A&Q about 350Z
Q:
I've got some questions on proper shifting technique. I'd like to think I drive the car fairly well, but I'll admit before reading this site, I never knew what "rev matching" was. So why not compile shifting technique info into a thread.
So, what exactly is rev matching and how do you do it? I think I'm getting the basics down. When you shift, note the RPMs and try to enter the next gear at matching RPMs... seems simple enough, when you get it right, the shift seems smoother.
What about when you are downshifting and breaking at the same time? Its rather hard to break, clutch, downshift, tap the gas to bump the revs up then release the clutch. I'm guessing that rev matching is much harder to do in this situation. Or is this the wrong method when breaking/downshifting?
Do you know when you are rev matching wrong when you engage the next gear and you lunge the car? (i.e you gave it too much gas with the rev match)
Thoughts, hints, other techniques?
photoz
_________________
2004 LS Touring
Meguiar's Deep Crystal 123 + NXT
A:
Compare it driving an old farm truck with a burned-out
clutch. Rev to down shift.. then the shifter slides right
in to the lower gear.
A:
Your pretty much going to have trouble downshifting, tapping the gas, and braking at the same time. Remember that downshifting is nice to help save your brakes, but utilize it when you can, anticipate when you will be coming to a turn or a light and down shift asap, but don't force the issue. If you have to brake and there is not enough time to really downshift properly, don't bother, you'll probably get yourself in more harm than just trying to save your brakes.
A:
im gettin really good with the 6 speed, my bro has showed me a lot of things. he can shift without the clutch, without grinding , im tryin to learn that, but i cant stand the sound of it when i grind it lol
A:
you poor guys all got these really nice hot new sport cars and none of you can really drive worth a **** can you. you shoulda probably opted for the automatic.
A:
that was intelligent...thanks for sharing
A:
Then you poor guys would be posting on the 84-89 forum about leaking this and fried that and ebay ripoffs and all kinds of used hulk problems. And Mr Chezam would have a comment on every one.
A:
You and your brother would never be allowed to drive my car. There's a reason there's a clutch, boys.
A:
Good to hear we have people who haven't properly driven stick shifts before learning on a car as powerful as a 350z. I know I feel safe on the road.
A:
when ure racing, if ure good, u dont need a clutch
A:
How about this technique
- keep the gas to the floor and the clutch fully to the floor at all times!!
A:
Here's a site with a simple explanation on how to double-clutch for downshifting....
http://www.driversedge.com/dblcltch.htm
2004.5 Daytona Blue Performance
A:
mr chezam has a comment on many z cars because he has owned quite a few of many different year models, he is also very adept at repairing and modifying them. he finds the 84 to 89 page very interesting and doesnt give a damn about e-bay.he owns some hybrids that will blow your new 350z off the road. he doesnt need to ask how to shift, hes been to racing school.
Post Edited (May 13, 6:25pm)
A:
I think chezam may have had a point, this is the only z car forum that has questions about shifting and rpm's and stuff.
I'm no expert, I drive an automatic. This was just an observation.
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1979 280zx 2+2SOLD
A:
Not everyone's been to racing school. Elitism breeds contempt and you showed yours.
A:
Don't grind anything, and give a slight 1 second pause between shifting from gear to gear, and your tranny will last a long time. Research heel/toe shifting to learn more about race style techniques.
19[TT]91
My TT beauty is gone.
2[00]2 Honda 954RR
Suzuki 1200 S; sportscar eater
19[I4]94 Integra GSR Sedan
Long live the Z...
aka SAHTT
A:
this is what I get for posting something then going out of town for a couple of days... chezam, jc280zxt ... thanks for the wonderfully creative posts, I'll make sure I search up on your names when I want to read something of value.. (sha)
Others... thanks for providing information, especially those that posted links to other sources of information.
I know how to drive a stick, been doing so since I was 13 when my parents taught me in their old Ford ranger pickup.
Eventually, I'd like to track my car and before hand, I want to have a good understanding of how to drive efficiently and effectively before I go out to a driving school and look like some schmuck who just got a new toy car.
photoz
_________________
2004 LS Touring
Meguiar's Deep Crystal 123 + NXT