Shifting Tips

[elderlycoffee]

Alright, So the MS3 was my first time driving a manual car.
I've got it great as far as driving starting all that stuff.
Curious thought what do you guys like to rev it to before launching for the quickest launch?

 

[Nutari]

Alright, So the MS3 was my first time driving a manual car.
I've got it great as far as driving starting all that stuff.
Curious thought what do you guys like to rev it to before launching for the quickest launch?

I've been seeing 2500- 3500 Launch..

 

[Airmack]

i launch around 3000 rpm with dsc off...

 

[elderlycoffee]

can someone explain exactly what DSC does?

 

[Airmack]

from what I have experienced, it limits the slipping of the wheels. With it off I feel like I have so much more control.

 

[Nutari]

can someone explain exactly what DSC does?

Dynamic Stability control.

it controls traction, braking, torque etc. all in conjunction so that wheels don't spin and you have better control of the torque steer.

 

[benzo]

I have launched at about 2500 rpm or so. Car and Driver did thre testing launching the car @ 2500 also.

 

[elderlycoffee]

I turned it off and did it at 3k and got spin.
Never done that before :-D
Is it dangerous to keep it off?

 

[fourthmeal]

reduces your margin of error allowance, thats all. That is of course, except for the way it limits wheelspin. Assume for a moment that you already know that part...If the car was, say, to get sideways because you stabbed the brakes and sharply steered, I don't think it would help you out. However, keeping the DSC on does provide the beginner driver (or one who is new to FWD car peculiarities) more stability if the driver makes mistakes in handling a turn, or if the road is slippery. IT DOES NOT save your ass, however.

Case in point, about 2 days into ownership, I took a U-turn type on-ramp to the highway. I had the DSC OFF I did it at about 50mph, and let the car slow down via drivetrain and engine compression resistance. About the moment I was at the apex of this hairpin, heading slightly downhill, I tapped the brake and the car rotated its ass around predictably, yet quickly. Because thats what I expected, it was uneventful if not quite a bit of fun. I recently did the same maneuver, this time w/ the DSC ON, and the car kicked in all sorts of braking tricks to prevent the rotation, ending up in a mildly understeering turn that was also uneventful.

In essence, if its playtime, then turn it off, but expect to be able to handle the car correctly if an emergency lane change, or a hard brake maneuver is needed. I turn it off whenever I'm in "GO" mode, and leave it on when I'm in no mood to play.

 

[elderlycoffee]

now, for normal driving do you let off the clutch all at once and do it fast?
or do you ease it off?

and whats the best clutch release for launching and shifting fast.

 

[Hikaru9]

now, for normal driving do you let off the clutch all at once and do it fast?
or do you ease it off?

and whats the best clutch release for launching and shifting fast.

For normal driving, you'd ease off the clutch.
Otherwise, your car will be very jerky and might even stall.
If it's your first manual, it'll take lots of practice to be smooth.
(unfortunately, the MS3 clutch doesn't engage as smoothly as other cars though = more practice)

Enjoy~! *^_^*

Oh BTW, according to C&D, I recall Mazda recommended popping the clutch at 2900rpm and shifting at 6000rpm for the best launch times.

 

[elderlycoffee]

so for driving fast you just wanna release it all at once?

same for shifting fast?

 

[TheDutchGun]

I'm so glad I leanred to drive standard on a beater. Clutches can only handle so much beginner abuse.

 

[Hikaru9]

so for driving fast you just wanna release it all at once?

same for shifting fast?

For a high powered vehicle (especially in FWD setup), the key is to control the amount of wheel spin. It's not something you can exactly learn from reading because there are just too many variables. (i.e. road condition, temperature, wet/ dry, what kind of tires you have, etc.) You just have to try different approaches yourself.

It's easy for things to get out of hands very quickly because the MS3 is quick.
I'd say be careful & responsible unless you want to pay $4,000/ year for insurance like I did when I was about your age. >_< and running into a tree is no fun, either (also speaking from experience)
Sorry for sounding like your mom. lol~ *^_^*

 

[Bakrauf]

I'm so glad I leanred to drive standard on a beater. Clutches can only handle so much beginner abuse.

I think this clutch will be even harder for beginners to learn on. I have been driving sticks all my life and I find this thing to be very touchy. I have stalled it 2-3 times already trying to take off slow and easy.

 

[Funkycoldg]

In essence, if its playtime, then turn it off, but expect to be able to handle the car correctly if an emergency lane change, or a hard brake maneuver is needed. I turn it off whenever I'm in "GO" mode, and leave it on when I'm in no mood to play.

Thats exactly what I do too. If I want to have fun and pull off the line alittle faster I will have it off. I definatly feel a difference in 1st and 2nd gear with DSC off.

 

[elderlycoffee]

I've been driving it fine for about 3 months.
I just want to get some ideas on how to drive it hard the right way.

 

[3rdgear=heaven]

How do you turn the DSC off? (Impatiently awaiting my MS3)

 

[elderlycoffee]

How do you turn the DSC off? (Impatiently awaiting my MS3)

button on the left side of the wheel that says DSC

 

[3rdgear=heaven]

Umm, that couldn't be easier eh? Sounds like (good) trouble. Can't wait!