I got my 3.2 cl s last May. It did not learn to drive stick on this car, but on a friend's integra. I've driven an RSX and a 350z that are sticks. .. Here's my problem, i can shift smoother and better than ever on all these cars but my 3.2 cl type-s. I find the clutch in this car extremely annoying. . . it seems that i can't ever get a good shift out of it. Does any one else have this problem or am I a horrible stick driver?. . Ive tried just about every shifting technique and have had friends drive it also and they agree that the clutch is just wierd. Is there any inexpensive way to adjust the clutch so its smoother? or anyway to shift differently?

 

Yes, the clutch is weird, it's so soft but as you are releasing it pushes your foot up all of a sudden...... it just takes some getting used to though... It took me a month or so to completely get the feel for the clutch. You just really need to get your timing on the dot and you have to know exactly where the clutch engages as you are releasing it.... i don't know if that makes sense but learn your car because now i can get my shifts almost perfectly

 

oh.......i got my car in the month of may too or june i'm not sure

 

The engagement point is pretty quick on the CL clutch, but apart from that, it's pretty easy. You should get used to it pretty quickly. It took me a few hours to get the hang of it.

The clutch is self adjusting -- I don't think that a user can change it's feel or grab characteristics. A couple folks have had the aftermarket Comptech lighter flywheel/clutch installed, but I cannot recall if it changed the feel of the clutch as much as it changed the 'feel' of the RPM band & throttle response. That product is about $1100 plus a 7-10 hour install.

...of course, as you posted, you might just suck at shifting! :P

 

It does take some getting used to, but I think the CL-S has the best Clutch/Shifter I have ever owned.
And except for my 2001 CL-S I have owned manual Tranny cars exclusively since 1985.

Shawn S

 

The clutch in my Mustang is easier to drive smooth than my CL, but I have gotten used to it. You just need to learn to balance the quick clutch uptake with throttle modulaton. It helps alot to shift quickly, because if you let the rpms fall down too much it's gonna be a jerky transition into the next gear.

 

I agree...the clutch is great, but the RPM/Flywheel response is what sucks...

 

It does take some time to get used to the cls six speed.

If I recall correctly, the five speed in my 1990 crx si was pretty sweet!

03 silver cls six speed

 

The clutch rocks IMO.... They designed it after the BMW's. You have to really learn how to drive the car. I like it that way.

 

sometime i have problems with mine too...but it's usually when i'm paying close attention to my shifting. when i'm in my 'get outta my way i need to get to work' i don't notice any jerking at all. just drive aggressive all the time!

 

This clutch rocks Once you get the hang of it, you'll love it. Those jump in RPMS between shifts help when you really want to get into the VTEC

 

last night I took my 6 speed into midtown manhatten to see a broadway show and dinner with the wife and I was so amazed at how great this cluth/tranny is. it takes a while break in also...give it about 4/5k miles and it will be super smooth and a joy to drive

 

Yeah I've noticed that if you try to baby it, shift at low RPM's, and think too much about the clutch, I'll wind up shifting much rougher and jerkier. If I beat on and shift at higher RPM and don't think about it, its smoother.

 

I agree. It seems like the shifts are easier to keep smooth if I shift above 4k rpm. Now, I'm not saying I hold 5th to 4k pm when I get on the expressway, but around town it seems like it's easier to drive it if I shift out of 1st at 5k and out of 2nd at 4k.

 

When I test drove one I was jerky at first but by the end of the drive I was already comfy with the clutch

 

6MT has great FEEL. You know exactly what's happening. The clutch pedal travel is LONG compared to the RSXs which was dream to drive in comparison. My only complaint with the RSXs setup was that i felt discontected from the tranny.

 

Once you get the hang of the clutch you'll realize that it is a good clutch. Shifting in my CL is better than it was in my GSR.... it's smooth

 

Took me a while to master it too, but now it is second nature and I love to shift it, so smooth and quick, much better than the BMW 300ci I shifted, talk about long throws and slow uptake. Mechanics and others always kill it cause they can't shift it, ya gotta love that.

 

Now that sounds like a night.

I love the CL-S, I love Manhatten, and if i had a wife i'd love her too. I'm jealous :o