What's the best way to put it into first?

[e30onBBSs]

I've been having to sit in traffic recently and an curious about shifting into first. I have driven stick for about a year now so I can do it every time, but is it better to slowly release the clutch at lower rpm's or release it quickly at a bit higher rpm? I drive a cooper s and it slowly eases in at around 1100 but if it's quick release it's gotta be like 1400

[AndrewBird]

It's a balancing game. It also depends on how quickly you want to take off. Higher RPM for a fast launch, lower rpm for a smoother slower launch. You can actually let the clutch out with no throttle if you do it gently enough.

If you're a badass, you rev it to 5k and side step the clutch at every take off.

[Exodus_2pt0]

IMO, the less stress the better. In stop and go traffic, as little throttle as possible to get it moving. At those low rpm's, you aren't going to heat up or wear the clutch much letting it slip as needed.

[Roysneon]

Bounce it off the limiter at least a few times before releasing pedal suddenly.

[Hawk]

Dont freak out about wearing the clutch. BMW clutches are very tough and long lasting. I have gotten 160K of moderately hard use out of one on an E30.

As said above its a balancing game between throttle and clutch. But don't be afraid to slip it a bit you won't hurt it. Its designed to do that. Better to just slip the clutch a bit then lug the crap out of the motor.

I feel like theres this crowd that thinks slipping the clutch at all is going to burn it up. Only thing people do that will tear up a clutch is use them on hills instead of the brakes. I saw a 991 Porsche doing this the other day I had to laugh.

[ELVA164]

Since you asked how to put the car into first, I'd recommend a blip of the throttle and light pressure. Only engage first gear at a complete or almost complete stop. If you want to do it old-school, engage second then first. It slows the gearbox down some and makes first gear easier to select.

[Exodus_2pt0]

^ I do that all the time in the S4. It's a strong trans but shit synchro's. Reminds me of my Grandfather's stories of driving trucks during WWII. Clutch from 1st, clutch to neutral, clutch to 2nd, and so on.

[ST1G]

I always start in third, bouncing off the rev limiter as Roysneon suggests.

[Exodus_2pt0]

Like this?



Full of win.. Hope the driver was OK.

[Exodus_2pt0]

Or this?




Or this?



Maybe this?




Wait wait wait, I got it. This kid nailed it!



Ok, I'm done for now.

[e30onBBSs]

OK so bouncing it off the limiter and into third it is! Thanks for the replies and jeebus I can't imagine the dissapointment of blowing up the clutch like those guys

[coldweatherblue]

most of the time I just gradually let off the clutch without giving any throttle. I have a 4.10 so the shorter gears make it easier. Of course first is basically useless..

only when pulling into traffic or on a steep hill do I give it some throttle. if your m20 is running fine it shouldn't lug..

[TimeMachinE30]

How does one do a proper burnout?

[ReallyDirtyThirty]

How does one do a proper burnout?

The first step is make sure you don't ask 'Slammin because he'll take 11 months to answer!

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=334562&page=30

[straight6pwr]

light throttle, ease the clutch has worked for me. between that and not downshifting on every stop (just put it in neutral and use the brakes) the original clutch on my first e30 went to 240,000 miles and wasnt slipping yet when i sold the car.