Operating hints: 6spd tranny

[04Lemans]

I know I'm setting my ego up for a bruising but here goes:

My '04 is the second vette I've owned. Has the 6spd trans. My previous vette, an '86, had the 4+3 manual. These are the only two cars I've ever owned with manual transmissions, and I'm essentially "self-taught" on their operation. I'm proud to say that my '04 is my daily driver and I have a blast each time I get in it. No problems driving, in other words, even in stop-and-go traffic and starts from inclines.

The problem is, my paranoia is whispering to me that there are probably a host of little hints regarding the proper technique for operating and maintaining my 6spd. You know, the kinds of little things a good mechanic (or your dad ) might point out from the passenger seat while riding around with you.

Some specific questions:

• Do I go all the way to the firewall with the clutch on each shift?
• I've noticed little rattling sounds when the car is idling in neutral that go away when the clutch is depressed (same on my former '86) - is this unusual?
• What are maintainance issues specific to the 6spd?
• What are warning signs to watch/listen for?

There you have it. You guys got any advice that will make the little voices go away?

 

[Vettelt193]

Some specific questions:

• Do I go all the way to the firewall with the clutch on each shift? YES
• I've noticed little rattling sounds when the car is idling in neutral that go away when the clutch is depressed (same on my former '86) - is this unusual? NO
• What are maintainance issues specific to the 6spd? GM says not to worry about changing the fluid, but I personally suggest changing it every year to 2 years
• What are warning signs to watch/listen for? Noise when you depress the clutch or slipping when you are getting on it hard.

There you have it. You guys got any advice that will make the little voices go away?

at a light, don't keep the clutch pushed down. when you are pushing the pedal there is wear on the throw-out bearing, so it will decrease the life the more it is pushed

With a 6 speed, in normal driving, it is usually easier to skip gears. for me, 1-3-5-6 or 1-2-4-6 are normal. This puts less 'cycles' on the clutch system, and with the torque of the engine I actually find the car easier to drive.

 

[bossvette]

at a light, don't keep the clutch pushed down. when you are pushing the pedal there is wear on the throw-out bearing, so it will decrease the life the more it is pushed

With a 6 speed, in normal driving, it is usually easier to skip gears. for me, 1-3-5-6 or 1-2-4-6 are normal. This puts less 'cycles' on the clutch system, and with the torque of the engine I actually find the car easier to drive.

Me too, shift into neutral when stopped; when the 1-4 skip shift comes on I let the solenoid push the shift lever over, then I push it up into third. About the only time I use 2nd is when I am pushing it or from a rolling stop.

 

[vet346]

You guys really use 5th and 6th gears Geez around here your lucky to get out of 4th.. I agree that you should change your shift patterns and yes I do not keep the clutch down at lights.Ernie

 

[LLC5]

Push clutch pedal to floor on each shift. Rattling noise is normal, especially when shutting vehicle off in neutral without the clutch pedal depressed. Change fluid every 30k or two years. Consider a CAGS 1-4 skip shift. The indicator light will still come on, but you can shift normally. Adjustment of the shifter can make a big difference in shifter effort. It's easy to do, and needs no parts.

 

[Geneus]

Push clutch pedal to floor on each shift. Rattling noise is normal, especially when shutting vehicle off in neutral without the clutch pedal depressed. Change fluid every 30k or two years. Consider a CAGS 1-4 skip shift. The indicator light will still come on, but you can shift normally. Adjustment of the shifter can make a big difference in shifter effort. It's easy to do, and needs no parts.

Great advice.

 

[Tuna]

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What they said!

 

[Jerry D]

You guys really use 5th and 6th gears Geez around here your lucky to get out of 4th.. I agree that you should change your shift patterns and yes I do not keep the clutch down at lights.Ernie

Hi Everyone
I just bought a 2001 Convertible 6 speed. I haven't driven a manual since I was a teenager and I am a regular old middle aged 50's guy now.
Here are a couple of my observations and questions.

When I first experienced the shifter going into 1st to 4th I had no idea what was going on. So I read the book and was relieved to find out it was designed to do that. The only time it does it is when I am going very slow so if I give it more gas out of first it goes into second fine.

I am struggling a bit with my shifting. It seems to be rough when I am coming out of 1st and 2nd especially.
I have driven my car only 150 miles so far, so I am still getting the hang of it.
Whenever I get over 45-50 I shift into 5th and I was surprised how smoothe it rides and how slow I can go and keep it in 5th and it still drive smoothly.
6th gear on the highway is awesome for just sitting back and cruising.

Lat but not least, when I shift into reverse sometimes it makes a whinning kind of noise, sound like the gear is spinning.
Does anyone know if this is normal?

I owned an 86 automatic (Malcolm konner) prior to this but that was an automatic. I am really enjoying this 2001 but I have so much to learn all over again.

Thanks Jerry

 

[LLC5]

Do the "shifter adjustment" and see if the 1-2 shift is better. It's simple and easy to do.