I Need Some Advice

[Chris12211]

I need some advice for... Well getting my mustang into first gear smoothly. Im new to manual transmission, i had an auto 09 with a tune and exhaust and i loved the car, but i recently had an itch to drop the auto and pick up a stick.. and well.. i bought a GT LOL. Im having great difficulty finding the friction point when trying to engage first and im stalling quite a bit. If i rev high i can start but its anything but smooth and probably dangerous. Im just practicing for now, definetly not comfortable driving it on the street in traffic yet. Anybody got any tips? Other than i shouldnt have bought a GT for my first manual ??

 

[Paul G]

Im having great difficulty finding the friction point when trying to engage first and im stalling quite a bit.

I don't really understand what you mean by friction point... If your starting from a stop, you should already be in first... If you're slowing down, never go to first until you've stopped. First is only for starting from a dead stop...

Secondly, there shouldn't be a "friction point".... driving a manual is really all about finesse, technique and timing.
Use your ears! When starting from a dead stop, Listen to the engine to balance how much gas is applied vs how much clutch is slowly let out. Running through the gears should come natural if you can listen to your engine and understand it's sweet spots, based upon what speed you're accelerating too.

Practice in a parking lot... you'll get it.

 

[Chris12211]

I mean i was having trouble finding the point where to balance clutch and gas. Starting from a dead stop. Shifting after first gear is pretty smooth for me, i understand the concept. Its the initial take off that i couldnt seem to get right. This is my first manual car so i am aware my start ups will be very jerky and i will stall sometimes. The throttle is very touchy so i either give too much gas or hesitate and stall. That being said, its my 3rd day with a stick, i havent taken it in traffic yet just kinda rolling through my neighborhood. But i am more comfortable as i go on... i find wearing slip on Vans shoes helps me feel the clutch out alot better. Anyway thanks for the reply.

 

[racerraj]

You'll get the hang of it. Practice and really LIGHT throttle. On a level road, you can let the clutch out without touching the gas (Slowly) to get a good feel of where the clutch starts grabbing. Then maybe practice starts going down hills. Easier that way. You don't need to do those things, but it might speed the learning curve up.

 

[Chris12211]

Awesome, ill give those suggestions a try for sure. I know questions from beginner drivers are all too redundant, im asking in favour of my engine and tranny. Since theyre at my mercy. I cringe when i stall hard, only 50k on the car but i really want to avoid messing it up as much as possible. I will try those tips you provided. Thanks again

 

[racerraj]

Update us after you get some practice.

 

[Paul G]

The engine and tranny will be just fine. The transmissions in these things are pretty tough, especially Tremec's.
As racerraj states, it's just a fine balance of gas and clutch...like I said, use your ears... Once you get to know your engine, rpm's and sweet spots, your ears will tell you how to balance the two. If you have a buddy who can drive a stick, it would be helpful to grab him for a few lessons.

I always stall mine getting into the garage. I have a 1 car garage that you need to take a hard left, up hill and up onto a cement slab...
All while trying not to hit the ladder, trash-can, and everything else that's in there! LOL.

You can do it.... Heck, if my wife can drive a stick, anyone can... (Great full she's not on this forum!!!)

Let us know how you do...

 

[wbeard]

I still stall mine in reverse occasionally if on incline.


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[Broken Dreams]

You will get the hang of it. Just practice in a parking lot and you will feel the clutch engage. That's how I learned.

 

[Billsfive.0]

It took me a while to get the hang of it after not driving a stick for 20 years! I found myself watching the tach, making sure I was between 2 and 3 grand. Couldn't hear the engine that good. I changed my axel-backs and was able to hear the car better. This made it easier for me anyway.
Like said before, take your time, driving around the neighborhoods till you feel better about it.