Learning Manual on 2011 GT
Another sleepless night!
10-01-2010, 08:08 PM
#84
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Canada
Posts: 18
Hey all - got my first Mustang! Ingot silver (will take pictures later). However, despite all the great advice in this thread, I decided not to get a manual. Mainly my better half, but me as well, are nervous people, and the test drive in the manual didn't go so well. There's no way my better half would have been willing to put effort into learning to drive the car, and I felt the same way. So we went with an auto. You can say "I told you so" if I regret it later, but I think I'll be happy with the choice.
Thanks for the help!
Thanks for the help!
Of course, it will never be quite the same as a manual but it is still fun to enter an onramp in second gear and floor it to merge. Yup, lots of fun!!
10-01-2010, 09:13 PM
#85
2nd Gear Member
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: NJ
Posts: 275
Whoever says learning manual is easy, and will take a week, is full of crap. Sure, some can pick it up quicker than others, but to feel 75% comfortable, it'll be at least a month, and at least 3 months before you stop looking at the RPMs to shift.
I would still recommend a rental car to practice on. And to start off, I would release the clutch slowly, and NOT press on the gas at all. Just get a feel for where the clutch releases, you will know you're at that point when the car starts to move a little. Also practice holding the RPMs at various levels, with the car in neutral just so you get a feel for the accelerator. The clutch part isn't healthy for the clutch, that's why I recommend a rental.
Just don't get frustrated, I remember during the few weeks I was learning I just had wish I went with an automatic, but in the end, it is so worth having this skill.
Good luck with the sick new car.
I would still recommend a rental car to practice on. And to start off, I would release the clutch slowly, and NOT press on the gas at all. Just get a feel for where the clutch releases, you will know you're at that point when the car starts to move a little. Also practice holding the RPMs at various levels, with the car in neutral just so you get a feel for the accelerator. The clutch part isn't healthy for the clutch, that's why I recommend a rental.
Just don't get frustrated, I remember during the few weeks I was learning I just had wish I went with an automatic, but in the end, it is so worth having this skill.
Good luck with the sick new car.
10-02-2010, 08:19 AM
#86
6th Gear Member
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: state of confusion
Posts: 7,635
Better to forget there's even a tach there and learn when to shift "by ear" and "by feel".
When you're first learning to drive stick, you don't belong anywhere near redline, and developing a feel for working the mechanical bits will make you smoother at it.
Norm
When you're first learning to drive stick, you don't belong anywhere near redline, and developing a feel for working the mechanical bits will make you smoother at it.
Norm
10-02-2010, 10:42 AM
#87
2nd Gear Member
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: AZ
Posts: 465
Other points to consider when operating a manual include shifting to neutral and letting out the clutch when you're stopped for a long period of time such as at a red light. This is to avoid additional wear and tear on the throw-out bearing (or concentric slave cylinder), plus it's easier on your foot.
10-03-2010, 08:46 AM
#89
6th Gear Member
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: state of confusion
Posts: 7,635
Other points to consider when operating a manual include shifting to neutral and letting out the clutch when you're stopped for a long period of time such as at a red light. This is to avoid additional wear and tear on the throw-out bearing (or concentric slave cylinder), plus it's easier on your foot.
Norm
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