Several Really Stupid Questions

[dave1701]

A Really Stupid Question

Hi. After much thought I decided I'll expose my ignorance on this forum.

I don't know how a manual transmission works.

Ok. Ok., I know that it has various gears that you shift into, and I know the higher gear, the less torque and more speed, yea a cave man would know that. What I don't know is how you can come to stop while in gear. What kind of clutch is there that takes off the engine while your stopped?

 

[devino246]

You cant come to a stop while in gear, you have to have your foot on the clutch. The way an automotive clutch works is really simple. I can explain it further and get specific pics this weekend if you really want.

 

[dave1701]

so if you take your foot of the accelerator in a manual car, how fast does it move?

 

[devino246]

so if you take your foot of the accelerator in a manual car, how fast does it move?

Well, it depends on the transmissions gear ratio and the engine RPM. If your coming to a turn and need to slow to around 5-10mph, you leave the clutch engaged. If your driving along, and you let your foot off the accelerator, as the engine revs down, the car will slow.

 

[modelengineer]

If you take your foot off the accelerator, and also off the clutch, the car will slow to maybe 5kph, and probably stall the engine if you come to a small hill. It depends on how much torque the engine has at idle, the ratio in first gear, and what the idle speed is.

If you have the choice, get a manual car. The only reason for anyone to have an automatic car IMO is if they've lost an arm or a leg.

 

[devino246]

If you have the choice, get a manual car. The only reason for anyone to have an automatic car IMO is if they've lost an arm or a leg.

Fewer parts to break, more reliable, alot more fun. Plus, most manuals can be roll started by drifting down a hill in neutral and dropping the clutch in gear. If you dont have much experience driving a stick, you'll probably end up having to replace the clutch after a few years, but thats pretty easy, assuming its a RWD vehicle.

 

[metalthrashinman]

If you have the choice, get a manual car. The only reason for anyone to have an automatic car IMO is if they've lost an arm or a leg.

60 miles back and forth to work in TRAFFIC is a darn good reason, too. I'll go to the gym for a leg workout, I don't need to work my left leg to and from work!

 

[devino246]

60 miles back and forth to work in TRAFFIC is a darn good reason, too. I'll go to the gym for a leg workout, I don't need to work my left leg to and from work!

Good point. But for those who dont live in high traffic areas or dont get stuck in traffic, a manual is best IMO.

 

[fowler]

i gotta say for practicallity and lazyness an auto is best but for fun an auto isnt close to a manual infact it's less fun than running

 

[devino246]

for fun an auto isnt close to a manual infact it's less fun than running

I believe the order is:

Manual
Auto
Walking
CVT

I'd say bike riding is between auto and manual.

 

[fowler]

isnt cvt basicly auto

 

[sideways]

isnt cvt basicly auto

Yeah, in terms of drive. It just feels slower because there is no shifts. It's less controllable than a properly set up auto too.

Thanks

Hayden

 

[Cam]

so if you take your foot of the accelerator in a manual car, how fast does it move?

Go drive a manual, you'll pick it up pretty quick

No matter how lazy or tired you are autos are no fun period

Cheers, Cam.

 

[metalthrashinman]

No matter how lazy or tired you are autos are no fun period

Cheers, Cam.

My Jaguar XJR supercharged V8 with 390 hp is an automatic, and is TONS of fun. Wanna race!!!?????

 

[Cam]

Does it pull mean skids?

 

[metalthrashinman]

Does it pull mean skids?

Turn off the traction control, and you will go through rear tires faster than you can afford (they cost $212.00 a piece without mount and balance)!! Fast cat! --- and lots of fun, I promise!

Just took 2 pics...

In the garage for the winter now.

 

[modelengineer]

My Jaguar XJR supercharged V8 with 390 hp is an automatic, and is TONS of fun. Wanna race!!!?????

Maybe, but if it was manual it would be 100 billion (not joking, actual measurement ) times more fun. As soon as I've finished my car I wouldn't mind having a bit of a race (175hp, maybe 200hp w/ nitrous). Betcha $100 mine's faster 0-100kph.

Fewer parts to break, more reliable, alot more fun. Plus, older(before mid 80s') manuals can be roll started by drifting down a hill in neutral and dropping the clutch in gear.

Not to mention almost always faster (excepting some new auto's), more controllable, better fuel economy, less maintenance, cheaper to fix if it breaks, cheaper to buy, better noise (auto's with loud exhausts make me laugh so hard, they just sound terrible), often a higher redline, and less likely to fall asleep at the wheel. There are many more but this is just what I came up with on the spot.

Cheers,
Andrew

P.S I hate walking but I'd put it above automatic

 

[Kaptain Krunch]

Plus, older(before mid 80s') manuals can be roll started by drifting down a hill in neutral and dropping the clutch in gear.

You cant pop start more modern cars? i've pop-started my 88 yota many times. dads 94 yota can be pop-started too. never heard of this.

 

[devino246]

You cant pop start more modern cars? i've pop-started my 88 yota many times. dads 94 yota can be pop-started too. never heard of this.

Not totally sure the reason. It might have something to do with the fuel injection or the computer. My uncles 2009 or so civic cant be pop started.

 

[Routy]

most my friends say that they hate manuel, but thats because they dont know how but after i teach them they love them, i wish the rules for strickly stock race cars didnt make it to where you have to drive a automatic. hey shouldn the order go manuel, slap shift, auto walking than cvt?