Shifter notchiness going from first to second

[theholycow]

It happens to everyone, we're all human. It's fine. The gearbox is designed to be operated by imperfect humans.

[kayubassist]

It happens to everyone, we're all human. It's fine. The gearbox is designed to be operated by imperfect humans.

I hope my gearbox is designed to be operated by imperfect-all-the-time human.

[RITmusic2k]

My problem with trying to double clutch is that I always forget clutching in again and get the happy grindy sound.

My solution to this problem was to stop thinking of Neutral as some sort of non-gear between all the real ones, and start thinking of it as 'the rev-matching gear'.

So, if you want a rev-matched double-clutched shift from one gear to another, you just shift completely into your rev-matching gear, then you rev match. When you're done rev matching, you shift into your destination gear.

[tankinbeans]

My problem with trying to double clutch is that I always forget clutching in again and get the happy grindy sound.

My solution to this problem was to stop thinking of Neutral as some sort of non-gear between all the real ones, and start thinking of it as 'the rev-matching gear'.

So, if you want a rev-matched double-clutched shift from one gear to another, you just shift completely into your rev-matching gear, then you rev match. When you're done rev matching, you shift into your destination gear.

That makes a lot of sense. Thank you. I'll have to play around with it so I can master a new skill. One thing at a time though. I was trying it a little on lunch, and was doing okay, but the pace with which I complete my shift isn't there yet. Another thing I'm working on, sometimes, is heel-toe, but I have to try ball-ball where half of the ball of the foot is on the brake and half is on the gas. That is still a trip and I stink at it.

Kayuba, you can't be that bad. I've met plenty of imperfect humans in my life who think they are perfect. You sound more on the ball than they are.

[tankinbeans]

It happens to everyone, we're all human. It's fine. The gearbox is designed to be operated by imperfect humans.

Thanks. It happened again today. I was not happy, but sh...stuff happens. Live and learn...then get Luvs.

[kayubassist]

Kayuba, you can't be that bad. I've met plenty of imperfect humans in my life who think they are perfect. You sound more on the ball than they are.

inconsistency is my enemy lol
some days I think oh yeah!! this is manual!!!!!!
some days I think about how I could have enjoyed this car much more if I had got automatic.
and I hate hearing small clicks and clunks here and there when driving.

one day, there were lots of cars on my way home and I was just praying that I could get home with no problem.
I pulled into my driveway, and I was so relieved and let my left foot off the clutch without shifting into neutral. heavy bucking stall. lol.
thankfully though, our family is moving in december to a different neighbourhood where there is less hill.
but it's still called xxxx mountain... ugh

[theholycow]

and I hate hearing small clicks and clunks here and there when driving.

I pulled into my driveway, and I was so relieved and let my left foot off the clutch without shifting into neutral. heavy bucking stall. lol.

Been there done that a few times.

Also have started the car, totally forgotten to step on the clutch, and shifted...I think I've done that twice.

[shiftmate]

I was paying a bit more attention to the resistance in shifting from 1st to 2nd. It seems that if I wait and let the RPMs drop more than I've been doing, the gearbox lets me slip in easily. Likewise, if I upshift into 2nd earlier, it's an easy shift. What I've been doing that results in shifter resistance is getting up to ~3k RPM in 1st and then shifting.

If I do the upshift early (and smoothly, since no resistance), I'm barely moving when I shift and traffic is right on my ass. Maybe I need to learn to execute the shift quicker at this point to minimize the throttle-off time so I can get a decently quick but smooth acceleration from full stops.

[theholycow]

Maybe I need to learn to execute the shift quicker at this point to minimize the throttle-off time so I can get a decently quick but smooth acceleration from full stops.

That's how I operate (in a modern vehicle; my Buick is a very different animal). Get rolling in 1st, lightning-fast clutch work and flick shift into 2nd, minimal interruption to acceleration.

[Rope-Pusher]

lightning-fast

Yes Cow-Man, Lightning fast. - Tonto

[Charles421]

I was paying a bit more attention to the resistance in shifting from 1st to 2nd. It seems that if I wait and let the RPMs drop more than I've been doing, the gearbox lets me slip in easily. Likewise, if I upshift into 2nd earlier, it's an easy shift. What I've been doing that results in shifter resistance is getting up to ~3k RPM in 1st and then shifting.

If I do the upshift early (and smoothly, since no resistance), I'm barely moving when I shift and traffic is right on my ass. Maybe I need to learn to execute the shift quicker at this point to minimize the throttle-off time so I can get a decently quick but smooth acceleration from full stops.

Sounds like a timing issue for you. I have to do the same thing with my car - patience is the key between the 1 > 2 upshift. I bring the revs to 4,000, clutch in, wait what feels like an unusually long time (probably between 1 - 1.5 seconds), then engage second and let the clutch out as I normally would.

Something else you could try is shifting at a higher RPM. It feels natural to me to shift at 4,000; I suppose that's because I have a 7,000 redline.

Best of luck with your car. You've joined a select crowd. I had some similar thoughts when I got my car "oh if I just got an auto, I'd have more enjoyment" - now I don't know how I would enjoy this car without the standard transmission.

[AHTOXA]

My problem with trying to double clutch is that I always forget clutching in again and get the happy grindy sound.

My solution to this problem was to stop thinking of Neutral as some sort of non-gear between all the real ones, and start thinking of it as 'the rev-matching gear'.

So, if you want a rev-matched double-clutched shift from one gear to another, you just shift completely into your rev-matching gear, then you rev match. When you're done rev matching, you shift into your destination gear.

That's an interesting way to think of it, Kev. It does make sense if one's trying to grasp the concept.

[RITmusic2k]

I found it useful because it removes the intimidation factor: "I have to do HOW many things in the middle of this shift?!". If you already know how to single-clutch shift, then you can see that that's all you're doing, twice. Piece o' cake

[Charles421]

That's a great way to think about it - the rev-matching gear. I'll have to remember that.