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How To Drive A Stick Shift In Ten Easy Steps

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Duncan David
04/28/09

In reply to How To Drive A Stick Shift In Ten Easy Steps
I really want to get a manual transmission in my first car so I'm really excited to see this post. But, I do have one question. Why, in the downshifting section, do you say not to go into first at the stop?
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Wes Siler
04/28/09

@Duncan David: Sorry if its unclear, it can be hard to remember how to explain these things after years of just doing it. Don't use first for engine braking. While slowing down, engine brake in first to the bottom of the gear, which will be single digit speeds, then just put in the clutch and brake to a halt. Once you're stopped, you can shift into first. There's just no need to engine brake in first since you're going below walking pace by that point anyways.
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something_unique_and_descriptive
04/28/09

@Duncan David: Because there's no point. If you're going slow enough that you need to be in first, chances are you're sitting still.

My experience has been that first is good for getting started from a stop, idleing along at sub walking pace... and that's about it. You shift up to 2nd @~15mph but unless you're slowed down to <5mph you can stay in 2nd without problem, and if you're going <5mph you can easily stop in less time than it'll take you to shift.
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Novaload
04/28/09

In reply to How To Drive A Stick Shift In Ten Easy Steps
WES! Get out of the car NOW! There's a creepy guy in the backseat!!! RUN!!!
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MushyHeirloom
04/28/09

In reply to How To Drive A Stick Shift In Ten Easy Steps
"Is this just an excuse for a handjob joke?"

Always.

So, who has the nicer ass?
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pauljones
04/28/09

@FuzzyPlushroomanyte: I totally tried to make that comparison when I first watched the video. The fact that she was dressed like an eskimo because of the cold weather killed that one, though.
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MushyHeirloom
04/28/09

In reply to How To Drive A Stick Shift In Ten Easy Steps
All you need to know: Push in the clutch before turning the key. Clutch goes in before you shift. Don't rev it too hard.

Get in and go 'till you got it.

(Easy for me to say, as I got in, was able to get around just well enough to save my life, and got out. I need access to a beater car with a stick.)

Also: Most anything with fewer than six cylinders and/or any sporting credentials needs a stick-shift.
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something_unique_and_descriptive
04/28/09

@FuzzyPlushroomanyte:

I'd say rental but I've never seen one with a manual in the US. That leaves car lots, find a car with a 5sp that would never be purchased by anyone you could give a rats ass about (Anything based on the Cavalier would be a good bet, Aveo, Versa or anything from Kia is also acceptable), practice launching in 2nd or 3rd gear. Find a hill, use the clutch to keep the car stationary. Heel toe, 5th to 2nd.

Watch the salesman weep.
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something_unique_and_descriptive
04/28/09

In reply to How To Drive A Stick Shift In Ten Easy Steps
My method for teaching stick is much less risky.

First they are forced to watch ~8 hours of Best Motoring with pedal box footage (Clockwork Orange style).

They must complete at least 50% of Gran Turismo 4 using nothing but manual transmissions.

Then they can get in the car.
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Turboner
04/28/09

In reply to How To Drive A Stick Shift In Ten Easy Steps
Nicely done, Wes. I especially liked, "all the way in, all the way out." You didn't, however, go over proper seating position so as to be able to fully depress the clutch without locking the knee...

I taught my high school GF how to drive stick in a 3-on-the-tree equipped ChevyII Nova wagon. It was more difficult than you show in the video. I can't wait to see video from Jill's first track day. She looks like a natural.
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Wes Siler
04/28/09

@Turboner: Yeah, we felt that an extreme level of detail would only detract from learning the basics. We'll cover more advanced techniques and more complicated ideas in the future. Correct seating position is about much more than just being able to push the clutch in fully without fully extending your left leg.
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Zandr
04/28/09

In reply to How To Drive A Stick Shift In Ten Easy Steps
Is the lift-collar for reverse just a Saab thing? I haven't seen it on anything else.
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Mad_Science
04/28/09

@Zandr: Volvo, IIRC.
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Skunky
04/28/09

In reply to How To Drive A Stick Shift In Ten Easy Steps
Which step is heel-toe?
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something_unique_and_descriptive
04/28/09

@Skunky: Was just going to ask that.
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middlejester
04/28/09

In reply to How To Drive A Stick Shift In Ten Easy Steps
You'll also be able to wiggle the shifter back and forth - which you can't do when engaged in any gear.

Unless, of course, you're driving a Saab... in which case you can stir that thing like you're making cookies.
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MushyHeirloom
04/28/09

@middlejester: "...you can stir that thing like you're making cookies."

<3
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Cory Noll
04/28/09

In reply to How To Drive A Stick Shift In Ten Easy Steps
Did Wes have to wear a pair of Jill's jeans?
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Maymar
04/28/09

@Cory Noll: No, but if he did, we all appreciate it.
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Dr. H. F. Danger
04/28/09

In reply to How To Drive A Stick Shift In Ten Easy Steps
I also have to point out the lack of a decent ass-shot.

disappointing
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austingatz
04/28/09

In reply to How To Drive A Stick Shift In Ten Easy Steps
'Jill Hanner has huge assets:'
Is that kinda like: 'what's not to like? She's got... HUGE tracts of land'?
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Ray Wert
04/28/09

@austingatz: Good on you for the Monty Python reference!
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Flathead Smith
04/28/09

In reply to How To Drive A Stick Shift In Ten Easy Steps
In step nine you forgot to mention that parking brakes are great way to put your car into the all important "bootleg" turn.
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Wes Siler
04/28/09

@Flathead Smith: Damn, always miss something.
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Flathead Smith
04/28/09

In reply to How To Drive A Stick Shift In Ten Easy Steps
On step two you mention shifting at around 3 grand. I think instead of being distracted by the tach you tell the girl to listen for that tell tell sound of valve float.
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Wes Siler
04/28/09

@Flathead Smith: If they can look at the tach, listen to the engine and determine what 3k sounds like, they'll be able to listen instead of look in the future.
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Zandr
04/28/09

@Wes Siler: I can tell you though, that you do need to tell people to listen. My cousin learned on a car with a tach, and she's lost in a car without one.
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Joe-Btfsplk
04/28/09

@Zandr: I always shift when the rev limiter kicks in. Is that wrong?
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Wes Siler
04/28/09

@Joe-Btfsplk: As long as you're using the fuel cutoff instead of the clutch, you're doing it right.
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Mad_Science
04/28/09

@Wes Siler: My wife is frustrated with our WRX because it's too quiet.

She learned to drive in a stickshift Tacoma with no tach, so she primarily operates on sound.

She really had almost no concept of using the tach when I first had her drive my Jeep.

I actually operate on feel. In normal driving, if I get a really strong response from a little pedal twitch, I'm probably in too low of a gear.

(but just right for hoonin')
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Dr. H. F. Danger
04/28/09

In reply to How To Drive A Stick Shift In Ten Easy Steps
Step 1. bring revs to max rpm

Step 2. quickly release clutch

Step 3. revel in your badassness
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