Things I wish I had done sooner.

[Zombo]

As a new stick/manual driver, getting the Steeda clutch spring and an aftermarket shift knob (I got one by CJPP) are two things I wish I had done much sooner. I've only had my car for like 2-3 weeks now, but it's something I'd do on day 1 if I had to do it again and knowing what I know now.

For me, I think a ball shift knob feels so much more natural to shift with and grab vs the stock shift knob. With the stock shift knob, I've always wondered what's the best hand movement/position that I need to learn when shifting so that I don't miss a gear, and plus it was just a tad bit more difficult to grip and move (I'm sure it's just me). It's probably just a noob thing but it's one less thing I'm worrying about now as I'm getting used to this.

Steeda clutch spring was also a huge help for me. I drove @SynisterGT 's GT a few hours before taking delivery of my GT350 to get used to driving stick and he has his stock clutch spring removed. Considering it was the first time really driving manual for me, I hadn't stalled his car not even once in a good 10-15 minute session of taking off, reverse, etc. Took delivery of my 350 and realized it was much more difficult trying to find this engagement point and of course had a stalling party. My 350 was bucking every 10 minutes lol. Replaced my spring a few days ago and it's been much better.

So yeah, I'm sure my "what I wish I had done" list is just for noobs, but figured I'd throw in my 0.02.

Understanding that you are new to driving a manual transmission, please realize the shifter should only be used for shifting, not for resting your hand, etc., which causes premature transmission wear.

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[Mike02z]

Love my Master Blaster...they have one that comes with a super long hose. Best Christmas present ever from my wife. Makes drying the wheels, all nooks crannies, etc. you don't realize how much water hides in the cracks.

Yup. I picked up a 30' cord and used the wall hanging kit for mine.Now I never need to wheel the MB around the car.

 

[DrumReaper]

I'd be will to bet that a master blaster pushes more water "off" the car than it actually does drying (evaporating) it...

So as long as you hold a leaf blower in the air and blowing your car off, what's the difference in the two besides looking like Wayne Carini?

 

[MCarsFan]

So you are saying this master blaster can dry the entire car off without touching and will leave no water spots?

 

[Mike02z]

So you are saying this master blaster can dry the entire car off without touching and will leave no water spots?

I can't promise that. It does push water like a leaf blower but it also will dry at the same time as the air is heated to 65 degrees above ambient.

That said, if you use deionized water or have a ceramic coating, you should not get water spots if you do it correctly. If the car starts drying before you get to a panel, you will still get water spots. Nothing is perfect.

 

[HoosierDaddy]

So you are saying this master blaster can dry the entire car off without touching and will leave no water spots?

Absolutely. Like most things there are techniques that help make a difference. The 8 HP MB has enough force to explode some water drops leaving a mist of drops so small you almost can't see them. So one extra pass immediately takes care of those if you care. Since those drops are hard to see because of their small size so are the spots they would leave.

 

[montreal ponies]

Yup. I picked up a 30' cord and used the wall hanging kit for mine.Now I never need to wheel the MB around the car.

Looks like you're ready for your first rock chip to happen . ;)

what's the difference in the two besides looking like Wayne Carini?

:lol:

 

[altjx]

Understanding that you are new to driving a manual transmission, please realize the shifter should only be used for shifting, not for resting your hand, etc., which causes premature transmission wear.

Oh yeah I know this. I was just referring to actually making contact with the shifter when it's time to shift. It's easier to move when it's a ball vs the shape of this stock one and its material.

 

[STFUdonny]

I just ordered a ton of stuff from chemical guys ranging from the foam gun to butter wax to microfiber towels and v07 detail spray. The chemicals guys sure seem to have no problem encouraging drying with their special towels. Thoughts on their drying towels?

 

[Zitrosounds]

I ditched the spring I'm not sure why it comes with one. Driven lots of manual cars. Clutch is better still a little odd not sure if the car has a light weight fly wheel

Technically it is a light weight dual fly wheel.

 

[Mike02z]

Technically it is a light weight dual fly wheel.

I have read that without the spring there could be more clutch wear. Is that untrue? I went with the Steeda 16 lb spring rather than the stock 180 lb spring but it still does not seem linear to me.

 

[KiLLeR2001]

Don't want water spots? Use distilled water when washing your car.

 

[65sohc]

Yup. I picked up a 30' cord and used the wall hanging kit for mine.Now I never need to wheel the MB around the car.

I'd also suggest a pair of these, or one of the cheaper versions from Harbor Freight, to go along with the MasterBlaster. The blower itself isn't super loud but certain parts of the car, especially the wheels, create quite a db load.

http://www.harborfreight.com/noise-canceling-electronic-ear-muffs-92851.html

 

[65sohc]

Yup. I picked up a 30' cord and used the wall hanging kit for mine.Now I never need to wheel the MB around the car.

My MasterBlaster came with the wall hanging kit but I haven't used it. Can the blower be hung with the blower facing down? It seems to put a fair amount of strain on the hose with your orientation.

 

[Mike02z]

My MasterBlaster came with the wall hanging kit but I haven't used it. Can the blower be hung with the blower facing down? It seems to put a fair amount of strain on the hose with your orientation.

I'm not sure if you can put the hanger on the rear casters but mine has been hanging there since 2008 and the hose is fine.

If you can swap the hanger, i see no reason why it wouldn't work with the hose end down.

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