I think I'm Shifting Wrong

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?

alcheng

Yes.. you might want to check the Tech section for more info on that.

semtex

Yes, and switch to a synthetic like Redline MT-85. It's specifically recommended for the 370Z.

Red Line Synthetic Oil - Gear Oil for Manual Transmissions - MT-85 75W85 GL-4 Gear Oil

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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.