I Need tips on driving manual!!! - Zilvia.net Forums | Nissan 240SX (Silvia) and Z (Fairlady) Car Forum

240SX21 · 07-09-2002, 11:06 PM

hey fellas.  well i finally went ahead with the auto to manual swap on my 89 S13.  unfortunately, after hopping into the car & starting the engine, i realized that i cant drive stick  <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt='

'>
well, im not that bad... but i could definetly use some pointers.  if anyone here can give me some do's & dont's on manual driving, that would be great.  or maybe some 240-specific tips on driving stick.  i think my main problem right now is i dont really know when i should shift gears.  that and slowing down.  some people tell me to go to neutral & gradually brake, while others tell me to stay in 2nd and keep my foot on the clutch(if i am going to come to a complete stop that is).  if anyone can help me that would be great!!  i already stalled 3 times today(once on the parkway). <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/crazy.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':crazy:'>

s13rookie · 07-09-2002, 11:19 PM

the hardest part of driving stick is getting the car moving, and it isnt that hard.  just put the clutch in and put in first,  give her a lil gas and slowly let off the clutch, if your car is idling at 800rpm, about 1200-1500 should be fine.  when you get more used to driving you should be able to determine your own comfortable rpm range.  anyway slowly let of the clutch untill the car gets moving at about 5-10 mph, your foot should be off the clutch. just driving normaly, you should be able to shift at around 3k rpm with no bogging down, unless hills come up.  you said you stalled it a few times, that happens to everyone wether they like to admit it or not.  you probably stalled cause you were afraid of giving her too much gas and burning out, just remember you can rev your car to redline, and as long as you slowly let out the clutch you wont burnout.  dont be afraid to give her some gas.  as for me, say im in 3rd and approaching a stop sign, i just throw it in neutral, i figure brake pads are easier and cheaper to replace than a clutch.  thats just my opinions, some may drive differently,  its all a matter of getting a feel for your car, youll get the hang of it,   later, and good luck,  matt

SprungScorp · 07-09-2002, 11:24 PM

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">yeah, your car is faster than mine..........just wait till i get some stickers though </td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>

haha...nice quote  <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/satisfied.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':satisfied:'>

mbmbmb23 · 07-10-2002, 12:48 AM

How old are you?

SprungScorp · 07-10-2002, 12:59 AM

Who? Me? 19. Why?

s13driver · 07-10-2002, 07:59 AM

<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt='

'>  good luck  http://www.learn2.com/06/0689/0689.asp <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/thumbs-up.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':thumbsup:'>

well what i can tell you is learn to use the clutch, once you get a hand of it.. you shouldn't be having any problem..  learn to get the car going without giving her gas.. yes it might stall but if you let go the clutch slowly you shouldn't be a problem. once you get used to the clutch.. you can just let it go as fast you can without having her stalling. but anyways good luck to you.   <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt='

'>

BlackFox · 07-10-2002, 11:27 AM

Don't worry about stalling, you're still learning. Find a nice empty parking lot and practic starting from 1st. Make note of rpm vs speed so you'll pick up on rev matching later.

240SX21 · 07-10-2002, 12:51 PM

thanks for the advice guys.  one more thing though, when you guys race, do you shift gears at redline for every gear?  that how i always thought people do it.  let me know, thanks!

aqwkmf · 07-10-2002, 02:50 PM

i've been driving stick for 2 months now and im 17. its really not that hard once u get the hang of it. give yourself 3 weeks and youll have it down keep practiing.

for slowing down i downshift and brake. it took me a month before i started doing that.

i shift at 15mph for 2nd....25 for 3rd.....35 for 4th....45 for 5th in my 90' fastback.

dont get discouraged when you stall.

btw dont worry about racing yet. first learn to shift or ur burn your clutch up. personaly when i race i shift anywhere from 5700-6100 rpm

when i race i shift at 30~mph for 2nd....55 for 3rd.....never went anymore than that.

Natty · 07-10-2002, 05:01 PM

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (aqwkmf @ July 09 2002,4:50)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE"></td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
I bought my car with out ever driving stick. I am very happy thus far.
Any tips for saving the clutch and it's associated components?
Thanks,
Jeff

MarketPlayer · 07-10-2002, 06:04 PM

ahhh don't listen to the guy w/ the purple shirt!  <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt='

'>  <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt='

'>  <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt='

'>

I just say your signature and had to say something!

I have been driving stick for about two years and i still stall out every once and a while!  My biggest problem w/ the 240 is the gas pedal is a little sticky so it jurks sometimes...speaking of that i am going to go fix it right now!

zac

aqwkmf · 07-10-2002, 09:00 PM

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (MarketPlayer @ July 10 2002,7:04)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">ahhh don't listen to the guy w/ the purple shirt! <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt='

'> <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt='

'> <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt='

'></td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
funny guy huh? <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt='

'>

anyway yea...i stalled twice today....i think my idle is too slow for one....and i didnt give it enough gas  <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt='

'> just keep practicing....i bought my 240 without knowing how to drive stick either....my friend brought it home for me. <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/lookaround.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':look:'>

SilviaSR20DET · 07-10-2002, 09:06 PM

How much did it cost for your auto to manual swap? Because i have a 97 240sx automatic and im having trouble finding the price on the swap and the parts i would have to purchase.

DriftMonkey · 07-10-2002, 10:52 PM

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">How much did it cost for your auto to manual swap? Because i have a 97 240sx automatic and im having trouble finding the price on the swap and the parts i would have to purchase. </td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>

Not to be an ass or anything but i am pretty sure that this topic along with parts and prices can be found in the FAQ

DriftMonkey · 07-10-2002, 10:52 PM

<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':0'>  sorry for the double post

240SX21 · 07-10-2002, 11:38 PM

yea driftmonkey, well im gonna answer his question anyway, so there! <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt='

'>

silviasr20, first thing's first.  find out how much you can get the install done for.  finding the parts is easy(just buy a new clutch & go to junkyards for the rest of the parts).  i have a mechanic friend that does engine work for me for cheap, so he did my swap for $500.  the parts cost me another $400-$500, so i got everything done for about a grand, which isnt bad at all.believe me, if it would have cost any more i would have stayed with my automatic  <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt='

'>
of course, if you have the neccessary tools you can try to do the swap yourself.  just make sure you have the factory service manual for your car.  stick is a helluva lot better than auto, ill tell you that.   i just came back from street racing(well i didnt race cuz im not too good at stick yet), & it felt good not to be laughed at for having an automatic! <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt='

'>

07-09-2002, 11:06 PM	#1
240SX21 Zilvia Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: NJ Posts: 199 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	hey fellas.  well i finally went ahead with the auto to manual swap on my 89 S13.  unfortunately, after hopping into the car & starting the engine, i realized that i cant drive stick  <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''> well, im not that bad... but i could definetly use some pointers.  if anyone here can give me some do's & dont's on manual driving, that would be great.  or maybe some 240-specific tips on driving stick.  i think my main problem right now is i dont really know when i should shift gears.  that and slowing down.  some people tell me to go to neutral & gradually brake, while others tell me to stay in 2nd and keep my foot on the clutch(if i am going to come to a complete stop that is).  if anyone can help me that would be great!!  i already stalled 3 times today(once on the parkway). <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/crazy.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':crazy:'>

07-09-2002, 11:19 PM	#2
s13rookie Zilvia FREAK! Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: connecticut Age: 44 Posts: 1,129 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	the hardest part of driving stick is getting the car moving, and it isnt that hard.  just put the clutch in and put in first,  give her a lil gas and slowly let off the clutch, if your car is idling at 800rpm, about 1200-1500 should be fine.  when you get more used to driving you should be able to determine your own comfortable rpm range.  anyway slowly let of the clutch untill the car gets moving at about 5-10 mph, your foot should be off the clutch. just driving normaly, you should be able to shift at around 3k rpm with no bogging down, unless hills come up.  you said you stalled it a few times, that happens to everyone wether they like to admit it or not.  you probably stalled cause you were afraid of giving her too much gas and burning out, just remember you can rev your car to redline, and as long as you slowly let out the clutch you wont burnout.  dont be afraid to give her some gas.  as for me, say im in 3rd and approaching a stop sign, i just throw it in neutral, i figure brake pads are easier and cheaper to replace than a clutch.  thats just my opinions, some may drive differently,  its all a matter of getting a feel for your car, youll get the hang of it,   later, and good luck,  matt __________________ Ive spent most of my money on cars and women...the rest i wasted

07-09-2002, 11:24 PM	#3
SprungScorp Zilvia Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 168 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">yeah, your car is faster than mine..........just wait till i get some stickers though </td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'> haha...nice quote  <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/satisfied.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':satisfied:'> __________________ Why don't you just call it 'Operation Ass Cream'? My Page

07-10-2002, 12:48 AM	#4
mbmbmb23 Zilvia Contributor Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Charlotte, NC. Posts: 1,776 Trader Rating: (1) Rides Gallery: mbmbmb23 Feedback Score: 1 reviews	How old are you? __________________ 400x200

07-10-2002, 12:59 AM	#5
SprungScorp Zilvia Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 168 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Who? Me? 19. Why? __________________ Why don't you just call it 'Operation Ass Cream'? My Page

07-10-2002, 07:59 AM	#6
s13driver Zilvia Addict Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: BrokenlanD Posts: 625 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''>  good luck  http://www.learn2.com/06/0689/0689.asp <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/thumbs-up.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':thumbsup:'> well what i can tell you is learn to use the clutch, once you get a hand of it.. you shouldn't be having any problem..  learn to get the car going without giving her gas.. yes it might stall but if you let go the clutch slowly you shouldn't be a problem. once you get used to the clutch.. you can just let it go as fast you can without having her stalling. but anyways good luck to you.   <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''> __________________ it is so hard to educate the uneducated.

07-10-2002, 11:27 AM	#7
BlackFox Zilvia Junkie Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 534 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Don't worry about stalling, you're still learning. Find a nice empty parking lot and practic starting from 1st. Make note of rpm vs speed so you'll pick up on rev matching later. __________________ Current Cars: 1976 Mercedes Benz 300D 1995 240sx SE aka Kate (winner: Best Stock S14 @ 2002 National Convention) http://community.webshots.com/user/jeff976cal If you're interested in parts email me [email protected]

07-10-2002, 12:51 PM	#8
240SX21 Zilvia Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: NJ Posts: 199 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	thanks for the advice guys.  one more thing though, when you guys race, do you shift gears at redline for every gear?  that how i always thought people do it.  let me know, thanks!

07-10-2002, 02:50 PM	#9
aqwkmf Zilvia Junkie Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: not there. Posts: 414 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	i've been driving stick for 2 months now and im 17. its really not that hard once u get the hang of it. give yourself 3 weeks and youll have it down keep practiing. for slowing down i downshift and brake. it took me a month before i started doing that. i shift at 15mph for 2nd....25 for 3rd.....35 for 4th....45 for 5th in my 90' fastback. dont get discouraged when you stall. btw dont worry about racing yet. first learn to shift or ur burn your clutch up. personaly when i race i shift anywhere from 5700-6100 rpm when i race i shift at 30~mph for 2nd....55 for 3rd.....never went anymore than that.

07-10-2002, 05:01 PM	#10
Natty Zilvia Addict Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 944 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (aqwkmf @ July 09 2002,4:50)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE"></td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'> I bought my car with out ever driving stick. I am very happy thus far. Any tips for saving the clutch and it's associated components? Thanks, Jeff __________________ 1991 White 240sx Fastback LE, rusty spoiler, weak driveshaft, exhaust rattle.... Rattles are just your cars way of saying 'I love you.'

07-10-2002, 06:04 PM	#11
MarketPlayer Zilvia Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 251 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	ahhh don't listen to the guy w/ the purple shirt!  <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''>  <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''>  <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''> I just say your signature and had to say something! I have been driving stick for about two years and i still stall out every once and a while!  My biggest problem w/ the 240 is the gas pedal is a little sticky so it jurks sometimes...speaking of that i am going to go fix it right now! zac

07-10-2002, 09:00 PM	#12
aqwkmf Zilvia Junkie Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: not there. Posts: 414 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (MarketPlayer @ July 10 2002,7:04)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">ahhh don't listen to the guy w/ the purple shirt! <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''> <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''> <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''></td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'> funny guy huh? <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''> anyway yea...i stalled twice today....i think my idle is too slow for one....and i didnt give it enough gas  <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''> just keep practicing....i bought my 240 without knowing how to drive stick either....my friend brought it home for me. <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/lookaround.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':look:'>

07-10-2002, 09:06 PM	#13
SilviaSR20DET Zilvia FREAK! Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 1,221 Trader Rating: (9) Feedback Score: 9 reviews	How much did it cost for your auto to manual swap? Because i have a 97 240sx automatic and im having trouble finding the price on the swap and the parts i would have to purchase.

07-10-2002, 10:52 PM	#14
DriftMonkey Zilvia Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North East Posts: 256 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">How much did it cost for your auto to manual swap? Because i have a 97 240sx automatic and im having trouble finding the price on the swap and the parts i would have to purchase. </td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'> Not to be an ass or anything but i am pretty sure that this topic along with parts and prices can be found in the FAQ __________________ Coastek240 still owes me a bumper or 82 bucks, which ever he decieds to send first.

07-10-2002, 11:38 PM	#16
240SX21 Zilvia Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: NJ Posts: 199 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	yea driftmonkey, well im gonna answer his question anyway, so there! <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''> silviasr20, first thing's first.  find out how much you can get the install done for.  finding the parts is easy(just buy a new clutch & go to junkyards for the rest of the parts).  i have a mechanic friend that does engine work for me for cheap, so he did my swap for $500.  the parts cost me another $400-$500, so i got everything done for about a grand, which isnt bad at all.believe me, if it would have cost any more i would have stayed with my automatic  <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''> of course, if you have the neccessary tools you can try to do the swap yourself.  just make sure you have the factory service manual for your car.  stick is a helluva lot better than auto, ill tell you that.   i just came back from street racing(well i didnt race cuz im not too good at stick yet), & it felt good not to be laughed at for having an automatic! <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''>

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode