My first time driving a manual - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

steveo9043 · 11-16-2011, 09:18 PM

No this is not another one of those Manual vs Automatic debates (for the most part)

So I went out in my cousins car (99 accord) and we went to a parking lot and went over a few things. I got in the driver seat and a Lil rocky but didn't stall. Set up an imaginary road and I'd get up to 30 and then stop at a stop sign lol. Then start from 1st again after making a complete stop. Just to get the feelings of things. Things went good. Got out on the road at one stop sign I got anxious with all the cars and stalled it. (one and only time) Don't know how I would like driving manual that often. I know it will get easier as I drive but still not sure.......

I still dont have a camaro and the manual or automatic debate inside my head is making it hard. I dont want to regret the option I pick.

How big of a difference would the camaro feel from a 99 accord?

Easier? Harder?

km9v · 11-16-2011, 09:28 PM

I can't speak for the V6, but the LS3 M6 takes a bit more finessing than an Accord. Totally different driving experience. I wouldn't recommend it if you drive in moderate or heavy traffic on a regular basis.

billy2642 · 11-16-2011, 09:35 PM

Ive driven manuals all my life and the manual/clutch in my car (v6 LS) was by far the hardest one for me to learn and drive. You may want to practice some more or just go to the dealership and test drive one. That may help the most

steveo9043 · 11-16-2011, 09:35 PM

I am looking at a 2ss so LS3 would be what I'd get.

I have a 96 saturn for a daily/work car. I don't know how reliable it is so If something goes wrong I will have to take the camaro (rain/snow/sleet doesnt matter) I do drive for work and use my personal car. I could usually stay in the office that day but if the saturn is down for a few days I will have to drive it to other locations.

steveo9043 · 11-16-2011, 09:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billy2642

Ive driven manuals all my life and the manual/clutch in my car (v6 LS) was by far the hardest one for me to learn and drive. You may want to practice some more or just go to the dealership and test drive one. That may help the most

I dont know how the saleman will be if I stall the car or ride the clutch a little at first.

DarkneSS · 11-16-2011, 09:42 PM

This was the first manual car Ive actually owned but I had driven others in the past and my father had about 15 years of experience. I had him drive it home and he ha a bit of trouble with it even with his experience. He didnt stall but his rpms were everywhere.

The clutch catches very high and idk about the SS but on the V6 the 1st to 2nd shift takes a lot of practice or you will jerk the car.

steveo9043 · 11-16-2011, 09:48 PM

See that is my biggest concern. I have always wanted a manual camaro. When i had my 94 I wanted a manual but I was talked out of it. I don't want to buy the car get it home (from someone else) and not be able to figure it out.

But I want the manual. Know what i mean?

Thanks for no crazy responses.

chrisc32 · 11-16-2011, 09:53 PM

I test drived the camaro ss manual today I suck at it it's not like Honda sticks idk why its so hard in first gear maybe I just gotta get use to it idk

steveo9043 · 11-16-2011, 09:57 PM

What is "hard" about the Camaro? Where the clutch engages? How much gas to give?

DarkneSS · 11-16-2011, 10:03 PM

Its because compared to many other cars the clutch catches very high and in a very small range. This makes it easy to miss giving gas at the correct time and leads to stalling.

BUT it is NOT impossible at all! If you really want it then get it. It will only take you a few hours to be able to get the car around safely.

Also keep in mind that stalling doesnt really damage anything. As long as the engine is fully warmed up stopping it and starting it a few times due to stalling isnt a big deal.

My advice, get the manual and dont look back and if you can have someone who you know can drive stick come with you to pick the car up in case you need help.

steveo9043 · 11-16-2011, 10:10 PM

The dealership is 45 miles from the house... So I think I would have to bring someone for sure. My brother in law is dying for me to get a manual and so is my uncle and 2 cousins. lol

mom doesn't like it tho.

steveo9043 · 11-16-2011, 10:18 PM

I'm assuming the camaro is drive by wire like the G8.... I'm sure that has to have an interesting effect on a manual trans.

NavyDood · 11-16-2011, 10:19 PM

One thing I always liked about my 96 Z28 was I didn't even have to touch the gas taking off in first gear if I didn't want to. Obviously you wouldn't do this at a stop light. My wife found it very easy to learn the concept of a manual in that car, but to her everything about driving a manual was retarded.

steveo9043 · 11-16-2011, 10:21 PM

Getting used to have fast the RPM's raise without having load is very difficult lol.

Maybe I should go test drive a used Camaro some where and see how it is then if I like it go buy the new camaro I want?

11-16-2011, 09:18 PM	#1
steveo9043 Drives: 2012 45th AE 2SS Coupe Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Chicago IL Posts: 1,125	My first time driving a manual No this is not another one of those Manual vs Automatic debates (for the most part) So I went out in my cousins car (99 accord) and we went to a parking lot and went over a few things. I got in the driver seat and a Lil rocky but didn't stall. Set up an imaginary road and I'd get up to 30 and then stop at a stop sign lol. Then start from 1st again after making a complete stop. Just to get the feelings of things. Things went good. Got out on the road at one stop sign I got anxious with all the cars and stalled it. (one and only time) Don't know how I would like driving manual that often. I know it will get easier as I drive but still not sure....... I still dont have a camaro and the manual or automatic debate inside my head is making it hard. I dont want to regret the option I pick. How big of a difference would the camaro feel from a 99 accord? Easier? Harder?

11-16-2011, 09:35 PM	#3
billy2642 Drives: 2013 VR ZL1 Manual Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Columbus, GA/Phenix City, AL Posts: 173	Ive driven manuals all my life and the manual/clutch in my car (v6 LS) was by far the hardest one for me to learn and drive. You may want to practice some more or just go to the dealership and test drive one. That may help the most __________________ 2013 VR ZL1 Manual #0801. Airais CAI, More to come........

11-16-2011, 09:53 PM	#8
chrisc32 5.0ing Drives: 5.0!!!!! Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: downey ca Posts: 329 View My Garage	I test drived the camaro ss manual today I suck at it it's not like Honda sticks idk why its so hard in first gear maybe I just gotta get use to it idk __________________ 5.0 smashing

11-16-2011, 10:19 PM	#13
NavyDood Retired Navy Drives: 2010 2SS/RS Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: NW of DFW Posts: 915	One thing I always liked about my 96 Z28 was I didn't even have to touch the gas taking off in first gear if I didn't want to. Obviously you wouldn't do this at a stop light. My wife found it very easy to learn the concept of a manual in that car, but to her everything about driving a manual was retarded. __________________ Retired Navy... A Husband. A Dad. A Veteran as of 2011. 2010 2SS/RS A6 - FlowMaster CatBack - I'm not a Amsoil dealer and will never be one. I believe in its capabilities from personal use with oil analysis reports backing up my OCI's. Besides, I know more than most cut and paste Amsoil dealers which are at least 95% of them.

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11-16-2011, 09:28 PM	#2
km9v Drives: 2011 Camaro SS/RS M6 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Beaumont, TX Posts: 418	I can't speak for the V6, but the LS3 M6 takes a bit more finessing than an Accord. Totally different driving experience. I wouldn't recommend it if you drive in moderate or heavy traffic on a regular basis.

11-16-2011, 09:42 PM	#6
DarkneSS Account Suspended Drives: 2010 Camaro 2SS/RS 6MT Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Westchester, New York Posts: 3,715	This was the first manual car Ive actually owned but I had driven others in the past and my father had about 15 years of experience. I had him drive it home and he ha a bit of trouble with it even with his experience. He didnt stall but his rpms were everywhere. The clutch catches very high and idk about the SS but on the V6 the 1st to 2nd shift takes a lot of practice or you will jerk the car.

11-16-2011, 09:48 PM	#7
steveo9043 Drives: 2012 45th AE 2SS Coupe Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Chicago IL Posts: 1,125	See that is my biggest concern. I have always wanted a manual camaro. When i had my 94 I wanted a manual but I was talked out of it. I don't want to buy the car get it home (from someone else) and not be able to figure it out. But I want the manual. Know what i mean? Thanks for no crazy responses.

11-16-2011, 09:57 PM	#9
steveo9043 Drives: 2012 45th AE 2SS Coupe Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Chicago IL Posts: 1,125	What is "hard" about the Camaro? Where the clutch engages? How much gas to give?

11-16-2011, 10:03 PM	#10
DarkneSS Account Suspended Drives: 2010 Camaro 2SS/RS 6MT Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Westchester, New York Posts: 3,715	Its because compared to many other cars the clutch catches very high and in a very small range. This makes it easy to miss giving gas at the correct time and leads to stalling. BUT it is NOT impossible at all! If you really want it then get it. It will only take you a few hours to be able to get the car around safely. Also keep in mind that stalling doesnt really damage anything. As long as the engine is fully warmed up stopping it and starting it a few times due to stalling isnt a big deal. My advice, get the manual and dont look back and if you can have someone who you know can drive stick come with you to pick the car up in case you need help.

11-16-2011, 10:10 PM	#11
steveo9043 Drives: 2012 45th AE 2SS Coupe Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Chicago IL Posts: 1,125	The dealership is 45 miles from the house... So I think I would have to bring someone for sure. My brother in law is dying for me to get a manual and so is my uncle and 2 cousins. lol mom doesn't like it tho.

11-16-2011, 10:18 PM	#12
steveo9043 Drives: 2012 45th AE 2SS Coupe Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Chicago IL Posts: 1,125	I'm assuming the camaro is drive by wire like the G8.... I'm sure that has to have an interesting effect on a manual trans.

11-16-2011, 10:21 PM	#14
steveo9043 Drives: 2012 45th AE 2SS Coupe Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Chicago IL Posts: 1,125	Getting used to have fast the RPM's raise without having load is very difficult lol. Maybe I should go test drive a used Camaro some where and see how it is then if I like it go buy the new camaro I want?