I'm still kinda new to stick, and this is my first post. I just recently bought a 98 Maxima SE stick, lightly modded. Since I'm new to stick, I'm not too great at it, I still shake a little. I was wondering, what is the best RPM to drop to when I get into first? Also, I always shift at 3k RPM,(2,3,4,5), that's not too much is it? Thanks for your replys.

 

maxima has tons of low end torque.. for smooth engagement i would say 2000 rpms..

when i am at the track i launch at 4500 rpms

 

for normal driving 3k is fine.. if you want a little more "sprited" run like getting on a highway, shift at 5k.

a normal launch (like from a light) rev it a little (less than 2k) and slide the clutch up easy.. no need to drop it but don't ride the clutch..

practice, practice, practice.

 

i rev up to like 1200 and ease out on the clutch. nice and smooth. it just takes practice to find out what is best for you.

 

i wish i had a stick!

 

 

me too ...

 

Shifting around or a little before 3k is good if you want to keep your gas milage up. It took me a while to get used to stick, my max is my first car, hence the first stick as well. I was shakey and stalling out often for the first 2 weeks. After a while you will get better. Just keep practicing letting of the clutch easily. Like when you in first try letting off the clutch to move without giving any gas. This way you learn when your clutch catches.

 

How to shift like a pro

 

How to shift when drag racing (on a track)

 

Just remember, there is a proven correlation between being easier on your clutch/transmission and mechanical component longevity.

Basically, the less you ride your clutch, the smoother you shift and the less you load or over-rev your max, the longer it will last.

Smoother you are, the better it is.

 

Check this site out: BMW M5 Virtual Driving School

Warning: you'll want a really fast link for downloading the files to your harddrive.

 

I've alwyas shifted at 3k... haven't raced or anything much and when i have done that once in a while i still don't take it to redline lol. i'm a po0SaE

 

lol. jo0 iz a po0sae! take it to redline just once, its fun.












ok i'll stop whoring the thread up now.

 

I always used to shift at 3k, getting about 310+/tank, but ever since I got my Frankencar, its more like 5k. I got about 80 miles out of the first half of my tank that way

 

Thanks for all the replys, I just put the post up today at school! Thanks for all the info, I guess I'm still a bit ****ty, because I ride the clutch...alot. When the gear catches, and i'm giving gas and actually going, that's when i let go of the clutch, sometimes i hear this kind of wierd noise as i'm giving gas, i can kind of tell that i'm riding the clutch. but...I guess practice makes perfect. This is my first stick car, and I've only been driving for about 3 weeks. Also, it came with a short-shifter, so it was a little harder to learn for me. Oh well, hopefully I be good someday and race you other max nuts . By the way, I live in Fairfax, VA if anyone wanna have a little fun . Thanks again.

 

dude, you are a little north of me. check out the D.C. forum, we got a killer meet coming up in April.