Hey fellas... I've been driving stick shift's for most of my adult life, but the feel of mine seems to have changed quite a bit since when I got it in October. I only noticed it because I had to move my friend's 2006 MCS and noticed that as soon as started letting out the clutch, it gripped and moved very quickly.

On my 2007 MCS, it seems as if the clutch is close to all the way back out before I get any grip and the car starts forward. Is this normal? A change like this could happen so gradually that you wouldn't notice, that's why I'm asking here.

Also, on a different note, how do you guys usually drive it? Driving through the villages here I usually set the cruise at 34mph (54kph) in fourth gear. This make the rpm right below the 2000 line. Is this too low for this car? As of about two weeks ago I started driving with the RPM up a bit, doing all my 50kph driving in third gear @ 2500rpm.

Which is better?

 

It's normal. I own a classic Porsche and the engagement is right off the bottom. Once hydraulic clutches were introduced, this gradually changed and these days, a general rule of thumb is that if the engagement point is moving further down the pedal toward the bottom, it's usually a sign that you may need a new clutch in the near future.

In short, it's normal, don't worry about it. Try to adjust to it. You've been driving manual transmission for quite a long time and have gained a lot of experience, but times, they are a changing

Happy motoring.

 

The 06 is a completely different animal from the 07+ cars. The engines and transmissions are not the same so it would make sense that the clutches don't feel the same either.

I usually try to keep the revs just under 3k. It's a nice balance between power and mpg.

 

I found that when I cruise around at 2.5k rpm, it gives me the best fuel consumption all around.

 

Have you checked where the clutch is engaging with the Sport button on and off? Maybe with it on it will be more like the 2006?

I usually keep my rpm between 2500 and 3000.

HTH!

 

Nailed it!

I don't have to engage my clutch much at all when shifting and I like it that way, it makes for quick easy shifting when it engages near the top of the travel. Sooooooo, it sounds like yours is alot like mine.

 

Recently at a autocross school, I had the chance to swap with a guy who has an 06 JCW. We both noted the difference in where the clutch engaged. I'd also say it's probably normal.

 

was the 1st question when I asked my MA when I got my 07 at the dealership - noticed a big difference from my 05 R50. He said - yep, that's how they built the new clutch, that's normal.