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Can't get used to this 5-speed ...

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Old Aug 19, 2010 | 05:56 PM
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Can't get used to this 5-speed ...

I have been driving my 2000 maxima for two weeks now and I've been having a hard time getting used to this clutch. The clutch is in good condition, but I'm just having a hard time matching the rpms when I'm shifting gears. I'm used to driving 5-speed hondas and 6-speeds GM's and I never had a problem with them. I hope I'm not screwing the tranny by not matching the rpms correctly.

Any suggestions? I have had other people drive with me and they tell me the same thing ... that I'm not keeping the foot on the gas when I'm shifting, but I feel the gas pedal is really sensitive.

TIA,
G
Old Aug 19, 2010 | 07:19 PM
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just remember that the clutch pedal release is at the bottom opposed to the honda/acura being at the top..thats all i can tell you
Old Aug 19, 2010 | 07:22 PM
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Originally Posted by phatboislim
just remember that the clutch pedal release is at the bottom opposed to the honda/acura being at the top..thats all i can tell you
I also noticed this ... thanks for pointing out though.
Old Aug 19, 2010 | 08:24 PM
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Keep drivin'
I have a hard time rev-matching in my 6MT as well sometimes. I find you have to shift faster in this car than my other car, or you'll lose the sweet spot quickly.
Old Aug 19, 2010 | 09:58 PM
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Originally Posted by gdal
I'm used to driving 5-speed hondas and 6-speeds GM's and I never had a problem with them. I hope I'm not screwing the tranny by not matching the rpms correctly.
i dont know what you're trying to say with this statement. i've owned 3 GM 6 speed manuals as well. never had a problem adjusting to the max. didnt have a problem adjusting to my EVO either.


.....guess that's why they make automatics....

Last edited by 5 ltr. beater; Aug 19, 2010 at 10:12 PM.
Old Aug 19, 2010 | 10:08 PM
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WTF? How hard is it to drive any manual car?
Old Aug 19, 2010 | 10:10 PM
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Old Aug 19, 2010 | 10:25 PM
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Uninstall it, pack it and send it my way please.
Old Aug 20, 2010 | 02:01 AM
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I'm just sayin' that I haven't gotten used to this stick shift as fast as other vehicles I have owned in the past. Damn ... I didn't realize I was gonna be ridiculed for making a freakin' statement. It was just a personal observation and I wanted to see if anyone else agreed with me ...

Last edited by gdal; Aug 21, 2010 at 10:06 AM.
Old Aug 20, 2010 | 04:23 AM
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maxima.org is full of alot of ignoramouses. i know what you are referring to, i'm sure as a manual you have no issues, but as far as learning how to drive it 'spirited', you're having issues.
Old Aug 20, 2010 | 04:45 AM
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Originally Posted by tedo007
WTF? How hard is it to drive any manual car?
Originally Posted by shadyonedeath
Uninstall it, pack it and send it my way please.
Old Aug 20, 2010 | 06:09 AM
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It didn't take me too long to get used to my 2000 GXE 5-speed. However, with the engine having a lot more power compared to my last manual car, I did initially have a tendency to jack rabbit it and that may be what you are referring to. Just take it easy on the accelerator. I also found that due to extra torque it can be upshifted a lot sooner than any other manual I've ever driven.
Old Aug 20, 2010 | 09:33 AM
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Originally Posted by phatboislim
maxima.org is full of alot of ignoramouses. i know what you are referring to, i'm sure as a manual you have no issues, but as far as learning how to drive it 'spirited', you're having issues.
Quoted for truth
Old Aug 20, 2010 | 10:34 AM
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It took me a little while to get used to my wife's 6-speed Sentra, especially with the drive by wire. My 5-speed 4th gen SC'er was easy, until I changed the trans and put a new clutch in. For a while the pedal was not adjusted properly, so I'd stall the thing all the time. Adjusted the clutch pedal and it was business as usual. Just give it sometime and you'll figure it out.

S
Old Aug 20, 2010 | 10:40 AM
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Old Aug 20, 2010 | 12:05 PM
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Practice. Practice. Practice. I noticed that my 6-speed was less forgiving that my previous cars.
Old Aug 20, 2010 | 06:10 PM
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Took me about a month to get it perfect every time with my 6spd. Wait and see. Practice will pay off in another 2 or 3 weeks, don't worry about it.
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