fast-vette

I have read several threads that it appears to me that folks are putting the manual in neutral at stop lights. I typically leave it in 1st and use the clutch to hold her back. What is the correct process ?

Feel like a newbie to task this question but after too many years of handling manuals, I'm having a problem with my 427. At a stop it is rare that I have a smooth takeoff in 1st. I'll either stall or she will buck taking off from a stop. What am I doing wrong?...Thanks

theVcar

get your ricer back

myfunz

I put her in neutral when stopped at a light. She may buck a little if I'm on a hill at a light. No problems in first.

Strake

I put it in neutral if the traffic light stop just turned red and I'll be there a bit. If I come up to a light that's already been red for awhile, I use the clutch and first gear. Usually not more than 20 or 30 seconds...... besides, don't want to wear out my left leg

Our 427 is very smooth off the clutch and rolling. Neither my wife, or I have stalled this one at all.

Hameister

To be perfectly honest with you, it sounds like you're just not giving the engine enough gas, to properly combine with the speed with which you're letting up the clutch.

This is really basic standard shift driving 101.

TLS_Addict

Your car is new as well. Clutch needs a little breaking in (my opinion).

Slip it slightly and bring your revs up higher and try not to let your revs get below say 900 rpms when you are taking off. Problem solved.

R&L's C6

Are you leaving the clutch out too fast? On my LS3 it's almost impossible to stall it. I have a pretty steep driveway and I can let the clutch out slowly and not even touch the gas and have never stalled it.

Hameister

I think we've all been had!

This has got to be a joke thread.

The OP says he's been driving manuals for many years.

Yet, he's getting us to give him a lesson in the most basic concept of driving a manual transmission vehicle.

Please! This has got to be a joke.

hotinaztoo

Turn off your traction control and you will notice the difference right away!

AORoads

I doubt if OP is joking. Different cars, different clutch takeups, different pressure, etc. As to what's causing the bucking and stalling, it's as said above.

I hope, however, when you said this ("I typically leave it in 1st and use the clutch to hold her back") you didn't mean you partially engaged the clutch to hold the car on a slight incline. If there's one thing that will wear out your clutch prematurely "hill-holding" is it. Among other things, that is....

05blkbeauty

You should shift into neutral when stopped. It doesn't hurt your clutch if you don't, but it is causing more wear on your throwout bearing.

Brockman66

You're doing it all wrong! Rev the engine up to about 3,000RPM and then dump the clutch.

Shouldn't have to worry about bucking anymore...

Hameister

Makes no sense to me Bill.

Anyone, who has driven a variety of vehicles with manual transmissions over the course of many years, has to be aware of the fact that clutch pressure, friction point, required engine rpm, etc., is different in every car/truck.

How could this OP possibly not know that???

red2012

C'MON all it takes is 30 seconds to get the feel of how a clutch performs in any model car. After his very first shift in his new 427 he should have had a definite feel for the clutch. My girlfriend who hasn't drove a stick in 20yrs drove my 13 GS like a pro the very first time she drove it while coming out of first gear.

fast-vette

I have to admit that I with great embarrassment are not joking. I don't know why I am having the difficulty in the application of the clutch and 1st gear without stall/bucking. Old dogs can be taught new tricks. I appreciate the driving lessons...

schmegeggie

Often, I am stuck driving my wife's Miata(humiliating, yes). The clutch in that car feels like it needs replaced compared to my Vette. It takes a few minutes to get used to the difference.
I always leave it in 1st at stoplights. Never had any problems with clutches. Traded my 87 Nissan years ago, and it had 180k miles on it, and was still on the factory clutch!

R&L's C6

Could it be there's something wrong with the computer regulating throttle response? You shouldn't have to give it any gas and it shouldn't stall.

Hameister

Accepting the fact that you really are having this difficulty, and the fact that you have many years of manual driving experience, I can only conclude that there is some mechanical problem with your car.

Perhaps it would be best if you take it back to your dealer, and explain the issue to them.

While I have many years experience driving standard shift cars, and trucks, I had not driven one in about 20 years.

Yet, when I picked up my new GS a few months ago, it took me all of several minutes to get accustomed to the engine torque, rpm, and friction point, in order to obtain a smooth launch of the car from a dead stop.

You should be experiencing the same thing. That's why I'm suggesting that you may have some mechanical issue.

pickleseimer

If you're interested, I live on the other side of town from you and also have a 427 vert. PM me if you'd like to stop by and we can compare cars.

I have found the 427's clutch to be smooth but also takes more pressure to hold it than my C5 - this sometimes surprised me when I first brought it home, resulting in a quicker engagement but have not stalled it yet, and I don't give it any gas pedal when leaving from a stop before it starts to engage. Would be interesting to see if yours is the same.

Landru

FWIW I'd went from an '06 C6 (Z51 optioned w/man) to an '08 Z06 and have to admit it took some getting used to. I bucked, even stalled once in the beginning & I'd driven plenty of manuals, also.

Bet you've not much mileage on your brand new clutch, right?
Add your unfamiliarity & a barley broke-in hydraulic assisted clutch and there'll probably be some issues 'til both of you get broken-in.

Today my clutch is smooth as a baby's butt, & I know how to properly use it. For comparisson I'd an opportunity to drive an acquaintance's recently acquired '06 Ford GT. 750HP monster & beautiful; but, after having driven a smooth HA MZ6 I'd the devil to pay getting used to the clutch Ford used in the car. Embarrassing.

Give you & the car some time, you'll be just fine.