Shifting Tips?

[C.Fair23]

Hmm... hope it's not an issue or anything serious. Thanks for the reply.

As for the feel of the shifter, I should be getting my car by Wednesday. It'll be an ecoboost, so may be different, but I will update and let you know if it has the same issues with shifting smoothly.

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.

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[Patrick S]

first to second is getting some use to. I rolled off the lot with my first MT in 10 years, and i have taken to it mostly pretty good. First to second, however, was my struggle, and that is because i was shifting like any other gear. its not. The RPMs when clutching out of first meander up where i left them, and i would get, as you described, the rocking horse effect. With that, i started slowing down my release of the clutch into second from first and feeling for the catch, applying appropriate gas once i feel the catch. It is an art based one what you feel and hear and takes practice. downshifting into second never had the issue.

 

[Robinson02]

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

nope. not a pp....just regular gears

 

[5.0-PoPo]

Ok RUIN and Robinson02, try this.....

My Wife test drove the same GT PP and commented that even though it was a bit touchy, she had no issue. I think this is where we differ in the way we shift, maybe this is "our" issue.

From a start she and I shift the same, normally releasing to the point of feeling the friction point and adding opposing gas, a balance of in vs out, like when you hold it in place on a incline. Likewise, backing out our moderately sloped driveway , neither of us uses any gas, our Wrangler just pulls up the hill. I had the same experience with the GT PP in the parking lot. From stop into first completely, I could traverse the parking lot with no gas.

Here's where we differ and we just went for a ride in the Wrangler to test it. Although they are completely different animals, it "may" be the difference. When she shifts from 1-2, 2-3, 3-4, 4-5, 5-6 she fully disengages the clutch prior to adding gas. It's not a long hesitation, but the clutch is out and then she is on the gas. I, on the other hand, continue to apply the same in vs out technic as I would on a incline. As I'm releasing the clutch, I'm adding more gas pedal, so they evenly pass on the up and down...

Give it a try and see if it makes a difference!!! It's just not the way I've been taught, but who knows??? :shrug:

If she's right, I think we'll be buying her some :cheers:

 

[5.0-PoPo]

first to second is getting some use to. I rolled off the lot with my first MT in 10 years, and i have taken to it mostly pretty good. First to second, however, was my struggle, and that is because i was shifting like any other gear. its not. The RPMs when clutching out of first meander up where i left them, and i would get, as you described, the rocking horse effect. With that, i started slowing down my release of the clutch into second from first and feeling for the catch, applying appropriate gas once i feel the catch. It is an art based one what you feel and hear and takes practice. downshifting into second never had the issue.

This sounds like what I just posted... Let us know!!! Thanks!!!!

 

[Potrillo]

I have noticed that the clutch engagement is VERY high up in the pedal. When I drive a manual, I am in the habit of getting close and having to floor the pedal to engage the clutch. With the Mustang, the engagement happens very early. Taking that into account seemed to help.

Me, I still would like and ability to adjust where the clutch engages.

 

[Horse]

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.

Here is a dumb question: What's the function of clutch assist spring? Does it (being there) make it harder or easier to step down the clutch?

(From what you are saying, it seems that it (being there) makes the clutch light. But, for all I can think of, a spring there should make the clutch harder to press, no? I am so confused. On the other hand, I don't know much about clutch mechanics.)

 

[Ruin]

Will reply to individuals tomorrow.

For now, I'm finding that letting off the clutch unusually slow is doing the trick. I feel like this is grinding the crap out of my clutch, but my shifts are now solid and smooth. RPMs are fine above 2000. It's just a really slow off the clutch and on the gas. I would hate to take this thing to the quarter mile with the wheel hop issues. Maybe traction control?

I think Potrillo is on to something. I'm used to a clutch that engages at the bottom not the top. I found my self able to shift with the pedal only halfway depressed. Looks like more practice is needed!

 

[Horse]

Also, what is the meaning of "(dis)engaging the clutch"?

To me, "engaging the clutch" should mean flywheel and clutch disc being coupled together, which is achieved by lifting the clutch pedal. However, reading this thread, it seems people interpret this differently.

OK, back to how to drive a manual smoothly. I have never driven a mustang. But I have been driving manual cars. When I drive a new car (with stick shift), I have to adjust to the car's clutch. Some car's rpm will drop very quickly after disengaging the clutch and lifting the gas pedal; in this case I have to complete the gear shift quickly. Some car has relatively heavy flywheel and hence the rpm drops slowly (plus the rev hang); so I need to shift in a slower manner (lift the gas, brief pause, then step on clutch, change gear (up), engage the clutch and gas). Practice makes perfect.

 

[RB510]

I start in 2nd gear and shift to 4th gear after for city driving.

It stops all that stuff.

AS GT/PP you only need 1st when you're gonna smoke some some rubber!!!!

 

[Grimace427]

Here is a dumb question: What's the function of clutch assist spring? Does it (being there) make it harder or easier to step down the clutch?

(From what you are saying, it seems that it (being there) makes the clutch light. But, for all I can think of, a spring there should make the clutch harder to press, no? I am so confused. On the other hand, I don't know much about clutch mechanics.)

It's an assist spring which takes some of the effort off your left leg when pressing the clutch pedal. If you crawl under the dash and watch the mechanism while working the pedal with your hand you'll see how it works.

 

[Potrillo]

Also, what is the meaning of "(dis)engaging the clutch"?

To me, "engaging the clutch" should mean flywheel and clutch disc being coupled together, which is achieved by lifting the clutch pedal. However, reading this thread, it seems people interpret this differently.

I think you're right, I mistyped.

 

[5.0-PoPo]

I start in 2nd gear and shift to 4th gear after for city driving.

It stops all that stuff.

AS GT/PP you only need 1st when you're gonna smoke some some rubber!!!!

Ok Ruin....

I have this thing figured out! I took what the better half suggested and used RB510 and Horse's suggestions and it worked like a charm!!!! I put about 20-25 miles on the same GT PP that I drove last week and it was a completely different animal! I did try the 1-2 a few times just to test it and it was very smooth, but opted for starting in 2nd! 2nd gear has just enough low end for smooth starts, even on moderate inclines and there is more than enough power to move off the line quickly! 2nd-3rd and up, just clutch in-shift-clutch out-on the gas, smooth as silk!

After today I am even more in love with this car and 12/6 cannot get here soon enough!!!!

 

[wilkinda65]

As most have found with the clutch on the 2011 thru 2014, this is not a car that likes quick shifts unless you want to feel like your riding a bucking bronco. Deliberate, smooth shifts are the trick for this clutch set-up.

I tested a an Ecoboost and a GT, both manual, and they were both smooth as silk.

 

[RB510]

Glad the 2-4 shift helped. I rarely use 1st gear and she is still providing torque for days.

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