I think I'm Shifting Wrong

R0bDC

harsh words. Don't like it, Don't read it! Plus I wasn't really complaining, I was really looking for advice.

JARblue

Shifts that are jerky, are most likely to be driver error (a very small number will be from actual mechanical problems with the clutch or transmission). To eliminate jerkiness, all you have to do is ensure that your RPMs are appropriate for your speed and gear shift. It not exactly a simple procedure, but if you're not getting smooth shifts, the simple fact is that you are not rev-matching properly. Downshifting is a bit more tricky, but upshifting shouldn't be too difficult. When upshifting, you just need to be sure to release the clutch when RPMs are appropriate - it's going to take time, especially for a new MT driver, and will eventually just become feel. It's not rocket science, but it can be frustrating if you don't practice (and your DD route is generally not going to be the best practice method - find an empty stadium parking lot is my recommendation).

If you let out the clutch too quickly, the RPMs will be too high - solution is to wait a hair longer before letting out the clutch.

If you let out the clutch too slowly, the RPMs will have dropped too low - solution is to blip the accelerator to bring the RPMs back to the proper number.

If you have SRM, work on letting out the clutch steadily instead of dumping it - I find this virtually eliminates any jerking when downshifting. This isn't going to have any effect if you are downshifting from 5th to 2nd at 40 mph though... I'm talking about reasonable shifts for DDing.

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Haboob

Well for me, I'm not new to MT's, but I never had this problem in my previous car.

I still could be letting it out too quickly, as I said I'm still getting use to the high catch point, but if I go too slow I feel as if I'm just riding the clutch.

JARblue

It'll still take a bit of getting used to, even if you are familiar with MT (IIRC you're fairly new to the Z - <2 months?). I felt the same way with regard to riding the clutch, but when I let SRM do the rev matching and focus on the clutch play, there is a noticeable difference between letting the clutch out evenly (not necessarily slowly) rather than dumping it completely. Also, the shifting when driving casually vs spiritedly is very different. Casual driving seemed sooooo slow when I first got the car, but now I am used to it and have few problems.

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Haboob

Yeah, I've only had it about a month. And I notice too that slow driving seems REALLY slow at times, but I'm getting used to it too.

I'll have to work on it some.

R0bDC

Thanks for all the information!! I will definitely be paying more attention about how I shift, when I shift, etc. I will also be changing the gear oil, ima have to figure how to do that first lol.

My last question is this, I remember this one time it was summer and the car was right under the sun. when I got in the car i notice the stick was hot and super loose (that's what she said!) that day the car was shifting super smooth and I remember thinking i wish the car was always like this!

What do u guys make of that?

alcheng

the transmission oil does not "thicken" as much like under the cold temperature, that's why.

R0bDC

So changing the transmission oil might give me a smoother shift?

scope22

Yea exactly...this car likes higher RPMs better that is all. There are 2 solutions, let out the clutch slower OR push in the clutch wait a sec then shift, its same difference.

JungleZ

Can a good manual driver be quicker than the 7at, why did the 7at feel like it had more practical low end torque

alcheng

For the first question, you have to clarify at what scenario you are comparing two... Straight line? Shift time? Lap Time?

But to give you a general answer, the 7AT in the Z is very well built, they do shift faster than MT. However, if you talking about laping a course, it really depends on the driver.

The AT has a shorter gear ratio thus more low end torque.

kenchan

yah, before that, just learn how to shift the car. the tranny and oil in there is fine.

fzgood

I'm driving my first MT car too. About 2.5 months into ownership and I can feel my shifts getting smoother, more natural, and just better, but I know there's a long way to go.

I've let a couple other people drive my car and the car is smooth as silk.

If I hadn't done this, I probably would have doubts, just like OP, as to how smooth the car can be.

If you have someone you can trust, go for a ride with them. It's definitely worth finding out if the problem is the driver, not the car. While you're at it, pick up some tips.

R0bDC

I had both my brothers who have been driving manual cars 10+ years and my friend who has been driving for 3 years. I feel I'm as good if not better than them, Its rare when I have the issue. I honestly do feel its the car more than its me, but time will tell. And when I change the trasmission oil that will hopefully help.

Lastly the only thing I have not been able to pick up so well is Taking off Super Fast! The first time I let my friend drive the car he took off so fast and when he shifted gears my head you went back and hit againsnt the sit like in the movies Crazy. I have yet to replicate that.

forza370z

1. Turn of VDC.
2. Rev up to 5k.
3. Dump the clutch.