Clutch Release

[ghostdragon]

I've driven a manual transmission all of my driving life but this is the first time I've driven a car of this type (performance). My question is how fast should the clutch be released? For instance, should the gear be changed and clutch released as quickly as possible or should the clutch be re-engaged in a smooth a moderate manner? I'm not even sure I'm asking the question correctly. I appreciate any responses because I know this is probably an inane question.

Thanks!

[ThuG LyFe]

i dono about 350z but i've driven a 07 g35 coupe. it was pretty hard to get used to it. i mean i only drove the thing for 15 minutes but i couldn't really get the car to shift butter smooth. probably cause i wasn't used to the car but pretty wack IMO. s2000 on the other hand was a lot easier to drive.

i say just take your time and experiment with it. you'll find a way sooner or later.

[aris_unlimited]

Well I don't have a stock clutch set up anymore but definitely don't just drop the clutch. A slight feathering of the clutch is best in my opinion when changing gears.

[xjmxstac]

+1^The 350z has a high clutch engage point (if that makes any sense to you). It takes a little getting used to. 1st to 2nd is a b**** sometimes.

[rmezz13]

I am pretty used to the car, it takes some time but you'll learn what the release speed should be for what RPM's and everything.

P.S. had an S2K, i say it was harder to drive than the 350 at slow speeds. 1st to 2nd was a PITA if you weren't getting on it = jerky. Then again i didn't own it very long but the guy i bought it from said the same thing.

[xjmxstac]

BTW, I've tried starting off 2nd and it seems to do well. Now, is that hard on the transmission or is it safe to do?

[evildky]

BTW, I've tried starting off 2nd and it seems to do well. Now, is that hard on the transmission or is it safe to do?

it's called riding the clutch! and it will eat your clutch!

[xjmxstac]

I understand that it would be riding the clutch if the engine has a hard time starting off 2nd and you'd have to feather the clutch longer, but it doesn't feel like the engine is struggling at all, therefore no need to ride the clutch.I could imagine that it would be a different situation if it's on an incline.

[ghostdragon]

Thanks for the replies. I have a few follow-up questions.

Does 'feathering the clutch' mean to ease it out? If this takes too long is that what 'riding the clutch' is?

I'm imaging 'dropping the clutch' means that you let it pop up with no elegance what-so-ever, correct? - I understand that this is bad.

Again, I appreciate the input.

[xjmxstac]

Yes, sir. Have you driven a manual transmission b4?

[rmezz13]

Yes, sir. Have you driven a manual transmission b4?

I've driven a manual transmission all of my driving life but this is the first time I've driven a car of this type (performance).

Probably just trying to understand the terms used. Like me with texas hold 'em - i can play well but don't understand some of their terminology

[ghostdragon]

Probably just trying to understand the terms used. Like me with texas hold 'em - i can play well but don't understand some of their terminology

Exactly. I don't know the language yet.

Thanks again!