Shifting 1st to 2nd

scruffydog

I've been having that similar problem with my 370z too. It's just recently I've got my car to not lurch as much from 1st to 2nd. I think the only way to overcome the jerk completely is to not accelerate hard on 1st gear & shift early. I've noticed that when shifting happen in higher gears you don't feel the transmission as much. The reason behind it is because there's less acceleration/deceleration. In an automatic car you won't get the feeling of deceleration when you press in the clutch in a manual car - I always watch my passenger's head tip forward whenever that happens, that's my gauge as to how I smooth I'm driving. My suggestion is to just shift early in 1st gear and go very slowly if you want to drive it smooth. I also notice in my Lexus Automatic transmission, it is programmed to shift very early at 1st gear. I think it's because 1st gear is Geared for higher torque output, which is why you really have to go easy on it. My other suggestions would be to not slam on the clutch pedal, and also try easing off the gas before you shift as well as you gas in - this will for sure slow down the process of acceleration.

So to your concern about wearing you out, I really don't think there's a way around that. I really think it's less of a issue for the driver than the passenger. When you're shifting, so are less susceptible to feel the jerk motion because you know when it's happening.

Now I think it's really hard to launch fast (or not accelerate slow) from a stop and not feel a lurch. You really gotta be either equipped with a super quick transmission, usually an AT in this case or a CVT. That's just my 2 cents.