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5 Speed for dummies=
Unlike your auto to start the car you need to hold in the clutch while turning the key.
Clutch in = neutral/0% drivetrain lockup (Rev like a ricer here)
(you dont move when in this position)
....
Clutch halfway out = 50% lockup (car creeps forward; engine loses rpm and momentum; give gas to compensate)
....
Clutch out = 100% lockup (fully engaged now you can gun it)
Tip0 = try not to stay between in and out for long cuz u'll wear out your clutch. When you smell something burning that's when you know you have decreased the life of it.
Your left foot controls the 'launch/drivetrain lockup'. The right foot controls gas and brakes. Your right hand controls the stick. Your left hand is on the wheel.
Tip0.5 = when not using the clutch dont be eager about it. Let it rest on the dead pedal. The last thing you want is a leg cramp in traffic. Make it a habit.
Tip1 = never put it in 1st (unless you can rev match) or reverse unless you're completely stopped.
Tip2 = stay calm if you start rockin. Panic/tensing only makes it worst. Just steady on the gas and it should stop. Or you can clutch it and try again, but remember to bring your rpms up a little first.
Tip3 = Gently take your foot away from the clutch. Don't pop it or burn/ride it. Feel where it begins to 'grab' and your rpms start to drop and memorize that point. Raise rpm around 1500, but keep on the gas pedal otherwise you'll stall.
tip4= while going on first, when you are gently releasing the clutch while giving it gas, just because the car starts moving doesnt mean you can let go of the clutch completely. This is the main reason people stall.
You must 'sychronize' your rpm to your speed depending on what gear. Driving like a granny would be 10mph per gear, but that should provide smoothness for a noob. Between gears gently let the clutch out and make sure you have fully put it in gear before letting it out; therefore, you wont grind. You will probably find it gets easier and smoother as you get up the gears. That's normal. The hardest part about 5spds is at stops and slow speeds.
here's a basic guideline for gears when learning
10mph - 1st
20mph - 2nd
30mph - 3rd
40mph - 4th
60+mph - 5th
Between shifts, let off the gas mostly like 90%. But dont take your foot away. Get ready to get back on it as soon as you switch gears and let the clutch out. Almost simultaneously but not.
Tip5 = avoid hills at all costs Use ebrake if necessary. Heel toe if you know how (might be difficult with stock pedals). Invest in a line lock =P
When stopping to a complete stop hold in the clutch and use the brakes. You can also shift to neutral and then let the clutch go while using the brakes. It's all interchangable. Remember it takes two pedals to come to a complete stop.
If you dont come to a complete stop refer to the shift-mph guidelines above (dont use first gear in motion tho thats the exception). Blip the gas to around 2500-3000rpm (approx for these estimated guidelines; it's better to overshoot by a little) before letting the clutch out so u wont go hard on your tranny.
If you arent coming to a complete stop then you dont have to clutch it just downshift after slowing down.
DO NOT:
Miss a shift
Put it in 1st or reverse while in motion
try to shift without pressing in the clutch
force gears
press the clutch half a$$ed. This is how most people wear their clutch out cuz they dont fully press it in when stopped in traffic etc. Press that pedal down all the way and firmly.
DO:
ADJUST THE CLUTCH WHEN FIRST LEARNING
(IT MAKES IT A HELLA LOT EASIER, ASK ANYONE)
PRACTICE
PRACTICE
PRACTICE
Good Luck
from http://www.g2ic.com/
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"Saying you understand trance by listening to commercial crap is like saying you understand hip hop by listening to 'Who let the dogs out'" - unknown
Last edited by gOOD-tRiP on Jul-08-2003 at 00:36
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