Learning to drive standard tranny on an EVO
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Joined: May 2003
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From: Orlando, Florida
Learning to drive standard tranny on an EVO
As the chance of my owning an EVO becomes larger and larger, I realize that I still have never learned to drive a stick shift. I have no friends or family with manual tranny cars either, so I'm kinda stuck when it comes to learning. I was considering finding some used car for $200 or less and pretty much killing it. I haven't been able to find anything that cheap that is also stick shift though.
Would you discourage somebody from learning on an EVO? After reading so much about the stock clutch, I realized that it might not be so bad if I'm going to replace it eventually. But will my 'education' also hurt the drivetrain or transmission itself? I wouldn't want to seriosuly damage expensive parts of the car with incorrect shifting techniques.
Would you discourage somebody from learning on an EVO? After reading so much about the stock clutch, I realized that it might not be so bad if I'm going to replace it eventually. But will my 'education' also hurt the drivetrain or transmission itself? I wouldn't want to seriosuly damage expensive parts of the car with incorrect shifting techniques.
dude i learned on my evo and it is not hard. believe me, i thought i was NEVER gona be able to learn but now i dont even got to think about it. the olnly thing i dont like is stop n go traffic, cz your left leg gets tired cuz of the clutch.
In my opnion I think you should keep looking for a cheap beater car.. you could probably learn ok on the evo and not damage anything too major unless you are really horrible and never get any better...
But I still STRONGLY suggest buying a 200-500 beater car that you can just kill.. understanding that EVERY manual car drives a bit different, but once you learn how to drive a 5spd the difference is slight and can be learned in just minutes
But I still STRONGLY suggest buying a 200-500 beater car that you can just kill.. understanding that EVERY manual car drives a bit different, but once you learn how to drive a 5spd the difference is slight and can be learned in just minutes
If buying a cheap "disposable" manual transmission car is an option, go for it.
But first have somebody who does know how to drive stick shift check the car out to make sure it doesn't have clutch or synchro problems. I drove a rental Ford Festiva once whose clutch I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy, and my own 21-year old Porsche sometimes takes a bit of trickery to get into 2nd gear due to a worn out synchro. Learning stick shift is tricky enough without using a defective car.
And if you have your choice among cheap beater cars, choose the highest-powered one -- learning stick shift in an underpowered car can let you pick up some bad habits which you'll need to break in an Evo.
But first have somebody who does know how to drive stick shift check the car out to make sure it doesn't have clutch or synchro problems. I drove a rental Ford Festiva once whose clutch I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy, and my own 21-year old Porsche sometimes takes a bit of trickery to get into 2nd gear due to a worn out synchro. Learning stick shift is tricky enough without using a defective car.
And if you have your choice among cheap beater cars, choose the highest-powered one -- learning stick shift in an underpowered car can let you pick up some bad habits which you'll need to break in an Evo.
. Definitely get a beater, or practice on your friends' cars like I did 
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Originally posted by Revolutionary
doesnt anywhere rent stick anymore?
doesnt anywhere rent stick anymore?
I learned to drive stick on my Evo, only took me about 40miles. Once you learn you'll never forget.
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Joined: May 2003
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From: Orlando, Florida
Well, I'm not completely ignorant as to how a manual tranmission works. Besides understanding how the transmissions and engines work in standard cars, my dad's been driving manual cars his whole life. In faact, his current car is the only automatic he's ever owned. Plus, I've read this a couple of times. I think it'll help me get started when I first sit down in a manual car. 
If you haven't already, I highly recommend reading a few pages on how manual transmissions work.
The basics of driving stick are pretty easy but being able to visualize why you would want to rev match, double-clutch, heel-toe, etc. really add a dimension that will have you driving smoother sooner.
The basics of driving stick are pretty easy but being able to visualize why you would want to rev match, double-clutch, heel-toe, etc. really add a dimension that will have you driving smoother sooner.
Evolving Member
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: MidTN
http://www.skipbarber.com/
Don't just learn to shift -- learn to heel&toe and double clutch, too -- and for less than a decent "beater" would cost you.
Personally, I don't really like the feel of the EVO's clutch. It's not particularly linear and a bit too "hair trigger" for a pedal mounted that high.
Or maybe it's just that I'm not used to that much room in the footwell.
Don't just learn to shift -- learn to heel&toe and double clutch, too -- and for less than a decent "beater" would cost you.
Personally, I don't really like the feel of the EVO's clutch. It's not particularly linear and a bit too "hair trigger" for a pedal mounted that high.
Or maybe it's just that I'm not used to that much room in the footwell.
Evolving Member
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 265
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From: SW PA
I also learned on the Evo, nothing wrong with that. I drove sticks a few times before, like 10 years ago, but never owned one. I sucked pretty bad on my test drive. Anyway, I really don't think there's a problem unless you try to launch it or something. I just go out driving around town at night, when it's less embarrasing.
