So I just got a brand new clutch installed on my 04 acura tl and am a noob at driving stick shift so I was wondering how bad practicing is on a clutch. I don't stall but I do lurch when starting from a stop. How bad is this for the clutch? Also, seeing as this is the break in period, does that make practicing even worse on the clutch? How much damage is done if I apply slight gas before the clutch is engaging? Thanks

 

If you had a friend with a beater manual i'd ask for lessons/practice. Lurching isnt good since you're going to be wearing things like mounts, putting stress on the driveline, etc.

As with anything breaking in you should minimize slip. clutch engagement should be smooth and as quick as smoothly possible.

what's "slight" gas? i would say no more than 1.5k in "pre-revving" before engagement. That's even a little high for my taste, no more than 1.2k during engagement. When I drive it dips a tiny bit below 1k during engagement (on flat/downhills). I dont gas it too much at all to get going.

i'm sure southernboy will chime in with suggestions.