Break-in and Smooth Shifting

[paulca]

Heel and toe is a misnomer. It originates from many decades ago when the throttle was on the left and was just a little nub of a thing sticking up out of the floor. The idea was to put your heel on the throttle and use the brake with you toe.

Today, in most modern road/street cars the accelerator is on the right and is lowered deliberately so it's harder to hit both throttle and brake together by accident.

Normally, one would put half your foot on the brake pedal and once depressed you can "roll" your foot to the right and blip the throttle with the right hand side of your foot.

Here is Senna doing so in an NSX:
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96ekbvjyr0g"]On-board: Ayrton Senna's - Heel-and-toe - YouTube[/ame]

Some racing cars have a larger throttle pedal, just like a truck and in those you can twist your foot and kick the throttle with you heel.

As to lurching getting into second, try changing earlier. ie. get out of first as soon as you can. Anywhere above 5mph is fine. Unless I'm intending on rev'ing 1st out I usually only stay in it for 2 seconds. 1st is for getting the car rolling, use 2nd to accelerate away.

[BRZ21]

Unless you're referring to breaking in your skills, breaking in has nothing to do with unsmooth shifts. The shifter is notchy and loosens over time but that has nothing to do with rocking between gears.

The only reason you feel it from 1 to 2nd gear is because you the car is manipulated by the engine more.
Higher gears is smoother cause the engine will be manipulated before the car.

You'll get there over time. The less you think about it the easier it will become. Also, you can feather the clutch a little between shifts, much like you'd do from a stop.

[PoRco]

Originally Posted by rawrmatty

I have the same issue here. I just purchased my FRS and I can say that 1st to 2nd is the hardest to make a smooth transition.

From what I saw on other threads this is pretty common especially if its cold. I'm sure in time though with more practice that I will get it down cause I have done it a few times.

Off topic though have you ever felt going into first gear from Neutral being kinda clunky at times ? then it goes in smooth at times also ? I've noticed this when I stop and do my start offs at times.

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[Chad86]

I generally shift at 3900 RPM as I am still in the break in period. Last night I tried shifting between 2000 & 3000 RPM and I must admit it actually shifted smooth for once. Would this just be a break in issue or does this have to do with 1st gear just being the start off gear when driving...if this makes sense.

[paulca]

No point travelling in 1st, it's only for getting the car rolling, the hardest part is up to walking pace. That and doing donuts or 11s, it's pointless for most everything else.

I was happily milling along today in a slow tailback in 2nd at 5mph. You just have to be very gentle with the throttle.

Try changing almost immediately into 2nd, like 1.5k or even lower. Unless you want the mega torque for hoon'ing it.

[Chad86]

Just came back from a drive
The more I try to get the shifts right, it seems I need to be a little softer on the accelerator when going from 1st to 2nd gear. It does seem a bit touchy.

Went to turn left into my driveway and someone came out of nowhere...had to punch it more than usual, and man was that fun! Feel that acceleration, hear that growl and the back end slide out a bit!
I have not had her bite back yet, but I have seen on other posts that you still have to be careful as the 86 being RWD can still bite back. Love this car more and more...

[Ubersuber]

Two things: give yourself time to adjust to this car's quirky clutch and give the clutch and transmission some serious mileage before leaping to conclusions. The manual gearbox is very good and the clutch itself seems strong. I hate that pedal return action though so will look into removing that spring.

[rawrmatty]

Originally Posted by PoRco

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did we just become best friends!