It seems like now matter how I drive, my 2nd to 3rd and 4th to 5th gear shifts are never the same. Sometimes the clutch will catch early and sometimes it'll catch late. I can't tell if its the car or the driver to blame.

Also, my 1st gear hooks up REALLY quickly, and if I'm moving at any more than a creep, it just won't go into the gear. That sometimes leaves me with that guttural shifter vibration that just can't be good for the gears. Even at a stop, it takes a goo amount of force to get it in.

Also - I know I'm bone stock (mostly) but should it really feel like I'm driving a truck when I'm not trying to accelerate a bit quickly? 1st and 2nd gear are insanely short.

What can you tell me I should modify regarding my driving or the car itself?

Thanks!

 

No offence it's probably the driver. This may sound stupid but do you wear different shoes that are a different thickness? say tennis shoes one day then boots the next, that can cause a lil problem sometimes. Never shift into first unless stopped. if all else fails try changing your trans fluid with full synthetic.

oh also, never ever force it into gear

 

None taken at all

 

+1, I have noticed awhile ago with different shoes I have to adjust the seat slightly.

 

Could be that you have air in the clutch hydraulics, have you bled the clutch line? If you pump the clutch pedal does it disengage earlier? Do you have any drips under the engine?

 

I've got no drips, but with the varying force needed I'll bleed it next weekend.

Oh, I always wear my tennis shoes when I'm driving - if I need to dress formal I'll keep my dress shoes in my shoe bag till I need them.

I tried driving in my riding boots once (equestrian) and my heel got caught under the clutch and it wasn't pretty.

 

Woops. That could be bad.
Good idea keeping dress shoes in bag till needed.
Eff dress shoes. Never comfortable

 

Freaky. I let my friend (best friend) go have fun in my car for about 15 minutes tonight (I know - stupid - ever worse that I didn't go with him) and now my car drives smooth as butter.

 

The shoes do affect the shoes when i wear my times i have to move my seat to the back a lil or when i am wearing my tennis shoes i would have to move my seat forward