Speaking of shifting gears.....
 

Anyone have any tips for someone that's new to driving a manual? I have the general idea but I still suck at shifting.

I've gotta say, practice makes perfect. Also, try a bunch of different launch RPMs to find the perfect amount of power while minimizing wheelspin.

Congrats on the new ride!

The idea, for daily driving, is to launch with with least time riding on clutch ( & at lowest (reasonably possible) rpm.
This is of course if you wont to preserve your clutch.

Also when you're in gear, and the rpm is very low, & you feel a back and forth motion. Thats not good. You're putting excess stress on the rivets that support a certain plate (frictions plate, i think).

Avoid down shifting for now, until you get the correct feel.
Dont try to race anyone until your able to shift smooth like butter.


;)

If your on a hill let out on the clutch until you feel it catch then take your foot off the brake and give it a little gas... This will keep you from rolling back..;)

...& releasing preserving the cluth.


For the hill problem. You could also use the e-brake. Pull the e-brake, when you are comfortable and the clutch is gripping and the throtle is correct, let down the e-brake.

OK. I thnk I've gotten the hill thing. I was out at lunch driving around. I found that just letting the clutch go until I feel it grab works(like you guys said).

As for regular shifting, I think I found a trick. I think I shift too slow. Tell me what you think. Prior to my trip at lunch I would wait for the RPMs to drop then shift. Well I found at lunch that If I shift quick while the RPMs are higher that I get into gear with no jerking. Sound like this is what I ought to be doing?

Also first gear is still shaky for me. I never seem to get a smooth take off. Any ideas on that one?

Thanks for the input thus far.......:)

LOL..

You got it! Its easier to shift whil the rpm is still up there. But regardless of the rpm, with the correct amount of press on the accelerator and proper clutching, you can achieve smooth take-offs.

For the first gear, just to be safe. You could give a little more gas while releasing the clutch. But dont make it a habit, caus like I said, its better to release the clutch at lower rpm.

Lol, I was just teaching my little bro to drive a stick last week, and these are the same probs he was having. Basically, just give it plenty of gas to start with and it won't die. You'll get the hang of it soon.

What are you doing posting??? Go drive! ;)

Your bro was practicing on your car?
Oh ya, you were about to change the clutch right?

For how much were you getting your ACT& It was stage II right?

I think your letting off the clutch to fast causing it to jerk.. My fianee just got a civic and she does the same thing.. A couple days of driving it and youll have it down fine..

I'm stuck at work.::no::

I just keep gazing out the window wishing I was just cruising around.........*sigh*

"There aint no cure for the cruising time blues"..*L*;)

5 Speed is fun aint it!!

;)

MUCH! I knew I wanted a 5 speed for some reason..... the Si part was just a bonus ;)

DOH!
 

Now its raining. :eek: Yet another test. Ugh.

Re: DOH!
 

Testing the traction of the tires.. *L*

go out with a homie who drives stick good and have them kinda coach you through it and just practice

Actually just got back. My friend has a 99 Si. He was giving me some pointers. He rode with me to see what I was doing. Pretty helpful so far.

1st & 2nd still kick my ass. Guess its gonna take practice.

Just keep practicing. You have to find out what works for you. Try to stay off steep hills the first few times, especially when a car is tailgating your butt at a stop. After a few days, you'll be like butter.

Dang man.. I was over on Bigger Road last night working till midnight.. You could have brought it out there I would have loved to help you..... Who am I kidding I just wanna drive your car.. *LOL* j/p ;)

That's what everyone keep tellin me!

OT...
Where do you work?

OT - Hell yeah.. I racked up about 15 hours yesterday::yes::

I work for Liberty Savings Bank.. I had to install a new server there at our oakcreek branch..