driving manual transmission

[steveo2155]

As much as I hate to admit it my experience driving a manual is very limited. Considering looking for a stick shift pick up. Any pointers? Example - how to know when to shift/down shift etc etc. Thanks

[Chevor]

Two things you have to get down.

1. Contact point - how high you have to lift clutch pedal to make contact.

2. Shift pattern.

[KMGZ400]

Only way to learn is to go out and practice, each vehicle has a different feel

[SnakeEyeSS]

Only way to learn is to go out and practice, each vehicle has a different feel

OH YEAH.

 

The T56 is okay, but how I miss the Getrag 260. That is one smooth operation. Drove one a week before I bought the Camaro and I wish I hadn't, so much better shifting... like stirring warm honey

[MikeNH]

There are a million variables that affect when you shift. It's something you'll just develop a sense for but basically you don't want the engine bogging- so maybe not below 1,200 RPM unless it's just cruising and shifting around 2,500 RPM under normal circumstances I guess. Honestly, those numbers are just guesses. I don't drive manuals often these days but when I do it's just by ear.

[Daryl Z71]

I've only driven one a hand full of times. The only thing I have trouble with is hitting the correct gear on up shift. Never have a problem when shifting down.

[muddkatt]

Us old timers that learned to drive on standard shifts learned how just like you will....practice. My advice is keep your foot off of the clutch unless you are shifting. If you ride the clutch, it will burn it up eventually.

Once you really get good, you can up shift and down shift without using the clutch. I am not talking about speed shifting either, I am referring to the way the big rigs shift.

 

As for when to shift, if the engine begins to bog, down shift. For best fuel mileage, keep the RPM's between about 1300 and 2000.

[SarahsGMC]

You just kinda know, the engine will wind out you can hear/ feel the need to shift. Alot of cars have a light that will flash to tell you when also for reference.

 

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[06pirate]

I've driven lots of manuals, still have my old 1990 Toyota 4x4 5-speed. I prefer sticks usually, except when pulling a trailer or heavy load in the box.

 

Have a friend drive you out to a big open parking lot and then practice engaging the clutch, finding the pressure point. That's one of the hardest things to learn. Don't worry about the gas pedal right away. Start the vehicle in neutral, put your right foot flat on the floor. Push the clutch pedal down and put the trannny in first gear. Now SLOWLY let the clutch up until you feel it start to drag, and the RPM will drop some. If you let it up too fast it may stall the engine. That's OK. If you let it up slowly enough, the vehicle will start moving forward. Let the clutch all the way up and go a few feet, then push the clutch down, brake with your right foot until you come to a stop. Do this a few times until you get it nice and smooth and the vehicle starts rolling without a shudder. THEN start co-ordinating the gas pedal. When applying throttle, it will come up to speed much faster with less slipping. As stated above, once in gear and rolling KEEP YOUR FOOT OFF THE CLUTCH. Resting your left foot on the clutch pedal will cause it to disengage slightly and slip all the time and burn it out. That's called "riding the clutch". It is a hanging offense in some states.

 

Upshifting is just a matter of putting the clutch pedal down and moving the shift lever to the correct position and letting the pedal up. There should be no clutch slipping during upshifts, only when starting from a standstill.

 

Don't fall into the theory of downshifting to slow down instead of using the brakes. Using a low gear is for long downhill descents when you want to have the engine compression controlling your speed so you don't overheat your brakes. But just around town, normal driving, slow down by using the brakes. When you feel the engine lugging, then push the clutch pedal down, and select the lower gear, and let it back up. Once you get used to it, you'll find yourself clutching and braking without even thinking about it.

 

Unco-ordinated downshifting is hard on the synchro's and can shorten the life of the clutch. Replacing brake linings is lots cheaper and easier than replacing a clutch or redoing tranny synchros. Save the down-shifting for when you just need to match engine speeds when you are slowing. Just be glad modern trannys have synchros and you don't have to double-clutch old-style spur gears to downshift.

 

As the others above said, you'll get it before too long. Millions of others dumber than you do it all day long.

[barry G]

Two things you have to get down.

1. Contact point - how high you have to lift clutch pedal to make contact.

2. Shift pattern.

 

+1

and hydraulic changes every day.

mechanical clutch changed enough, weathers..

hydraulic added something "special."

 

I still pounce my truck after 20 years of mechanical clutch. I have not owned an automatic in a very long time.

Don't get mad at it. Doesn't help.

 

if you get the nv3500 or 4500.. the plastic base shifters are bad. Transmissions are awesome however..

the newer versions of whatever did away with all that.

[kstruckcountry]

I learned on diesels. Not having to add any throttle to take out makes for easier learning. Once you get used to it, it's second nature.

 

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[Spurshot]

I initially learned at 12 yrs old in a 46 Dodge pickup, driving around the back dirt lot at my uncles. A lot of riding a home made tote-goat cycle with a 3 speed hand shift. Then later in a Pinto. By then, I had gasoline flowing thru my veins. At 16, I was driving other people's cars at Lions, Irwindale and Orange County drag strips. I had quicker times with their stick shift cars and was more consistent, so they wanted me to drive them in bracket racing nights.

 

It's a feel you develop. It'll come easy to most people.

 

Last car I had with a stick was a 74 Z28. I have no interest in another. My 2014 SS Camaro has a 6 speed auto with paddles. Best of both worlds, IMO.

[Imcrazy]

It's a good way to go IF: you really want the control, it's a sporty car, or you want to save money on the purchase price. I drove stick for about 6 years, first was a '98 ZX2, second was a '08 Mazda 3, last was a '11 Mazda 3... I do miss zipping around town but, it's nice to just cruse around and not worry about it. Even after doing it for quite a while I'd lose concentration and stall the car I got very good a driving though and it's very rewarding to row your own gears if you lean how to do it right.

[Havvkeye]

It's a good way to go IF: you really want the control, it's a sporty car, or you want to save money on the purchase price.

This. Not really worth it in a truck IMO unless you just want the knowledge. Every car is different. Even moving back and forth between them is a learning process.

[Imcrazy]

This. Not really worth it in a truck IMO unless you just want the knowledge. Every car is different. Even moving back and forth between them is a learning process.

Yeah I'd not want it in a truck. Only way I'd do it again personally is in a 'sporty' car but, my wife doesn't know how and never wanted to lean so it makes it a little impractical regardless.