When I was taught to drive a stick, my dad told me not to shift into first until the car has come to a stop. Up until now I have not had a problem with that, but with this car first gear has become a more important gear in order to keep the car boiling. Is there really a reason not to downshift into first gear at say around 15 mph?

 

There is no reason not to shift into 1st at 15 mph. Your Dad probably drove cars without ist gear synchros. Double clutching (do search) might make the shift smoother.

 

This car's 1st gear is there to be used. Keep in mind though how easy it is to miss-shift if you're not paying attention. This transmission will let you shift into 1st well out of the engine's ability to handle it, so pay close attention when you do.

 

Thanks for the info, the gears are closer than the 350's were. I grabbed 2nd the night before last when I was goin for 4th, but luckily I wasn't going very fast. Love the way it shifts though. I think my grandfather was actually the one that told me not to shift into first, so he was probably just accustomed to not having synchros.