Driving techniques

[beandip]

Hey, on this topic can someone please explain 'double clutching' to me?

you are hi-jacking the thread . post your own thread. double clutching is for transmissions that have no cyncros. Like large trucks , fire trucks and such not for Zs.

[beandip]

one thing I might add . my Daughter just insured her 16 year old son . there total premium went up $300.00 PER MONTH . JUST TO HAVE HIM BE ABLE TO DRIVE TO AND FROM SCHOOL. They live in a rural area so being able to drive for him is important . This is with no tickets , right out of he box. Count your self lucky to have a car , any car given to you . Much less a Z . I worked two years to save a down payment for my first car , which I bought and paid for my self. I didn't have the luxury of playing sports or after school stuff. I had a job since I was 15 . take care of your Z , I had to wait 30 yrs to have mine. Gary

[boyblunda]

Gary, I think there could be a healthy debate about firstly, whether or not double clutching is a driving technique, and secondly, whether or not is is a technique suited to Zeds. Maybe we could agree that it is not unsuited to Zeds.

A few other techniques that come to mind that I believe are relevant to S30's and to the initial question might include :

1. heel / toe driving so that a driver can downshift smoothly while braking - albeit a technique discouraged by some advanced driving courses who suggest that it is better to only use the brake and clutch at the same time when stopping.

2. a technique called the Scandinavian flick used to put the rear of the car out as you come to a tight corner so that you can get on the loud pedal a little sooner.

Other drivers will talk about appropriate times to use left foot braking and additional techniques developed for all wheel drive and front while drive vehicles.

I would still recommend that doing an advanced course or entering organised events on closed roads is the best way to learn lots in a hurry.

Regards

Dave

[texasz]

you are hi-jacking the thread . post your own thread. double clutching is for transmissions that have no cyncros. Like large trucks , fire trucks and such not for Zs.

I think not Gary. This IS a driving technique, there's no question about that and thus is on topic for this thread. Furthermore, the originator of this thread even said that he was glad I asked because this is something he has always wondered about himself...so there was certainly no hi-jacking happening there.

For those that explained this technique in detail thank you. I have heard of people including racers using this technique for years and never really understood the purpose or just how to do it.

Seem like something that I will have no need to employ in the driving of my Z. Though another technique that was just mentioned is of interest to me. Dave, please tell me more about this 'Scandinavian flick' as I will be autoxing my Z and feel as though this would be very useful.

[76Datsun280z]

Alright guys, check out this link, I'd like to hear what you have to say about these driving tips on how to drive your Z.

http://www.zspecialties.com/drivingtips.htm

[MikeW]

76Datsun280z: you might consider removing the large image from your signature. People with slow connections may not appreciate the extra download time and the rest of us may not appreciate the space it contributes to each and every thread you post to. I've simply blocked it completely using Adblock but others may not have that option.

[TomoHawk]

I agree with boyblunda, that having ABS, traction control, etc., only teaches OR reinforcess bad driving skills, because you are relying on the technology to make up for lack of skill.

BUT, once you have good skills, ABS and traction control and all could save your butt (or somebody else's) in a pinch, or make you that much more competitive (in a proper comptition setting,) like the profesionals that use this stuff for racing.

What good will ABS do if you don't know how to drive safely in the rain or snow to begin with? In rain or snow, you slow down, slow down your turn rate, accelerate carefully and expect longer stopping distances . What about fog? ABS won't help you there if you're speeding or can't see where you're going.

etc., etc...

Winter is coming in a few months ( or maybe sooner in your area,) so you might have a friend with an 'older' car that you can buddy up with and practice your winter/wet driving skills in an empty parking lot, and see what it's like.

[76Datsun280z]

76Datsun280z: you might consider removing the large image from your signature. People with slow connections may not appreciate the extra download time and the rest of us may not appreciate the space it contributes to each and every thread you post to. I've simply blocked it completely using Adblock but others may not have that option.

Sorry bout' that, I made it smaller size. If you guys would like, you can call me Austen.

[1 Bravo 6]

G'Day there Austen,

Reference the Doubleing the clutch. You don't need to know how to do it in the Zed or any car with synchromesh. With the exception of racing/rally drivers, you'd generally find it's us old farts who cut their teeth on crash gearboxes that can double the clutch with ease.

As has already been suggested, a defensive driving course is strongly recomended, possibly followed up with an advanced course.

Rick.

:devious: :devious:

[bjhines]

I am an instructor with several clubs... High Performance Drivers Education events are the best place to learn the skills you desire...

Here is what a Z car can do.... This uses all of the skills you will read about...

As far as double clutching... What the hell would you do that for with a street transmission????

Play by play:

130MPH REDLINE in top gear going down the straight... Slam on brakes and drop to 70 MPH in 150ft.... turn right hard while getting back into the gas to keep it from comming around... straighten it out and slam the brakes again dropping from 85 to 50 MPH... hard hard right turn again while getting back on the gas to keep it from spinning around... lift throttle slightly to keep front end traction while unwinding the wheel entering the short straight...

That was just the straight and the first 180 turn.....

[SJGREEN71]

I am an instructor with several clubs... High Performance Drivers Education events are the best place to learn the skills you desire...

BJHines is right. High performance driving is not the kind of thing you want to learn from mistakes made on public roads. Track time with an experienced instructor is fantastic, and SCCA and other organizations host training events at relatively low cost.

To learn some theory behind the techniques, including double clutching, I highly recomend Bob Bondurant's Bob Bondurant on High Performance Driving . You can pick up a second hand copy on Amazon for a couple of bucks. Well worth it.

[TomoHawk]

I wouldn't call a High performance school something that you can get at arelatively loe cost, at about $400 or $500 for a day ( using your car), unless you know of something else?