shifting into 1st and 2nd gear smooth

[CapriZ]

just got a Z and its hard shifting into 1st and 2nd gear smooth i have to rev the rpms high

[sluggoZ]

What year is your Z? There have been transmission problems galore!!!!

[CapriZ]

its a 03 bit is my second day driveing a manual ive never stalled and i know im driving it right but it doesnt shift smooth like when im going into 3rd and i keep smelling hot clutch any pointer!

[Danni]

clutch not fully disengaging?

[CapriZ]

is that why i smell hot clutch or is that why it pulls?

[franky694]

From what ive read, 2003-04 have major transimission issues. Most involve having to replace the transmission. i believe 05 and up dont have this problem but have other problems as well.

I went with 06 to avoid the transmission issue. Now i just gotta watch oil consumption.

[Danni]

clutch not fully disengaging could explain both the smell and the fact that getting into 2. gear is hard

[rmezz13]

After you shift make sure your not keeping your foot on the clutch.... I've seen my girlfriend do this, my friends brother, and i did it too when i was a new driver in the 89' shadow!!.... you may not realize that you are riding the sh*t out of the clutch. if your having trouble going into 2nd, try shifting a bit faster at a higher RPM until you get used to the clutch a little better. As for slow launch, let the clutch out super effing slow until you feel the car start to roll then push it back in, do this a few times until you get the sweet spot figured out. Once you got it then just ad some pedal from that point..... as you go out with the clutch go in with the pedal, but ease it a little... you'll get it. That clutch is freaking stiff too, not the best to learn on but at the same time, it is the best to learn on, cuz regular standards are easier. Also push it all the way to the floor when you shift until you get used to it. Maybe move your seat closer to the pedals..... Have fun, and don't give up on the manual, its so much better....

[CapriZ]

ya thanks bro and im never giving up on the manual it like the only car that i cant wait to get in to drive!! but which 350Z model is the best

[rmezz13]

The one that has the 350Z emblem on the left rear of the car..... They are all good, you get different options, or components with each one. Look into it. Base doesn't have LSD, which is nice to have.

[CapriZ]

what is the name of it like which one

[rmezz13]

If it is the BASE model 350Z it doesn't have the LSD. 03,04 had Base, than Perfromance then all the others.... The difference between base and performance is the performance has the LSD (limit slip differential).

[amanda22]

The 350Zs are having serious clutch and transmission problems. I have a 2005 - had clutch problems around 20k miles - have 31k miles now and need a new clutch. Been driving stick shift all my life, don't drive my car hard, and never had to replace a clutch until now (at 31k miles - insane). It's probably not you, it's probably the car. Serious Nissan issue. It's not covered under warranty.

[BippuBoss]

the wife had that problem too. but i think its just the clutch. you have to fully take your foot off if its basically a new car.