More tips on driving stick?

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wicked1981
Posts: 1552
Joined: Fri Oct 31, 2003 6:15 am

More tips on driving stick?

Post by wicked1981 »

I know we had a thread a couple days/weeks ago about driving stick but I have more questions. Maybe someone knows of a good site with some good info... Someone posted a site b4 but the videos go kinda quick. I just learned to drive stick on my friends ION Redline (she knows how to but just the basics so cant ask her) and I always hear people talk about racing and dropping the clutch at a certain RPM for a good launch/race. What does that mean? How do you do it? Now before it gets all technical I just learned not to long ago I still stall it once in a while but I also dont get too much time behind the wheel so its hard to get more practice and learn. I know the real basic stuff nothing intermediate or advanced. When switching gears do you rev the engine to the rpms its supposed to be in the next/previous gear or let the rpms drop? Just any info I should know or would make it easier tips. Any info I et would be great! Thanks.
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nismo
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Joined: Tue Dec 02, 2003 11:01 pm

Re: More tips on driving stick? (wicked1981)

Post by nismo »

I do rev matching as I'm up shifting and downshifting. And dumping the clutch is when you rev to a certain rpm and jus release the clutch with no hesitation.Inder
2008 Chevy Cobalt SS Turbo - Fun stuff under there somewhere 1998 Nissan Sentra - Sold2004 Pontiac Vibe - 107k and SoldCosmo CAI
ToolGuy
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Joined: Wed Jul 28, 2004 3:38 am

Re: More tips on driving stick? (wicked1981)

Post by ToolGuy »

Dumping the clutch is like Inder said. However you do not want to do this on a regular basis...It puts too much stress on the trans and clutch, thus you will break things over time doing this. To get a good launch, raise the RPMs a bit, then release and hit the gas. Remember unless it is a race built for more abuse then the avereage, do not drive it like one unless you want to replace items. At the point you may as well upgrade the broken parts then.
Mase
Posts: 602
Joined: Fri Aug 06, 2004 6:21 am

Re: More tips on driving stick? (wicked1981)

Post by Mase »

check out http://www.standardshift.comIt's a forum completely dedicated to the manual transmission
nadir
Posts: 18
Joined: Tue May 03, 2005 4:06 am

Post by nadir »

in time, u will learn all the sweet spots in the gear and be able to shift as if it was 2nd nature to you.I know in my maxima, with a shortshifter, I had to re-learn all the sweet spots. I can shift with my pinky now, whereas other drivers have to fiddle around to find the right spot for the gear.
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DaddyVibeMI
Posts: 370
Joined: Thu Apr 07, 2005 9:06 am

Re: More tips on driving stick? (Mase)

Post by DaddyVibeMI »

Quote, originally posted by Mase »check out http://www.standardshift.comIt's a forum completely dedicated to the manual transmission I wish I read that thread long time ago that I don't drive stick anymore because I killed cutch twice (I hate secound gear) on my 1996 Ford Escort LX I used to have for four years. It was not very cheap to replacement. So I drive automatic forever....
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AbyssGT03
Posts: 4
Joined: Tue May 03, 2005 11:55 pm

Re: More tips on driving stick? (wicked1981)

Post by AbyssGT03 »

I am no expert, but I have been driving a stick for a long time. Here are my thoughts. First, just learn to drive the car so you don't stall it. Rev the engine enough (the correct RPM for your car is different than other cars) and slowly let out the clutch. If I am running my car from stoplight to stoplight I rev to about 2500 RPM in my Vibe GT before I let out the clutch. I don't want to spin the tires, but I want to get off the line. Once I am off...I run to the redline (8000 rpm). However, day to day I am revving the engine just barely enough to get the car moving.Where I think you will make your money is learning to shift quickly. I have smoked cars with more horsepower (Mustang GT (twice), BMW 535)...is because the other guy couldn't shift gears. Getting the 'feel' for downshifting too is important.Daily I am running 120mph+ on the autobahn, and I have to down shift and advoid traffic frequently. Rev the engine a bit before letting out the clutch, listen to the sounds your car is making and if it sounds like you are doing something wrong or the car reacts funny make a mental note.Don't worry about being fast now...just practice and take your time..and have fun...and be safe!!!
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