Self Help Tutorial: Manual Transmission for Beginners

[Captain Awesome]

I've been reading a lot of topics here recently about people who decided to get a manual transmission and never having owned one before they learned on the Camaro they purchased.

I am trying to convince a coworker to get an M6 but she's nervous about learning to drive. I tried to teach her but the funny thing is that when I "try" to explain how I do it I manage to lose my smoothness because I'm THINKING about what I'm doing.

Anyone here have a good write-up that beginners can study from and learn? I get the feeling that there's a right way to teach and a wrong way.

This thread may help others so I posted it in general discussions.

Thanks!

[beekay70]

I've been driving a stick off and on for the past 20 years and I doubt I am doing it right; I learned by trial and error. I like driving a stick - that's why I bought the SS with the M6, but I am sure that I could learn a thing or two from a pro. I'm always wary of trying to take someone at the light, as I would hate to do disservice to all of the Camaros out there and stall out or kangaroo hop across the street.

[Captain Awesome]

Originally Posted by beekay70

I've been driving a stick off and on for the past 20 years and I doubt I am doing it right; I learned by trial and error. I like driving a stick - that's why I bought the SS with the M6, but I am sure that I could learn a thing or two from a pro. I'm always wary of trying to take someone at the light, as I would hate to do disservice to all of the Camaros out there and stall out or kangaroo hop across the street.

That's a good point. A discussion of optimum techniques for various situations would be cool as well. Drag racing techniques, heel-and-toe, etc.

Anything that anyone wants to teach would be welcome!

[SleepWarz]

This is my first manual.

Only had one herky jerky episode when I first started. Not completely smooth yet but I'm learning more every time I drive.

[speedster]

Just a few tips that may help:

1) Find an empty parking lot with lots of space.

Note: A street clutch has both springs and a wavy metal piece behind the friction surface called a marcel. These work together to allow for smooth clutch engagement.

2) If you are on a level surface start by disengaging the clutch with one foot and holding the brake with the other. SLOWLY engage the clutch until it starts pulling the motor down just a little and then SLOWLY let your foot off the brake. The car should basically be sitting there with zero forward motion. Good.

3)Now try and get the car moving forward by letting the clutch out just a little more WITHOUT touching the gas, this will teach you how the friction zone works. If you stall it, try it again.

4) After getting comfortable doing this, try doing this on a slight uphill incline if you can find one. If not you can cheat by putting the car in reverse and getting it moving SLOWLY in reverse, then putting it in first (a little tricky with no synchro) and trying it that way.

5) Once you have perfected smooth starts using the friction zone, then add a LITTLE gas right after you release the brake still working in the friction zone.

6) As you get better you can continue to increase the amount of gas as well as the speed of engagement.

7) When trying to accelerate fast on the street on street tires, you MUST use some of the friction zone. Otherwize, at some point you will probably either a) stall or b) do a burnout.

Now a fundamental for shifting:

8) To practice shifting, find an open road or BIG parking lot and work on the 1st to 2nd shift. (If you perfect the 1-2 shift, the others are easier because each shift is lesser torque multiplication) Most modern car computers will hold engine rpm for shift-point matching, but when you have just shifted into 2nd gear from first, note the rpm versus speed. Next time you try a shift from 1st to 2nd, try to match that same rpm/speed ratio. Once again use the friction zone slightly for smoothness if necessary.

Racing is a whole step above this, but know that rpm matching to speed and the friction zone still come in to play. Just a whole lot quicker and faster.

Just my < .02

[tradosaurus]

Simple rules for learning to drive a stick:

You can't find em' Grind em.

[TommyTSquared]

Originally Posted by tradosaurus

Simple rules for learning to drive a stick:

You can't find em' Grind em.

I always like to say "You know, they're making them out of rubber next year" whenever someone grinds gears shifting

[Captain Awesome]

Here's a question:

Who here clutches using their foot/ankle only (Heel on the carpet) and who here clutches with their upper leg muscles?

[diddiyo]

[jeffny09]

most times my heal is on the floor

[Michael_Js]

Most times my heel is in the air

[mikeSS]

power shifting for drag racing........ rev matching for dropping into lower gears

google these word

[Rtoups]

I recently learned stick. Two pieces of advice. First, GO SLOW. Second, you have to come to terms that you probably will inconvenience a few people along the way. You will stall at a stop some time, and the jerk behind you WILL honk.

[Lucky SOB]

The only way to get good after someone has taught you the basics is to go out ALONE and just drive drive drive