New Silvia (s14) Driver, need tips for Manual.

[unbind213]

Hi I'm a pretty big noob when it comes to driving manual. I've been driving automatic all my life and just wanted some pointers on driving the Silvia. I know Nissans cant downshift to 1st gear (learned that yesterday) and I think the car is a bit too advanced for me for my first car. But I got the hang of driving it around without stalling it too often. One big question I have is that I've been using the clutch as somewhat as a balancer between the acceleration so it would be let go of the clutch lightly, and the car starts moving, then I push down the acceleration and it gets the car moving BUT my left feet is always holding down on the clutch lightly, and I was wondering if that was bad. I mean I dont hold down the clutch all the way but I like to keep it somewhat depressed even when moving (accelerating). It feels like to me that there needs to be a good balance between the clutch and acceleration to move smoothly, is that correct or am i damaging my car in anyway by doing this. Anyways Im a noob, just any pointers would be fine.
Thanks.

[soreballz]

You're gonna burn up the clutch in that mad tyte jdm Silvia real quick.

[scranton951]

Yeah. Take your foot off the clutch once you're moving, other than for shifting. "Riding" the clutch can burn it up pretty fast.

[Nintensity]

Think of it like a teeter-todder. What goes down, must go up.

The only thing you shouldn't do is fully hold down the clutch while pressing the accelleration pedal. but it's okay when both feet are at 50/50, cause sometimes I do that to balance the clutch when starting uphill.

The N -> 1 is always the hardest, but it's simply the feel you need when you have your foot on the clutch. Remember to not rush things. take your time and act cool and calm.

:)

[Nintensity]

Oh yes, don't downshift to 1st gear unless if you're travelling at a super slow rate at 5km/hr haha. Just stick it in 2nd and just go.

[fliprayzin240sx]

You really have a Silvia or a 240sx?

[unbind213]

Think of it like a teeter-todder. What goes down, must go up.

The only thing you shouldn't do is fully hold down the clutch while pressing the accelleration pedal. but it's okay when both feet are at 50/50, cause sometimes I do that to balance the clutch when starting uphill.

The N -> 1 is always the hardest, but it's simply the feel you need when you have your foot on the clutch. Remember to not rush things. take your time and act cool and calm.

:)

When you said 50/50 I get what you mean, my foot isnt holding down the clutch all the way but when Im rolling, my left foot is lightly holding the clutch sometimes when I accelerate. But it is fine to just hold it down lightly even when accelerating right? I dont have the clutch fully depressed unless Im shifting gears.

[unbind213]

You really have a Silvia or a 240sx?

Yeah, i do unfortunately :/ I feel that many people are gonna hate me for it cuz Im a noob and have it, actually found the car through this site too, just first time posting lol

[travisty_]

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You only want to use the friction zone of your clutch to get moving, dont ride the clutch. Keep your foot on the dead pedal when the clutch isn't in use.

Riding the clutch (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clutch_control#Riding_the_clutch)

[Hoffman5982]

I don't understand the holding it at 50/50. The ONLY time you should do that is when starting from a dead stop going up hill, and you still shouldn't do it more than a few seconds. To shift smoothly you can ride the clutch for a split second, but never any longer. As you said, shifting down into first by accident won't happen, which is definitely for the best. Also, get the hang of rev matching when shifting down

[WV_SR20]

Just practice once you figure it out, get a friend who knows how to drive a stick and is patient to get in and give you a demonstration of how to do it correctly (drive and you watch their feet basically) then you try and do what they did. worst case scenario you toast your clutch and gotta buy a new one, Exedy OEM replacement is only $150 for a KA

[EhrikETFG]

go get your mom or dad to help you lol

[ixfxi]

I know Nissans cant downshift to 1st gear (learned that yesterday)

you are incorrect

[codyace]

Are you really 32 years old? I find it hard pressed that you don't have a friend that can show you at 32 years old.

[Phlip]

When you said 50/50 I get what you mean, my foot isnt holding down the clutch all the way but when Im rolling, my left foot is lightly holding the clutch sometimes when I accelerate. But it is fine to just hold it down lightly even when accelerating right? I dont have the clutch fully depressed unless Im shifting gears.
TAKE YOUR FOOT OFF OF THE CLUTCH ONCE YOU'RE MOVING!!!
You should do the "lightly on the clutch" thing ONLY until the car is moving without having stalled out. Anything applied to that clutch from there will only serve to burn it up, and if you don't know how to DRIVE manual transmission, I highly doubt you know how to change a clutch.

[240mike1022]

Pratice makes perfect just don't rde the clutch