Is it just me...
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 79
From: Shafter, CA
Is it just me...
I have a 1983 N/A 280ZX with a 5-speed manual transmission. In stop-and-go traffic, I can't seem to hit first gear unless I'm fully stopped, or on some occasions going around 3 MPH. This gets annoying at stop signs, where you constantly inch forward, and I have to do it in second gear, which feels awkward to me. Can anyone help me out here, is this normal, or is something really, really wrong?
Haterade by da gallon!
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,306
From: Valdosta GA
yeah its not just you... these transmissions have a very short first...
another example is then you make a turn from a stop across an intersection you have to shift to second while you in the middle of the intersection... can be scary when there is a car coming...
you can rev match down shift though, dont try it with cars in front you incase you mess up but just raise the revs until you can slip into first.. like a heel toe for the lazy man
another example is then you make a turn from a stop across an intersection you have to shift to second while you in the middle of the intersection... can be scary when there is a car coming...
you can rev match down shift though, dont try it with cars in front you incase you mess up but just raise the revs until you can slip into first.. like a heel toe for the lazy man
Über User
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 9,532
From: lemont, Illinois
its some what how ALL manual transmissions are designed, ive NEVER had a manual tranny car that would let me stick it in first without some fancy work or going very slow, its so you dont F **** up when accelerating going from second back to first on accident. i do believe it has something to do with the way 1st gear is synchroed because its not a gear where you need to be able to drop into quickly ever, its the very first gear and around turns you will be in 2nd gear only time 1st is used is from a dead stop or very near it. so its all in the design
Pr0n Addict
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,617
From: virginia
a lot of british cars don't have first gear syncro, and if you do it right, it's easier to get in first while moving. but also more likely to grind.
i have driven one that would let you into first no problem though. an older audi sedan. that was the smoothest shifting car EVER.
i have driven one that would let you into first no problem though. an older audi sedan. that was the smoothest shifting car EVER.
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 79
From: Shafter, CA
Damn, then I'm scared my friend will mess up my transmission. He can shift into first around 7-10 MPH, and I'm like "WTF MATE?!"
Well, thanks for clearing that up; I'm still sort of scared of the whole shift-into-second-at-an-intersection thing but I'll get it eventually.
Well, thanks for clearing that up; I'm still sort of scared of the whole shift-into-second-at-an-intersection thing but I'll get it eventually.
