

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- - Smooth launch in 1st Gear? (http://www.the370z.com/nissan-370z-general-discussions/16544-smooth-launch-1st-gear.html)

Quote:

Originally Posted by steveg78 (Post 464328)

I've had my Z for a little of 3wks and I'm finally getting the 1st gear engagement thing to a manageable point. Do what the other guys have said...1.5-2k although I've been starting off at 1.5-1.8k...2k seems like a little too much for a casual (normal) start. Let the clutch out to the point where it starts to grip and the car starts moving and then keep it there while the car starts to roll. Once you get a little bit of momentum (this doesn't take too long maybe 10-20ft) then you can let the clutch out all the way. No lurching or neck snapping.

Yeah when I get it up to 2k the Z gets rolling pretty quick, but its definitely not launching the car either. Very useful when you didn't see the light turn green and you want to get moving a little quicker than normal.

After driving an Automatic for 20yrs, the shift to a manual trans race car (nismo) was a huge wakeup call for me. For awhile, I thought the 'lurching' during takeoff and sometimes into 2nd gear was normal...

Then I spent over an hour on the 'hill' near my house, holding the break and letting out the clutch till it barely engages, then releasing the break and doing the "release the clutch while pushing down the gas in one movement". I must have done this 100+ times. Now, I know my clutch. I can smoothly shift out of first and into 2nd, even @ high rpms.

How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice Practice Practice (sorry for the bad quote). Just keep practicing. It's taken me over 1000 miles to get the hang of the clutch in the Nismo, and i still lurch it everyonce in awhile... but at least i'm not stalling it on hills anymore!

I even spun the tires for the first time last night. RPMs shot up above 6500 and as I shifted into 2nd gear, I was slammed back into my seat. I had to slow down and pull over and slow my breathing. I was shaking and almost sweating, and grinning from ear to ear.

Cthulhu, I love the Z!

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrianMSmith (Post 464300)

Any tips? Perfect RPM to roll away in 1st gear? fast or slow clutch release? Try 2nd gear?

Thanks.

Don't try it in 2nd. You need more RPM's! It's just like a good woman.... you need to get the right feel.

yah, i found that you need to rev kinda high before engaging 1st from a standstill on the z compared to other cars. otherwise it does lurch forward/aft a few times while it picksup speed.

The 350Z had an adjustment behind the clutch pedal where you could adjust the contact point higher or lower. You could adjust it so launches from 1st gear were really smooth. Anyone notice the same thing on the 370Z? Check this out: http://www.350z-tech.com/zwiki/Clutch_Adjustment

I would like to lower my contact point... I think it is a bit too high...

I usually lift the clutch right before the engagement point, then give a little gas, and at the same time lift the clutch, the car usually start moving below 1500rpm...