So Ive driven a number of manual cars but the six speed 03 Turbo I got 2 months ago is my first stick I've owned and is also my DD. Ive owned an Integra, a C32 AMG and two twin turbo Audi S4s, all of them tiptronic, not really on purpose but its just what I had found. After 2 months now I feel pretty comfortable and I'm holding off on getting a tune and using the money for driving instruction. My question is any advice for the manual noob? What is the easiest way to destroy a clutch? Any good habits I should be aware of? When I am slowing down I sometimes like to downshift and let out the clutch as I am hitting the brake. Then I press it all the way in to complete the stop. I like the way this feels and can modulate my speed better (especially around turns). I'm not sure this is proper or good for the clutch, but it came naturally. Any other advice or tips would be much appreciated. TIA

 

Hi there,

Learn to double clutch, it makes down shifting smoother and sounds incredible when done correctly.

George

 

Or at least heal toe rev matching. Double clutching is cool, but not really necessary with a synchro transmission.

 

I admit you are correct, but it's a lost art that i can't kick.

George

(and it still sounds incredible when done the right way)

 

Heal toe rev matching sounds no different as you are doing the same thing with one less clutch movement. BTW I still double clutch quite a bit as it has been a habit of mine as well. It certainly is not as fast, but I am sure it leaves the synchros in better shape

 

Oh to the OP start with simple rev matching. When you want to downshift, push in the clutch and simoltaneously blip the throttle to raise the RPM's enough that when you downshift, the RPM's do not raise higher in the lower gear. This makes for an extremely stable downshift. After you master that, then try heal toe where you apply the brake at the same time you rev the engine.

Then when you really feel old school like george and me, push in the clutch, take it into neutral, lift the clutch, rev the engine, push in the clutch and downshift, then release the clutch and you have just double clutch rev matched. Master that, and then do the same above with brake.

 

It sounds complicated, but over time it becomes second nature. You will do it without even thinking, and i maintain that it is smoother (or at least as smooth) as Heal and toe.

George

 

If you're coming to a stop I'd suggest putting it neutral to coast or leave it in gear as long as you can. Like others have suggested make sure you always rev match your downshifts. Other bad habits include using the clutch to "hold" your place on hills and over revving when starting out in first. With the torque these cars produce you'd be surprised how little gas you need to smoothly take off in first.

Forgot to add: It does become second nature after a year or so. I've been driving only manuals for 10 years now and my hands and feet just move as if I were a computer.

 

Any good links on heel to toe? What exactly is double clutching? Also can I over-rev a stock car? I bounced the needle just one time, but have come close a couple. One more, if your just regular driving, do you skip gears when accelerating like maybe 1-2-4?

 

You can over rev if you downshift into a low gear at too high of a speed. If you're accelerating you'll just bounce off the rev limiter. If I'm driving normal I always skip gears, usually 1-2-6. I should note there's probably no real harm in bouncing off the limiter but shifting to a low gear at speed and over revving can cause serious damage.

For heel toe, as you're coming to a stop slide your foot over a little to the right so it's half on the brake and half over the gas. Pivot your heel so you push on the gas pedal while you continue to brake until you hit the revs you want then let off the clutch. Just takes a little practice.

 

Sorry I posted that before I saw all the advice. Thanks a lot guys and keep it comin!

 

No one's going to cover shifting without clutch???

 

[quote=Nikolas;3520900]Or at least heal toe rev matching. Double clutching is cool, but not really necessary with a synchro transmission.[/quot

+1 Learning how to properly heal and toe rev match on downshifts will yield more satisfaction than any mod you can make. It is becoming a lost art form with all the paddle shifted auto-manual trannies. Don't laff but I learned how to heal and toe on a Ford Pinto many many many moons ago.

 

[quote=Duane996tt;3521103]So you are the one who survived the Pinto!
Didn't take much for those cars to explode...

 

Well, aside from what I will call the more advanced things being suggested here (which I believe you work up to)....
- try to not 'lug' the car in too high of a gear (example, going 20mph in 3rd gear and trying to grunt it out)
- use all of the rev range, many shift to another gear too early - it is all useable up to redline
- change your brake fluid @every year, cheap insurance. Motive bleeders are awesome!