buffguy

This car is quite new to me and I would like to know how you guys get a smooth start in 1st gear from a dead stop? My starts from 1st gear are not very good. I would hear the engine lug most of the time or the clutch slipping. Maybe I'm not giving it enough gas or letting out the clutch too slow?

How do you guys start out in 1st gear from a dead stop?

Shark Racer

Rev the engine, let the clutch out.

I recommend practicing in a parking lot, level ground, don't use the engine at all. Learn the engagement point of the motor. Then try adding gas until you smooth it out.

It takes a while to get used to the laggy throttle these cars have, but once you do, easy peasy.

mksz51

As stated above, it's just practice and experience.

jwreed50

Just don't let the clutch out too abruptly. Learn where the engagement point is and pause ever so slightly as you let the clutch out and hit that engagement point. It does take just a little practice -- you don't want to let the clutch out too abruptly, but you don't want to ride the clutch at the engagement point either.

bizaro

If you put it in 2nd and can get 4 or 5 friends to push you to a comfortable speed then slowly let the clutch out (it's the pedal on the left) you can avoid 1st gear altogether..


Also, can you take a video? This may also help offer more sugestions. Keep us posted..

dvilin

PeterM

Lugging is caused by low RPMs; put your foot a little deeper into the gas pedal.

mbing09V

I had to get use to the clutch! Now.. its a dream to drive!

enjoy your ride...

Smitter

Lift the clutch pedal without giving it gas to learn where the clutch starts to engage. Once you have a feel for the clutch (muscle memory) it takes very little gas to get you going. One thing I do is put my knee against the steering wheel and just use your foot on the clutch not my whole leg, I know that sounds wierd but it is very easy for me to do. Practice

thoyer

I thought it was just me. I have been driving manuals for at least 20 years, my DD is a manual, my LS5 C3 is a manual, but when I get in my C6, I feel like I'm learning all over again. I have always been able to find the engagement point and work the throttle to provide a smooth start fairly quick when driving a manual. With the C6, it took me some time, to the point that I was starting to blame it on age..........

I still remember my daughter looking over at me after one, shall we say, retarded, start and asking me if I have ever driven a stick before.

Takes some time, but I have mastered it now.

Tom

beden1

Wear soft flexible shoes like a worn in pair of sneakers. This will enable you to get a better feel for how the clutch engages. After trying all of my shoes, my sneakers work the best on my C6 ZO6, whereas my boat shoes worked the best on my C5.

Blip the throttle with the clutch pedal in, and then let the clutch pedal out slower than you would have say in your C5. This way you'll smooth out the whole engagement.

Relax, because if you're tense about getting it just right, your leg will be jerky, as well as your shifts.

After a while, everything will become second nature with your C6. Your shifts will ultimately be smoother, and you'll be more confident with the clutch pedal.

buffguy

Maybe I will do just that, make a video.

buffguy

After I blip the throttle, do I still give it constant gas? How much RPM are you blipping your throttle on your z06?

cclive

The most important thing that I have found is that you don't use your entire leg to modulate the clutch, you put your heel on the floor and then just rock or hinge your foot on your heel to release the clutch. This allows a much more accurate and smooth release. Also, the sooner you get the clutch released and the less you slip it, the longer it will last. Probably not that important to most people because they will trade the car long before the clutch needs replacement, but if you plan on having it for a long time, the release technique can make a big difference in clutch life.

C4Lou

I was on the verge of trading mine for an auto because I could never get comfortable with the feel of the clutch. Finally took the assist spring out and it feels much better to me. Smooth linear pedal pressure; more consistent feel.

MitchAlsup

First, realize that there is a zone in the clutch release where friction builds. At the downward end, the clutch disengauges from the driveline, at the upwards end, the clutch holds no mater what. What you are trying to do is to get the clutch pedal in the zone and hld it in this zone.

Thus, to move the car at traffic pace: bring the revs up to 1300 RPMs, bring the clutch into the lower part of the friction zone, feel the car move forward, then bring in more clutch friction keeping the engine at 1300 RPMs, until you find the clutch all the way out. Then add gas.

As you get a better feel of this, you will be adding gas and briging more clutch on simultaneously, and move smartly off the line--still at traffic pace.

DSOMvette

Squeeze both at the same time and practice, practice, practice. I love mine and had no trouble in 1st, it did take a little while to get the 2nd and 3rd shift down, now its just like riding a bicycle.

therealhitman

I think if you also were to post this question in the Off Topic section of the Forum you will find many useful and creative suggestions.

SanDiegoBert

Like buy a GS with launch control??

lstorm2003

omg are you really serious right now??

If you are then it just takes practice... Let the clutch out smartly to the engagement point, then * pause* there, add throttle, then slowly let it out the rest of the way... Presto!!