Any special tip on how fast to let out the clutch? Thanks.

 

Some people use the handbrake (handbrake up alittle, let the clutch out and give gas, then release the brake), I just let the clutch out a bit until i feel the engine react and then apply gas

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When I was drving around in SF, I kept my car in gear on the hills. I just balanced the gas and the clutch to keep me stationary. I didn't feel comfortable taking the car out of gear on some of the steeper hills. If you're going to be in neutral while waiting for the light or stop sign, you'll want to let the clutch catch asap. Or else, you'll back up and hit somebody. I would then give it some gas as you slowly release the clutch to get the car moving. Then you can let go of the clutch. I can never understand people who get right on your bumper when you're on a hill. Don't they know that cars may roll back a little before going forward?

 

I'm sure there must be skill factor - I don't want car to stall and yet I don't want to have high reving and slow clutch "catching" (which I assume hurts clutch).

 

You don't need to rev high. Just do a standard launch of 2.5k to 3.0k rpm.

 

When I was living in SF I would always have my handbrake on (I would never be in gear and play with w/ the clutch...I know a lot of people that ruin their clutch that way). When its time to move forward I get into first gear, give it some gas (til I felt the clutch engage), release the handbrake; give it much more gas to stabilize my gear while releasing the clutch. That motion all happens in about a sec or 2....so it took some practice!

[Edited by PaulS2K on 05-19-2001 at 12:00 AM]

 

It really depends on the steepness of the slope you are on. In any case, if you do it a lot I suggest using the handbrake to reduce wear on the clutch.

 

Try heel/toe technique. Keep the edge of the foot on the brake, and apply gas with the right edge. Rev the engine slightly (maybe 1500-2500) and hold it, and as you let the clutch out, right when the revs start to drop, start easing off the brake and add a little gas.

 

When I started learning stick 12 years ago. DAMN! I'm getting OLD. I used to use my parking break. I haven't used it in my s2k, but if I was on a very steep hill with another car on my tail I probably wood.

 

Use the handbreak. In the eastern suburbs of Sydney ... a MUST!