986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners - View Single Post - 5500-6000 RPM shifting

ranbar2 · 03-21-2005, 06:55 AM

I also learned to drive a stick on my boxster. Prior to buying it (about a year ago) I got one lesson from my cousin, who has been driving stick for years, in his toyota corolla. Funny thing is that he hadn't had an opportunity to drive the boxster until this past weekend. After 15 minutes of his shifting, I thought I would have to go to the chiropractor. He also stalled it. I asked him what the problem was and he said that it has a much stiffer clutch than his, and that it was much more difficult finding the shift point because of the sound (he said that the turbine whine made him think he should shift alot earlier), and the low end torque. We finally got it on the highway and he opened it up to 100 mph still in 4th gear (just a bit north of 6k rpms). When he was done, he had had the biggest grin on his face. He asked me how many times I have actually gotten it to 6th. Well, to be truthful, it hasn't been that many.

As for me, I generally go from 1st to 2nd around 2500 - 3500, 2d to 3rd between 3000 and 4500 and higher shifts from 4000 up. A couple times a week I'll get closer to redline just to keep the engine honest. I find that when its cold (well, at least as cold is defined in Fla), I make my 1-2 shift alot lower. After a year, my "jerky" shifts have decreased greatly, although I still get a few daily. But when I do, the amount of "jerk" is usualy minimal. And my percentage of what I call natural shifts, when it seems like the shifter just falls into the gate and it doesnt even feel like the car has changed gears, has greatly increased. Like anything, with more practice you get to know your car.

Also, I don't do a whole lot of downshifting. Usually 3-2 on an off-ramp or if the light ahead has just changed and traffic is just starting to move. But if the light is red, I'll just roll up in neutral. I prefer to keep it in neutral while waiting for the light to change whereas my fiance, who has been driving sticks for 15 years, tends to keep it in 1st and ride the clutch. On the other extreme, I have a friend who goes to neutral even at a stop sign. One thing I am also still working on is my kneejerk reaction to hit the clutch whenever I even tap the brake.

Anyway, enjoy your car. It's a great way to learn how to drive a stick!

03-21-2005, 06:55 AM	#9
ranbar2 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Tampa FL Posts: 62	I also learned to drive a stick on my boxster. Prior to buying it (about a year ago) I got one lesson from my cousin, who has been driving stick for years, in his toyota corolla. Funny thing is that he hadn't had an opportunity to drive the boxster until this past weekend. After 15 minutes of his shifting, I thought I would have to go to the chiropractor. He also stalled it. I asked him what the problem was and he said that it has a much stiffer clutch than his, and that it was much more difficult finding the shift point because of the sound (he said that the turbine whine made him think he should shift alot earlier), and the low end torque. We finally got it on the highway and he opened it up to 100 mph still in 4th gear (just a bit north of 6k rpms). When he was done, he had had the biggest grin on his face. He asked me how many times I have actually gotten it to 6th. Well, to be truthful, it hasn't been that many. As for me, I generally go from 1st to 2nd around 2500 - 3500, 2d to 3rd between 3000 and 4500 and higher shifts from 4000 up. A couple times a week I'll get closer to redline just to keep the engine honest. I find that when its cold (well, at least as cold is defined in Fla), I make my 1-2 shift alot lower. After a year, my "jerky" shifts have decreased greatly, although I still get a few daily. But when I do, the amount of "jerk" is usualy minimal. And my percentage of what I call natural shifts, when it seems like the shifter just falls into the gate and it doesnt even feel like the car has changed gears, has greatly increased. Like anything, with more practice you get to know your car. Also, I don't do a whole lot of downshifting. Usually 3-2 on an off-ramp or if the light ahead has just changed and traffic is just starting to move. But if the light is red, I'll just roll up in neutral. I prefer to keep it in neutral while waiting for the light to change whereas my fiance, who has been driving sticks for 15 years, tends to keep it in 1st and ride the clutch. On the other extreme, I have a friend who goes to neutral even at a stop sign. One thing I am also still working on is my kneejerk reaction to hit the clutch whenever I even tap the brake. Anyway, enjoy your car. It's a great way to learn how to drive a stick!