Shifting goof

[240SX=fun4me!]

Hey, was wondering if anyone else has done this before me here: I currently am driving my restoration project car, the 93 KA24de 240, SE. This car is nice and fast for me (try driving a 96 Grand Am 5 speed, you won't complain about the 240 after that) but i have had one problem, embarrassing as it is, with driving it. When i am racing some *doosh* in a civic or stock eclipse, I take off, winning, and then at around 6-6500 shifting into fourth, at round' 95 MPH, I shift from third, TO SECOND!! Of course you can imagine my reaction " Oh F!#k" as the rpm's fly and my rear skips. It's embarrassing, and I'm a car enthusiast for performance, and I KNOW I know how to drive, but Ive done it a total 5 times now:rolleyes

Was jus wondering if I'm a blundering oof for doing this ocassionally, (and I know I should shift sooner with 240) or if anyone else has done the same before me *if they'll admit it*

[ride4lame]

i did that once, but caught it before i let the clutch all the way out...I had also been driving stick under 2 weeks

[quiksilvia]

try shifting slower-when u move from 3-4th

[MrFox]

The 240 has a very commuicative shifter... you'll find the correct gear almost finds itself if the gear lever isn't shoved with force, but rather "encouraged" into its gates.

To teach your hand the feeling of proper syncroniser engagement, try shifting with just the tip of your index finger.

And yes, I've done it, but didn't let the clutch out fully also.

[lbrowne]

When shifting to 4th don't force the shifter with great force just guide with your hand. Don't grip it and rip it.

For practice, try a quick shift when you're not racing someone - once you're ready for 4th just place your fingers on the backside of the shift knob and pull straight back, as if pulling a level.

Sounds like you're trying to keep too firm of a hold on the shifter. Without any coaxing the shifter pushed either straight up or straight down will go in 3rd or 4th respectively if the car is in neutral. (in a left-alone position)

[driftaholic]

at least your weren't driving your friend's '02 celica and go from 5th to 2nd and leave the motor and transmission all over the freeway.that happened to a guy i know

[toki]

get a weighted shift knob for crisper throws and just get out and do it slowly and correctly a few times. when i first started to downshift from 5th to 4th i would hit 2nd because i was trying too hard. probably the same problem with you. make all of your motions deliberate and intentful.

[lbrowne]

when you take a 5 speed out of gear and have it in neutral untouched, straight up is third - straight down is fourth, requiring no left or right movement. Its really not hard.

[rico05]

I have done this once as well (on a first date..DO'H). But I have since learned that which has been said. Lite touch goes a long way.

[240SX=fun4me!]

yea, i guess what i was doing is ripping it back, but the way i hold the shifter forces it a little to the left and back, so It's me needing to get used to it, havent destroyed anything yet, and I think I got it down now

[gema]

I did that in my S13 on the way back from picking it up...although I was merging onto a highway, so it sounded really cool. I scared some old women in a Lexus and caught the mistake before the RPMs climbed much above 6000. Things could have been much worse if I didn't have crazy reflexes. My advice is the same as those before me, to take shifting easy. The transmission on the 240 is very pushy, it wants to go where it wants to go. The index finger suggestion is the best I've heard so far, simply nudge it in the right direction, never manhandle it into fourth, or you may find yourself in second again. Good luck.

[240Kuminachu]

Sounds like a personal problem