Driving position with manual tranny

[ZoomFive]

Try revving it up to 3000 or 3500 RPM. I used to shift at 2500 and that was a bit jerky but at 3k-3500 RPM the shifts have been a lot smoother because It is easier to match RPM's.

Good suggestion. I find that that works best in 1-2 and 2-3 when leaving a stoplight.

 

[aMaff]

Live life on the edge! Redline, every time, all the time.

 

[ZoomFive]

Nothing like a hydraulic clutch ftw...hyrdraulic clutch=jerky.

To aleviate the problem shift at low or high rpms. I find dragging the clutch sometimes works (don't like doing that to often) or let the clutch out half way really quick then let it the rest of the way out a bit slower seems to help.

I only put the clutch to the floor to start and when starting off from an intersection unless I'm on a hill. I find it shifts better as well when I only push it in a little bit and it's very useful for picking up speed quick and smoothly like for onramps etc.

I sit low in my seat, it's just more comfortable that way.

My legs are extended with a comfortable bend in them so that my foot is NOT at a 90 degree angle, about 70 degrees. My knees touch the deck part of my console but they clear the steering wheel so it's all good. As for the back of my seat, it's about 110 to 120 degrees, or practically in the back seat has some people like to put it... I'm 5'9" 6'1" in my heels so I find this the most comfortable. People say it's not good posture but our spines are naturally curved even when we stand up straight, and I find sitting upright to be quite annoying and hard on the back.

Pretty much what I have noticed and tried to do. I will say that I am least smooth shifting this car. Some other cars I have driven before seem to be more natural / forgiving.

I am just glad I do not have to deal with heels like you. If I did, I might just give up.

 

[ZoomFive]

Live life on the edge! Redline, every time, all the time.

(drive2)

 

[mazdaddy]

Try looking here for an earlier thread on adjusting the clutch.....

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?p=2929115#post2929115

 

[aMaff]

(drive2)

lol and don't you forget it!

 

[Woody54]

definetly to the floor! but i'm '6"2 so my seat is pretty far back as well. there was another thread about gas mileage and stuff when you shift a little higher at about +3k. so not only do you get smoother shifts, it may help your gas mileage.

 

[DeadGeneration]

I dont really notice the clutch hitting the floor unless im stopped in 1st or going in reverse. Usually I pull out of gear before the pedal is fully down but im moving into gear right as it seems to be engaged. This may or may not be great for the car but no problems yet and it's smooth and fast.

 

[kableguy]

rev hi and dont let your clutch out to quickly shouldnt jerk much at all, except for that MADDDD torque the protege is sooooo well known for, LOL ;-)

 

[aMaff]

Dude! I'm putting down 116 lb/ft to the ground y0!




(seriously. 116.something.)

 

[ZoomFive]

Dude! I'm putting down 116 lb/ft to the ground y0!




(seriously. 116.something.)

Can you handle it???

 

[ZoomFive]

Sometimes I rev to 4500. Doing that I feel like I am getting the most for my revs.

If it wasn't for the less than sweet sounding engine, I would have the revs up high too often.

I tell you, the lack of torque must really get these P5s beat on by some folks.

That said... it still a really good car for what it is. Sporty, reliable, easy on the eyes, and can hold stuff. However, torque up in the 200 range would be really nice.

 

[aMaff]

And power. And I dunno abt you, but my engine sounds awesome

 

[Salmon_Rob]

And power. And I dunno abt you, but my engine sounds awesome

+1. its hard not to redline all the time every time. it just sounds to good. and you should put the pedal all the way to the floor, otherwise you are slowly burning your clutch out. for me, i am tall enough that with the seat almost all the way back, i still have to recline it a bit and i can put the pedal onto the floor.

 

[RatLabGuy]

This clutch stop is made for a BMW, but maybe something similar is made for the P5?

From the link...
"Too much play in your clutch arm? Sick of pushing the clutch in too far? Well, we have the fix for you. The ECIS Clutch Stop will make your shifting a quick experience. Shortening up the travel in the clutch arm makes for quicker, more precise shifts.

With the enlarged surface area of the ECIS Clutch Stop, this is no longer an issue! Even with the sloppiest of clutch arms, the larger diameter will not let the clutch arm past."

If you really want to limit clutch travel - tape a peice of wood to the back of it so it won't go all the way down, lol.

But, as mentioned, you have to be careful about this b/c if the clutch isn't really fully engaged every time, you'll weart hat bad boy out fast.