Anybody else start in 2nd gear?

[arkenzo]

I do 1,2,4,6

Like many have said, they have a 1st for a reason.

 

[ericrapp]

My best times at the 1/4 occurred with second gear launches. That was on stock tires though, they would spin like no tomorrow, as some more in third when shifted correctly. But the idea of lugging the motor from a full stop will have some unnecessary clutch slippage on the street. I also have been guilty of what you speak. it does take a finesse to roll out in first to second while daily driving. I know what you folks are saying. Set it to 5000 rpm and drop clutch in second I'm sure you will be fine. Just be sure no one is in front of you for the next 60ft.

 

[niz55]

You'll wear the clutch out sooner for sure. 1st is there for a reason.

excellent answer.

 

[mo08ms3]

Thanks for all the input everyone. I've always done real good having long lasting clutches on my manual cars, but I never started in 2nd that much in the others so I guess time will tell(drive2)

 

[kunzjob]

i sometimes start in first or second. depends what my hand puts it into first.

 

[robin2660]

Thanks for all the input everyone. I've always done real good having long lasting clutches on my manual cars, but I never started in 2nd that much in the others so I guess time will tell(drive2)

They probably weren't six speed trannys with a low 1st either.

 

[mo08ms3]

They probably weren't six speed trannys with a low 1st either.

nope, all 5-speeds

 

[happy and angry]

Our first gear isn't much shorter (if it is at all) from your average 5 spd, it's just that second gear is shorter than most 5 spds. That still doesn't mean it's short enough to warrant using it to launch the car. First is there for a reason, and that reason is just to get the vehicle moving enough to shift into second gear.

If traction is compromised because of weather or you're still moving (even if slowly), by all means use second gear. If you want to beat on your clutch a bit to skip a shift in the 1/4 mile, fine, just be aware that if you do it regularly you are shortening the life of your clutch. Otherwise, just use the gear that is designed to get you moving from a stop.

 

[robin2660]

Our first gear isn't much shorter (if it is at all) from your average 5 spd, it's just that second gear is shorter than most 5 spds. That still doesn't mean it's short enough to warrant using it to launch the car. First is there for a reason, and that reason is just to get the vehicle moving enough to shift into second gear.

If traction is compromised because of weather or you're still moving (even if slowly), by all means use second gear. If you want to beat on your clutch a bit to skip a shift in the 1/4 mile, fine, just be aware that if you do it regularly you are shortening the life of your clutch. Otherwise, just use the gear that is designed to get you moving from a stop.

Right-o. I don't launch my car anyway. It certainly wouldn't be in 2nd if I did.

 

[drledford93]

Our first gear isn't much shorter (if it is at all) from your average 5 spd

I will say that I have no engineering info on this, but from the seat of my pants feel...

I call BS on this. This is the second 6spd I've owned and both 1st gears were close to bulldogs compared to my wife's focus and other 5spds I've owned. Not even close. Every gear (when compared 1-5) is shorter, hence why there are six gears.

Ever driven the latest generation Celica GTS? Tell me that it's 1st isn't any shorter than any other 5spd transmission.

 

[ericrapp]

I do not know on this one. My five speed neon r/t would reach redline in fifth at around 138. And I thought first was short in that car. This mazda is longer ' seat of pants ' it just moves quickly imo

 

[phillyb]

anybody else start in 2nd gear?

good god no

 

[mo08ms3]

Right-o. I don't launch my car anyway. It certainly wouldn't be in 2nd if I did.

For normal driving I'll use 2nd, but not to launch even if I felt inclined to.

 

[scatt nasty]

funny story... When i went to buy a ms3, I test drove one and wasn't aware of the fact that reverse requires you to push down. I did the entire test drive (highway and about 10 min of stop and go) by starting in 3rd gear. I stalled it once.

 

[ottawaP5]

funny story... When i went to buy a ms3, I test drove one and wasn't aware of the fact that reverse requires you to push down. I did the entire test drive (highway and about 10 min of stop and go) by starting in 3rd gear. I stalled it once.

I wouldn't want to be the poor guy who buys that car LOL

 

[ericrapp]

Just for you folks that are are a little nervous about the drivetrain, i have beatin' the car silly at track and just for fun. If i wear the clutch good I ll get a Tilton twin plate snap a shaft, I will call the drive shaft shop. My car has 24000 of very spirited driving. She has held up to all manner of shifting, clutch drop, kick shifting rev matched downshifts missed third more than once, and a lot of throttle. The clutch is just fine and one the best stock units I have driven. You guys are ok till about 380hp as far as I can tell and maybe more! no worries folks.