Feather the Clucth

[TegLs]

Sorry if this is a stupid question but what does feather the clucth mean??? and how is it done...

[BullShifter]

Feathering is basically riding the clutch to prevent wheel spin @ high RPM launches.

[KrNxRaCer00]

hey, no question is too stupid on af...

but seriously, all it means is that u let the clutch out slowly until ur tires grip an then u dump it (in a race).

for daily driving, if someone says that, then its jus driving so the clutch work is smooth w/ out the jerk....

[Spectre927]

Speaking of that, is there anyway to get so good at shifting that when you bring someone in the car who's not use to riding in a stick everyday, they don't lean forward and then jolt back everytime you shift. I personally think IM pretty smooth, but obviously not enough. I feel bad sometimes.

[BullShifter]

Originally Posted by Spectre927

Speaking of that, is there anyway to get so good at shifting that when you bring someone in the car who's not use to riding in a stick everyday, they don't lean forward and then jolt back everytime you shift. I personally think IM pretty smooth, but obviously not enough. I feel bad sometimes.

Practice driving smoothly . . . . .let the clutch out slower w/ more gas
Who cares how the passenger feels, if they dont like it let them get their own ride.

[94tegRS]

if you drive slower it is easier, because think about it, if your hossing it, your acclerating quickly, so is there body, push in the clutch and no more power ot accelerate the car, but they still kep going somewhat and lean forward, then in the next gear they go back again, one time my dog was in the car and I wsnt thinking, took it to redline in 2nd, and when i pushed in the clutch her nose went all the way to the crevice betwen winshield and dash, kinda felt sory for the ol girl.

[TegLs]

SO all i do is release clucth slowly and when i feel the car got grip i jus pop it and floor the gas???

and when downshifting exp: im goin 65 in 5th gear and wanna downshift to 3rd i gotta downshift to 4th den to 3rd right...if dat rite and anyone tell me how it is done rite???

[MGFreelance]

Im new to the 5 speed also. I was curious... Will this wear out the clutch faster?

-Mike

[94tegRS]

I dont think its bad for it but im not sue but I always go straight from 5th-3rd, just rev the engine up to where you think it wil eb when you let out the clutch, and then it will be alot smoother of a downshift than if you just went to 3rd, let out the clutch and then floor it. I got my civic down to where anytime I downshift I just blip the throttle and it puts the RPMS right where they need to be and even if i drop the clutch the car doesnt shake at all.

[BullShifter]

No need for the clutch except for 1st/reverse gears.

Its hard to describe driving techniques . . . for me at least.
You dont pop the clutch when feathering, the whole point is acceleration with no wheel spin. Basically controlling acceleration with the clutch instead of throttle . Thats the best I can do.

[Spectre927]

Originally Posted by jackasssi

No need for the clutch except for 1st/reverse gears.

Its hard to describe driving techniques . . . for me at least.
You dont pop the clutch when feathering, the whole point is acceleration with no wheel spin. Basically controlling acceleration with the clutch instead of throttle . Thats the best I can do.

Could you elaborate on the no need for a clutch. I've seen my dad with a class A license do it, but I myself would rather not. Im curious how its done though.

[BullShifter]

Every thing must go perfectly for shift w/ no clutch to work, other wise you get a nice grind. 3rd to 4th or 4th to 5th are the easiest to learn, also for down shift.
While your cruising @ speed - time for gear change - pull from gear to neutral while adjusting throttle so there is no resistnace when pulling from the gear - split second neutral - then shift to next gear - back on gas

Down shift - rev match in neutral before shifting

Don't try to pull or slam the gears - it should go very smoothly if done properly, smother than with the clutch IMO.

I cant explain - its easier to show some one

[94tegRS]

I got my bug in first with no clutch a cople times, I just had to push it and get it rolling and at like 5 I just tap the gas and push and it goes in. and the way i was showed to up shift was the way you said it but not leaving it in neutral for a second but putting a bit of presure in the next gesar and when it was ready it always just popped in, is this bad for anything, and on the downshift the same way, rev it above where you think and give slight pressure, even if i was F'ing up my cars I dotn own any of them anymore that I did this on

[BullShifter]

You shouldn't do that in 1st or even downshift to 1st while moving - a few MPH's is ok. If it goes smoothly, you did it right - its about the timing.

[kittedb18bt]

jackasssi, is this at all bad for the tranny? clutchless-shifting, i am anxious to try it.