New Owner ('03 White/Blue) =)
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Joined: Oct 2002
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New Owner ('03 White/Blue) =)
First of all, 
This is a very nice car indeed!
I picked it up 2 days ago, and it's one beautiful car! People just couldn't look at anything else at the dealer! I placed the order about 2 weeks ago, and all the rest of the white/blue combo s2ks Carter will have this year are sold already
.
And yes, I too, do like everyone else here, whenever I get behind the wheels!
I just have a few questions:
This is my first manual car, and I'm not too sure what I can do to prevent any damage?
1. I can drive around easily now, but I have stalled a couple times trying to start up on the uphill in front of my house and also when I tried to park into my garage the first time. My friend said that that's quite bad for the transmission, but I don't completely believe that, any thoughts? (Maybe I don't want to believe it even though it might be true!?)
2. I shift much smoother now, but when I first got the car, the gearchanges weren't as smooth, due to not being very good at the clutch, I think. Did that damage anything??
3. Last question, bear with me here!
How do I know if I've worn out the clutch? and how do I know when I need a new one?
Thanks in advance for any inputs and thoughts!
you guys rock!
Now, if I can get my hands on my friend's digital camera, I will definitely snap some pictures.
JL
'03 S2k White/Blue
This is a very nice car indeed!
I picked it up 2 days ago, and it's one beautiful car! People just couldn't look at anything else at the dealer! I placed the order about 2 weeks ago, and all the rest of the white/blue combo s2ks Carter will have this year are sold already
.And yes, I too, do
like everyone else here, whenever I get behind the wheels!I just have a few questions:
This is my first manual car, and I'm not too sure what I can do to prevent any damage?
1. I can drive around easily now, but I have stalled a couple times trying to start up on the uphill in front of my house and also when I tried to park into my garage the first time. My friend said that that's quite bad for the transmission, but I don't completely believe that, any thoughts? (Maybe I don't want to believe it even though it might be true!?)
2. I shift much smoother now, but when I first got the car, the gearchanges weren't as smooth, due to not being very good at the clutch, I think. Did that damage anything??
3. Last question, bear with me here!
How do I know if I've worn out the clutch? and how do I know when I need a new one?Thanks in advance for any inputs and thoughts!
you guys rock!Now, if I can get my hands on my friend's digital camera, I will definitely snap some pictures.
JL
'03 S2k White/Blue
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Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 22,863
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From: Toronto
Congrats and welcome .
Easiest way to answer all your questions is to go out to one of your local meets. I am sure owners in your area will be more than happy to assist.
BTW, as soon as you get your friend's digicam, you must post a pic.
.Easiest way to answer all your questions is to go out to one of your local meets. I am sure owners in your area will be more than happy to assist.
BTW, as soon as you get your friend's digicam, you must post a pic.
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Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,441
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From: Marysville
Congrats!!!! Sounds like a great color combo........
Take it easy on the clutch and don't rev over 5500 for the first 660 miles........
when you can't put it in gear anymore, the clutch is shot
first manual I ever bought, I had no idea how to drive either...............170,000 miles later, still the original clutch
I practiced in neighborhoods and ventured out occasionally on populated streets..............spent many a traffic light sitting in the stalled car trying like hell to get through
before I finally got it. Embarassment is a GREAT motivator
Take it easy on the clutch and don't rev over 5500 for the first 660 miles........
when you can't put it in gear anymore, the clutch is shot
first manual I ever bought, I had no idea how to drive either...............170,000 miles later, still the original clutch
I practiced in neighborhoods and ventured out occasionally on populated streets..............spent many a traffic light sitting in the stalled car trying like hell to get through
before I finally got it. Embarassment is a GREAT motivator
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,642
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From: Tulsa, OK
That's not always the way a clutch fails. They usually just get worn enough that they start to slip. One thing to keep in mind as you learn how to drive manual is try not to let the clutch slip too much. That generates heat and that can cause premature wear. One tip for starting on hills that I used when I was 16 and learning manual is to use your parking brake to keep from rolling back and then release it once the clutch is engaged. The only way you're going to get better is to get out and practice. Once you learn where the clutch engagement point is and how to get started, you'll do much better.
Post some pictures as soon as you can!! Even though that color combination isn't available here in the US, that sounds like a nice combination. Have fun with your new toy!
Mark
Post some pictures as soon as you can!! Even though that color combination isn't available here in the US, that sounds like a nice combination. Have fun with your new toy!
Mark
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 33,171
Likes: 1,639
From: Randolph, NJ
Congrats! Welcome.
Not one of us escaped stalling the first few times we drove manual transmission. I learned a long time ago, and you get better with practice. Don't worry, you didn't hurt the car. You'd know it if you did. Just keep practicing.
Flyellow is correct. For the first 600 miles keep the revs below 5000. Break in the engine properly while you master the transmission.
Follow matrix's advice, go to a local meet. S owners love to talk to other S owners and help them out. You've joined a nice community.
If you can't get the car in gear because the clutch is shot you have to get the car towed to the dealer (repair shop). I think it's premature for you to be worried about this. You probably have quite a few thousand miles to go on this clutch.
Check your oil regularly as you might need to top off. The S uses oil during it's first 5000 to 7500 miles. Its usually a good idea to check the oil every time you fill up with gas.
Enjoy.
Not one of us escaped stalling the first few times we drove manual transmission. I learned a long time ago, and you get better with practice. Don't worry, you didn't hurt the car. You'd know it if you did. Just keep practicing.
Flyellow is correct. For the first 600 miles keep the revs below 5000. Break in the engine properly while you master the transmission.
Follow matrix's advice, go to a local meet. S owners love to talk to other S owners and help them out. You've joined a nice community.
If you can't get the car in gear because the clutch is shot you have to get the car towed to the dealer (repair shop). I think it's premature for you to be worried about this. You probably have quite a few thousand miles to go on this clutch.
Check your oil regularly as you might need to top off. The S uses oil during it's first 5000 to 7500 miles. Its usually a good idea to check the oil every time you fill up with gas.
Enjoy.
Welcome aboard, JL. Best wishes!