I Just got a new protege I need some pointers driving stick :)

[instylz]

Hey guys im a proud owner of a new mazdaspeed protege and I just need some stick pointers as I'm a new (stick)driver and am fairly novice at driving stick. I started to smell a little burning today and I want to nip whatever I'm doing wrong in the bud now b4 having to shell out some serious dough...(faint smell but nonetheless still there). I don't stall out at all so thats good but I need take off and traffic tips...(stop go etc) I want to make sure I'm reving to the correct rpms...not overrevving etc..A friend of mine told me in traffic to keep it at under 1.5k rpms and to ride the clutch a little then push it as well as the brake when a full stop is in need. Well thanks for the help and I hope you guys can help a n00b out...;)

[pdhaudio83]

welcome!!!!! just break it in EASY. dont go over 4000rpms :D first 1000 miles or so

[KyRaceFan]

that smell is the clutch, your riding it too much when you let it out. It'll be just a little while before you learn how to manipulate the clutch and gas pedal to work smoothly...
Just let the clutch out slow, and give the gas about the same pressure..

good luck and enjoy!

[Matthew]

welcome!

[LinuxRacr]

Welcome,

Remember to always let the shifter fall into gear, never force it. You have to let the syncros do their magic, or your transmission won't last long. 1st chance you get after your break-in period, get some Redline transmission fluid. There is plenty of disscussion on this site about which to get, and I even put out instructions for changing it.

[pdhaudio83]

ya, redline super light gear oil

[Wiggles6983]

As for driving stick, basicly you want it all the way out or all the way in to avoid burning the clutch. I keep the rpm about 2.5k in traffic, that way you can down shift for fast get up and go, and save a few pennies on gas. And for starting up hill, just use the parking brake, that's the basics atleast. Everybody drives different and you'll get your own habits.