Help driving a Manual?

[swamack]

I just recently got a little 93 escort with a 5 speed. I ran the living crap out of my 87 cougar, which was a auto, but anyway, does anybody have any pointers they can give me about driving a manual without killing the tranny or clutch. I want this car to last more then 6 months.

Thanks for the help!

[YogsVR4]

You're just going to have to find an open parking lot so you dont get in the way of other drivers. Have someone who knows how sit with you to help you out (they should drive you to the lot). Its pretty easy to get used to. Just dont rev the engine to 3K + and drop the clutch. Thats about the only way you could actually do any damage.

[BeEfCaKe]

haha... interesting... how i was just bout to post the same question... I'm currently driving an automatic... considering getting either an ae86 ... I have these questions concerning driving manual:

1. After I start up the car, and try to switch to 1st Gear, do I have to use brake while I engage the clutch and shift(like an automatic), or just use clutch, shift, then add gas while i release the clutch??

2. Say i'm driving on the road, on 4th, coming to sharp turn, what's the best thing to do? Brake, engage clutch, down shift maybe to 3, then 2, keep clutch engaged until after apex of turn, then add gas and release clutch? Will the car die if i disengage the clutch without adding gas(I know this happens if the car ain't moving, but I'm talking about when its moving)

3. Ok i'm on 2nd, I want to switch to 3rd. I engage clutch, should I release gas while doing this? Then add gas as I'm disengaging the clutch? Will the car die if I don't put in gas as I release clutch?

4. I need to come to a stop. What's the best thing to do? Engage clutch, brake, shift to 1st when the car's stopped?

Thx...

[dbiggss]

1. After I start up the car, and try to switch to 1st Gear, do I have to use brake while I engage the clutch and shift(like an automatic), or just use clutch, shift, then add gas while i release the clutch??

no, you dont have to apply the brake.

2. Say i'm driving on the road, on 4th, coming to sharp turn, what's the best thing to do? Brake, engage clutch, down shift maybe to 3, then 2, keep clutch engaged until after apex of turn, then add gas and release clutch? Will the car die if i disengage the clutch without adding gas(I know this happens if the car ain't moving, but I'm talking about when its moving)

It really depends on how sharp the turn is. if its a sharp curve you might want to downshift one gear and accelerate through the turn a little. if it is a real turn(like a 90degree) you should engage the clutch, apply the brakes to slow down a little, then shift into second. And no if you are moving and let go of the clutch without gas it will not stall, but i recommend giving it some gas anyway to make the transition between gears smooth and easy.

3. Ok i'm on 2nd, I want to switch to 3rd. I engage clutch, should I release gas while doing this? Then add gas as I'm disengaging the clutch? Will the car die if I don't put in gas as I release clutch?

usually people do let off the gas when upshifting(unless they are powershifting). again you dont have to apply any throttle but should to keep everything smooth, and no the car will not die if you release the clutch when moving without giving any gas.

Hope this helps out a little bit. once you get used to it everything will be second nature to you, and you wont even think about what your doing.if you have any other questions just post them.

P.S. downshifting is a whole different story.

[BeEfCaKe]

Wow, what a fast response! Thx alot for this nice info!

[jaxle]

what newbs.... hehehe. i drove my new stickshift car about 20miles back to my house and it was the second time driving a stickshift. unless u just suck in general coordination stickshifts are not that hard. all you need is someone who knows what they are doing in the car and after a couple trys of starting up ur ready to go alone...atleast i was. all these detailed questions can answer themselves just get in the car and see

[BeEfCaKe]

Why do you bother digging up old posts? the last post was over 6 months ago dude...

And btw, you're reallllllly cool, I'm DAMN sure you must've known how to drive stick the second you were born correct?