Hey y’all,

just found and bought a low mileage 2013, Malbec black sedan. Coming from a 2011 G37x. I’ve taken a few lessons to drive stick but in NYC the constant stop-start (which I’m already weak at, especially with speed) kinda difficult. I went to an empty parking lot last night to practice and I must’ve stalled like 4-5 times. Any recommendations for those learning stick especially with this car?

im relatively tall (6’3”) and the clutch engagement point being so high is super awkward. I feel like I’d be a punk to swap it up with the rjm pedal but I might need to make driving this more manageable and comfortable.

 

Just drive it more and you will get better.

 

You're going to want the RJM pedal anyway, might as well order one now.

Spend some time with YouTube how-to videos, and cut yourself some slack, you'll get there.

A 6MT in NYC? Um, OK.

 

yeah, I’ve been binging the YouTube videos a good bit. I guess my trouble is the proper foot positioning to find the bite point consistently quick, rather than slowly taking my foot off and searching for it each time.

I did just order the pedal last night so I’m excited to see the difference. Plus I work remotely so I’m not ever really in traffic.

 

After the RJM pedal is installed, and you get some skills with the transmission, your next mod would be a STS (short throw shifter). It's not terribly expensive in parts or labor, and the result is something you're going to appreciate every time you drive. It never gets old.

 

Welcome to the three-pedal club, but... I'm a stick die-hard but I wouldn't live in NYC with one. You are a braver man than I.

 

Does the car have any prior mods such as an aftermarket clutch / flywheel? Those could make it significantly harder to learn stick on if they have a harsh clutch engagement or ultra light flywheel.

I would suggest getting on as level of a surface as possible, stop the car and practice easing off the clutch as gently as you can to find where the grabbing point is at. You should be able to get the car moving without using the gas at all if you can learn where that point is at on the clutch engagement.

I would also very highly suggest the RJM pedal ASAP because the stock one is so bad.

 

Yeah - you need to compare it with something else to see if you've got a hard clutch (or have a friend/parent that can drive stick tell you if it is stiffer than normal)

 

I'd prefer foolish but fortunately, I don't have to drive too often and deal with bumper-to-bumper traffic

 

Nope, completely stock. I ordered the RJM pedal and it should arrive in another day so I'm looking forward to that!

 

I don't think it's any stiffer than normal. I have a friend, whose a mechanic and has a 370z was so excited for me and test-drove around the block. Said it felt pretty similar to his, I think it's just how high the engagement point is that's giving me trouble and I feel awkward lifting my foot and searching for it each time.

 

That is an adjustable thing (to an extent). FSM should have adjustment info.