Is the clutch easy, or at least predictable?

[humfrz]

Originally Posted by StraightOuttaCanadaEh

I just gave up at some point. I have no idea where it engages or where to get back on the throttle. There is no feel and no communication through the pedal. Sometimes it works, but I don't know why or how. It's accidental. I have found no consistent way.

Here ya go, StraightOuttaCanadaEh, and others.

The shifting challenge

To understand the "timing" of shifting a MT, I suggest you try this technique.

With the transmission warmed up, learn to shift UP the gears WITHOUT using the clutch OR blipping the throttle.

Drive your car a couple miles out to a quiet country road, without a co-pilot, so you can become one with your transmission.

Yes, use the clutch to put it into first gear, after the car gets going, let off the gas and slip the car into second gear (without using the clutch or hitting the throttle).

Do the same from 2nd to 3rd and 3rd to 4th.

Once you "learn" the timing, by getting it "right", you should be able to shift up through the gears without feeling (or hearing) the gears mesh and NOT using the clutch.

After you have mastered this technique, shifting using the clutch is a snap.

If old humfrz can consistently do this in his FR-S, I know you can in your car.

[StraightOuttaCanadaEh]

Originally Posted by Ultramaroon

I'm telling you. Do my clutch mod. You will fall in love with your car all over again.

How much labour would a shop charge for something like that? How long does it take

[StraightOuttaCanadaEh]

Originally Posted by humfrz

Here ya go, StraightOuttaCanadaEh, and others.

If old humfrz can consistently do this in his FR-S, I know you can in your car.

Well...I can comfortably say that I'd never attempt something like that haha

[humfrz]

Originally Posted by StraightOuttaCanadaEh

Well...I can comfortably say that I'd never attempt something like that haha

Well now, It's really not all that difficult. When the timing is right, the shifter will slip out of the lower gear, and after you point it to and give it a nudge, it will slip into the next higher gear.

Really!

How many of ya'll out there can do this consistently in your FR-S or BRZ ??


humfrz

[Ultramaroon]

Originally Posted by StraightOuttaCanadaEh

How much labour would a shop charge for something like that? How long does it take

Easy hour or less. Looks like way more because I was so detailed. The slave cylinder in this car is stupidly accessible. Guess that makes up for the plugs. :/

Originally Posted by StraightOuttaCanadaEh

Well...I can comfortably say that I'd never attempt something like that haha

Legit technique. @humfrz is absolutely correct. You won't ruin your transmission unless you fuck up on purpose a lot.

[Captain Snooze]

Originally Posted by Ultramaroon

Stock clutch is like driving with a condom. Can't feel shit.

Wrong hole.

[squelchy451]

Originally Posted by Trueweltall

I happen to own a 2018 Mazda 3 so I can give you some direct experience. The clutch in the BRZ has a lot more feeling compared to the Mazda 3, it also has a shorter travel too. Pushing the clutch all the way in on the Mazda 3 just feels like it goes forever. The shifter is also more direct feeling than the Mazda 3, probably because its RWD and not FWD, so you don't have 8 feet of clutch cable to manipulate the gears. The steering in my Mazda 3 is a lot more vague than the BRZ, even more so after installing stiffer steering rack bushings.

My advice is to drive in your bare feet to get a good feeling for the clutch engagement and then add shoes in the mix. I live in Florida so it's easy to kick the flipflops off and then drive around.

I did test drive the BRZ, and the clutch is the only thing I didn't get a ton of feedback from, but it's difficult to get a feel for the clutch, having driven only 3-4 different manual cars.

Which steering rack bushings did you get for the BRZ?

I got the Mazda3 to not get in the modding game, but ended up modding a good amount...lowering springs, engine mount, and of course tires. However, I found out the hard way I can't really live with a boring car.

[Trueweltall]

I went with Whiteline, I have a bunch of their inserts for other bushings. I can feel every bump in the road(not in a bad way). The only thing I have done with the Mazda 3 so far is added hood struts because I hate using props now.

[Yardjass]

I can drive mine just fine but I hate the lack of feel in the clutch. Might have to do that master cylinder swap. At least the electric power steering is excellent as far as electric power steerings go.