I have an 88 maxima (recently bought) with a 5 spd and 139k on it. It's in pretty good shape and runs fine. I was told the clutch was replaced at about 45,000 miles. Owner told me he hot-footed it at first, then quit after the clutch went out. Anyway, going into 2nd gear, and into 3rd gear there is a noticable power lag. Engines runs fine, no hesitation at all. Feels a lot like the old turbo lag. Lags, then kicks in. 4th and 5th gears are fine. Is this an engine or clutch problem? Am I not shifting right or something?

 

Do the RPMs go up without noticable acceleration?

 

No, not really. The acceleration and the rpm's are hand in hand. As the acceleration really picks up, the rpm's go with it. And it's smooth, too. Not like a jerky, thumpy type change either.