Manual trans first time driver impressions (hatchback sport) (pics)

crxFITcivicBOY

Senior Member
First Name
Chris
Joined
Aug 9, 2018
Threads
2
Messages
134
Reaction score
120
Location
Michigan, USA
Vehicle(s)
2018 Honda Civic Hatchback Sport
Vehicle Showcase
1
Country flag
Another random aside.... I always have kept the AC in my car off (just because I like windows down). So I was surprised the other day when I had it on during a hot day to see the huge effect on the rpm drops lol. It took me by surprise and had to figure out why my shifting was so off. It made a huge difference!!!
Sponsored

 

Gruber

Senior Member
First Name
Mark
Joined
Jan 27, 2018
Threads
2
Messages
2,309
Reaction score
1,521
Location
TN
Vehicle(s)
2018 Honda Civic Sport Touring; 2009 Honda CR-V EX-L
Country flag
Yup, this is why I mentioned in an earlier post that I typically only double clutch on down shifts rather than up shifts. With down shifts you can quickly blip the throttle and so only adds a split second to the shift, but when up-shifting, even if double clutching, you still need to wait for the engine's RPM to naturally slow down on their own since you can't hit the breaks on the engine like you can the throttle.
Also, on top of that, it's much easier for the synchros to slow down RPM than it is to bring them up. Another words, the most wear and most benefit to double clutching and matching RPM is on down shifts. I sometimes do it even on single gear down shifts.
You are a bit exaggerating with all this. The synchronizers in some transmissions may be weaker than others, but... Regular drivers including many people who never really learn to shift, and who don't even know what is inside the transmission, but also don't try to be race drivers, drive their MT's for long years and newer wear it out. They would first wear out a couple of clutches before their transmission's synchros give out. Someone who wears out the synchros in a short time would need to be either totally inept or reckless.

If you don't try to shift without fully disengaging the clutch, the synchros do not need to deal with the power of the engine, which they are not designed to do. They only deal with the inertia of some gears, shafts, and the clutch disc. If you also don't shove your stick with force, you don't need to precisely match the revs. I only shift with my fingertips, never with the palm of my hand. If it takes a second or two or three for the gear to go in, I know it was not perfectly in sync, and I'm unhappy. By experience, anyone who cares and is willing, can eventually learn like a lab rat what to do to get a cookie. Eventually you may be able to shift so that in 95% of shifts the new gear goes in immediately, with zero delay and almost zero force with three fingers. Then you know you synced perfectly, and the synchronizer didn't have to do anything.

If you are trying to shift without the clutch, you will also know when you are successful. If you need to push the stick and wait until the gears engage, you know you are giving your synchro set some workout.
 

phornea

Member
First Name
Peter
Joined
May 14, 2019
Threads
0
Messages
38
Reaction score
24
Location
Toronto, Canada
Vehicle(s)
2019 Civic Hatchback Sport Touring Manual
Country flag
You are a bit exaggerating with all this. The synchronizers in some transmissions may be weaker than others, but... Regular drivers including many people who never really learn to shift, and who don't even know what is inside the transmission, but also don't try to be race drivers, drive their MT's for long years and newer wear it out. They would first wear out a couple of clutches before their transmission's synchros give out. Someone who wears out the synchros in a short time would need to be either totally inept or reckless.

If you don't try to shift without fully disengaging the clutch, the synchros do not need to deal with the power of the engine, which they are not designed to do. They only deal with the inertia of some gears, shafts, and the clutch disc. If you also don't shove your stick with force, you don't need to precisely match the revs. I only shift with my fingertips, never with the palm of my hand. If it takes a second or two or three for the gear to go in, I know it was not perfectly in sync, and I'm unhappy. By experience, anyone who cares and is willing, can eventually learn like a lab rat what to do to get a cookie. Eventually you may be able to shift so that in 95% of shifts the new gear goes in immediately, with zero delay and almost zero force with three fingers. Then you know you synced perfectly, and the synchronizer didn't have to do anything.

If you are trying to shift without the clutch, you will also know when you are successful. If you need to push the stick and wait until the gears engage, you know you are giving your synchro set some workout.
I really wasn't trying to exaggerate, but rather be specific in the details. I do apologize if it came across that way. That's why my very first statement on this thread was literally saying it's no big deal --> "It's not the end of the world doing this, however, yes, it does add wear ..."
Especially after seeing how many ppl blatantly said, "yes you can do it", "nothing to worry about", "this is what manuals are for", etc. with no mention what so ever of any potential impact. I just really wanted to clear that up. That's all. But yes, it's not a big deal. Unless you do it all day long and you force it into gears.
 

Israel

Senior Member
First Name
Israel
Joined
Dec 17, 2018
Threads
83
Messages
578
Reaction score
73
Location
California United States
Vehicle(s)
2018 Honda Civic Hatchback Sport
Country flag
Get an Si or sport!! I got the sport only because I love Hatchback and could do without the better performance items (this is a daily family car for me).

I do similar reading regarding manual transmissions since this was my 1st manual after not having driven one for about 7 years. There is definitely mixed opinions whether you need to rev match or not. You may not need to from a wear standpoint if you are just daily driving and cruising, but I’ve never heard of it being a negative.


Reference quick video that I think does justice.
Quick question
I ahve a hatch 2018 too MT
Do you a Methalic click sound from down the Car when you shift gears?
 

Israel

Senior Member
First Name
Israel
Joined
Dec 17, 2018
Threads
83
Messages
578
Reaction score
73
Location
California United States
Vehicle(s)
2018 Honda Civic Hatchback Sport
Country flag
I just got a MT '19 hatch sport, also in black, on Friday. love it. Having had a stick car for four years prior ('01 330ci), I will say - the software rev hang BLOWS.
Quick question
I have a hatch 18 MT do you hear a Methalic click sound when you shifr gears under the car when ita quiet?
Sponsored

 


 


Top