Optional Manual on my CVT?

[PMA9217]

So last night my friend told me about the manual option on my a/c and I've been playing around with it for a day.
So I have some questions now:
Will driving in "manual" affect my car negatively? The way I'm driving it, I don't go above 2k rpm's unless I'm trying to accelerate very quickly.
This is my first time having a pseudo-stick shift so I'd also like to know what are some tips and tricks for driving stick?
My friend taught me how to speed up quickly by staying in 2nd and nearly red-lining. Are there any other tricks?
Thanks guys!

-pma9217

[AlexN09]

Well theoretically you would try to stay in the optimal power band (the rpms at which your engine makes the most power). At the top of the power band (not necessarily redline) you would then shift down to the next gear and the rpms would hopefully remain somewhere in the optimal power band. Repeat

Now our cvt trans maintains optimal gear ratio at a far superior level than the manual mode can ...

The manual mode is most helpful in cornering where you can maintain high rpms through the turn. When you power out of the turn the horse power is already there and you dont have to wait for the cvt to realize you're trying to go fast again. Basically there is no lag in power transfer while in manual mode.

I hope this helps! I don't think it will harm your trans and if it does Nissan will replace it if you're under warranty!!

[SanoSuKe]

I just use it to down shift and scare the kiddies on the highway with a little noise :p

[alphapig]

Manual mode is a must for spirited driving.

Around 4.5k is the torque power band, so it's great to keep it in that area through turns.

Basically, you approach the turn and "downshift" once or twice, depending on how sharp it is. Take the turn in the powerband, then "upshift" when you straighten out .