Hello from NY

[FDSpirit]

Just wanted to say hey to the people on the Standard Shift forums. I just got my first 5 speed last week('00 civic si) and my buddy has been teaching to drive in it. I've clocked 4 hours so far in it and I've stalled 4 times, but I think I'm doing much better than I did a few weeks ago. I've taken my car on the thruway, through the city(and sadly got stuck in rush hour...), and through crowded mall parking lots. Been practicing 3 point turns and driving in reverse for a bit. But I'm still having rough launches and rough shifts from 1st to 2nd, and yes, the goddamn hills(using the e-brake which is pretty good for me ATM).I wanted to see what tips you guys can offer with my trouble spots to make my driving much smoother

[94Corolla5Speed]

Welcome to SS! Sweet car by the way, post pics! And we've got a member with an FC here, just thought you'd like to know because of your username. (Spirit R's look amazing )

[FDSpirit]

Haha. Sweet. Looove rx-7s. And it's funny you posted, because my first car is a 94 corolla automatic(damn thing is a tank. teaching the GF how to parallel park in it right now.) Once I can find my digi cam I'll try and throw some photos on here. She's not in immaculate shape, but the body, in general, is MUCH better than my corolla is

[ColJessip]

PICTURE TIMMEEE

Welcome to SS, I am the resident Porkchop.
Bemvindo a SS, eu sou o residente Porkchop.

[Leedeth]

Welcome to the forums, and don't worry about stalling, it happens and is normal.

[94Corolla5Speed]

Heh, yea these things are indestructible, I'm at 150k and the thing is still golden, if it wasn't for me driving it the past 20,000 miles, it would be immaculate

[jomotopia]

welcome to the site. smoothness will come with seat time. sounds like you're doing pretty good. just keep practicing!

[AHTOXA]

Welcome! Si is a great car, just be careful - they are very prone to get stolen especially in NY.

[potownrob]

Bienvenido al mejor foro del mundo . Whereabouts in NY are you located? Ny meet??

[wannabe]

the best forum in the world, huh...i tend to agree or i wouldn't spend so much time here

welcome. i'm learning to...(just got my first manual, but i've been on here longer than the thing on the left says)...and you'll stall, you'll buck (haha), you'll scare/piss off other drivers (did that today myself), but you'll learn and they'll become smooth.

[padauk_dust]

Welcome aboard!

[theholycow]

Sounds like you have a handle on things. Those complaints you have will get better with practice.

[comingbackdown]

Welcome to Standardshift, brother!

[FDSpirit]

Thanks for the greets and tips. Im up in Troy right now, but I hate that they have one road for all traffic, but it helps me practice stop and go. Im gonna get an alarm for my car in April though so I can give myself some more sense of security.

[Rope-Pusher]

FDSpirit - Welcome to the forum. Lonely corners of parking lots are great places to develop muscle memory as to where that friction point is where the clutch starts to engage: 1)Nobody else around you, so no pressure if you stall; 2)You can practice over and over in a short time; 3)You might even find a parking lot with a little bit of a grade in it such that you can practice hill launches.