Shifting Tips?

[Ruin]

I know what you're thinking: "we had this thread already!" But, we haven't. I combed the threads and didn't find what I was looking for.

I'm not new to manual transmissions. My first two cars were MTs and I started on them about 13 years ago. Over half of my previous vehicles (including my 69 Vette) have been MTs. I say this for background reasons.

My 15 is still my favorite. I LOVE this car. But I look like a 16 year old dunce driving her. See, she doesn't seem to like the old school "ease into the gas during the shift" method that's worked so well for me in the past. My 1-2, 2-3, and sometimes 3-4 shifts are rough at best. I either end up on a rocking horse, or trying to avoid the business end of the car in front of me.

Under "spirited" acceleration and when I'm "gettin' it" the shifts are fine. Smooth as glass. But then I'm doing 80mph in fourth on a back country road. Given that I have the most noticeable car in town now, much like my dog, I need her to have some manners around town.

So those of you (especially those with GT/PP) who have a MT, any tips? I'm getting some practice in today. I'd just love a cheat sheet.

Thanks!

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[cosmo]

Given that you're saying that shifting while spirited or cruising is fine, I'm guessing you're shifting too early in the RPM range when starting off. If you don't get the RPMs to around 3000 the shift will need a little bit of extra clutch support to go smoothly. Try revving the RPMs higher when you shift, not above 4000, but just above 3000.

 

[Codog23]

I bucked a little at the beginning with the 15 as well. It basically gets going on it's own without much gas. You just start lifting off the clutch and you're on your way. I have found that I need to release the clutch a little slower and that seems to keep my shifting very smooth. If I'm a little too quick with the clutch then the car rocks a bit. I think the stick and the clutch on this car are fantastic. I hadn't driven one for years and had not problem in this one my first time behind the wheel. The car is blast to drive!

 

[Ruin]

Thanks guys!

I think what you're both saying is spot on. I LOVE the clutch in this car. It had me rethinking whether or not I'll put in a "performance" clutch down the road just because it's so easy.

I generally shift around 2500 for economy reasons. I'll wait until 3500 or so and really pay attention.

Im also used to coming off the clutch fast to keep from burning it up or grinding. I'll slow it down and see how it goes.

Anyone else?

 

[OppoLock]

Thanks guys!

I think what you're both saying is spot on. I LOVE the clutch in this car. It had me rethinking whether or not I'll put in a "performance" clutch down the road just because it's so easy.

I generally shift around 2500 for economy reasons. I'll wait until 3500 or so and really pay attention.

Im also used to coming off the clutch fast to keep from burning it up or grinding. I'll slow it down and see how it goes.

Anyone else?

Definitely try releasing the clutch more gradually.

 

[Ruin]

Definitely try releasing the clutch more gradually.

With or without easing into the gas?

 

[OppoLock]

With or without easing into the gas?

Either/or. I think it makes the biggest difference when going into first. When learning on an older manual, my shifts were always bucking regardless of throttle input because I was afraid of putting excess wear on the clutch.

Then I learned that the sure fire way to a smooth shift was to pay more attention to the friction point with the clutch and noticed that there's barely any throttle required to get a car going smoothly, and provided you don't give the car a lot of throttle you're not going to put much wear on the clutch after all.

So basically you can lift the clutch quickly to the catch point, but hold it right at the point where it begins to mate, then gradually ease off of it as the wheel speed begins to pick up and match the flywheel.

 

[Grimace427]

What I noticed was that the clutch was so light that slipping it smoothly was very difficult. I took a few more miles to get used to than my 2011. In my 2011 I removed the clutch assist spring and it greatly improved clutch pedal feel and made normal driving more enjoyable.

 

[Double D]

Ruin,
Is your heel on the floor? The one thing I noticed when teaching my kids to drive stick is their heel. Today everybody seems to leave their left heel resting on the floorboards (quick shifts and all). I think this allows the pedal to slip up the sole of the shoe to and through the engagement point very quickly. The result is a shift that works but isn't the smoothest under normal driving conditions. I can feel the difference when riding with my kids when they have a "lazy" foot.

 

[Ruin]

So basically you can lift the clutch quickly to the catch point, but hold it right at the point where it begins to mate, then gradually ease off of it as the wheel speed begins to pick up and match the flywheel.

I think the ease of the clutch is making this harder on me. There's no room for error in the Vette. Even through my boots you KNOW where that point is. I need to look harder for it.

Ruin,
Is your heel on the floor? /QUOTE]


D, I do not. I'm a full foot shifter. Foot comes off the floor. It only rests to the left of the clutch. I'm so used to a stiff clutch that needs the added strength haha.

 

[5.0-PoPo]

Ruin and I have been chatting about this for a bit, so I'll just chime in a say that we both aren't crazy, but it's driving us crazy! I have only had one short drive in a GT PP, but I experienced the same issues that he has had. I've been driving MT's for 30 years, but this was a different beast! I'm sure Ruin was thinking the same thing I was, "WTF is wrong with this thing?" Now we are just wondering if it's us.... Thanks for all the input guys!!!!

 

[Robinson02]

I have had the SAME problem and I thought it was just me. I'm not new to manual trans either...however this is the first v8 manual i've drove.

I try to shift about 3000 to 2nd or 3rd. the rock the horse is bad on mine from 1-2, and 2-3.
I find it a lot easier if i give it gas into 2nd and 3rd. If i shift without giving it any gas at all its horrible. I've only been driving it 2 weeks so i know i will get use to it...but dang its aggravating because im not new to a manual, but this one is a little bit different, at least to me.

 

[C.Fair23]

I know this is off topic, but have you noticed any noises when shifting? I've heard a couple people complain about it and am wondering if it's a common issue or not.

I think the ease of the clutch is making this harder on me. There's no room for error in the Vette. Even through my boots you KNOW where that point is. I need to look harder for it.

Ruin,
Is your heel on the floor? /QUOTE]


D, I do not. I'm a full foot shifter. Foot comes off the floor. It only rests to the left of the clutch. I'm so used to a stiff clutch that needs the added strength haha.

 

[5.0-PoPo]

I noted a thud when shifting into 2nd at a stand still... It was just while I was working it through the gears at the light.

 

[5.0-PoPo]

I have had the SAME problem and I thought it was just me. I'm not new to manual trans either...however this is the first v8 manual i've drove.

I try to shift about 3000 to 2nd or 3rd. the rock the horse is bad on mine from 1-2, and 2-3.
I find it a lot easier if i give it gas into 2nd and 3rd. If i shift without giving it any gas at all its horrible. I've only been driving it 2 weeks so i know i will get use to it...but dang its aggravating because im not new to a manual, but this one is a little bit different, at least to me.

Welcome to the CLUB!!! Just confirming yours is not a PP?

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