Alright, I'm sure most of you will laugh at and/or make fun of me for posting this but I truly value all of your opinions and experience. And I need help.
I have a 14 GT500 with all options but the glass roof. I took delivery of the car 29 June and have put just under 90 miles on the car. I would love to be out enjoying the car but feel embarrassed and frankly scared to drive the car for any distance because I am not comfortable driving stick.
I have experience driving manual vehicles in the past but never on a consistent basis or for any length of time. These vehicles however are limited to a 1980s Duece and a Half and diesel F-Series work trucks, that's it. My DD is an 05 F-250 Powerstroke with an auto. I've tinkered around in my brother's 03 Mach but needless to say, I've never drove anything with the type of power the Shelby has.
My problems are not up shifting while driving, pretty much, if I'm moving I feel alright. My issue is starting out. The engagement of this clutch is so vastly different than anything I have experienced in the past. Starting out in first results in severe bucking, burn outs, or stalling 90% of the time. I have better luck starting in second gear but still find it difficult to take off smoothly.
I'm not looking to power shift or drive like Ken Block but I would like to be confident cruising around town or to car shows. Nothing is more embarrassing than owning a new vehicle and not being able to feel comfortable driving it, let alone giving other Shelby/Ford owners a bad image.
I guess what I'm looking for is tips from others on this board. The top heavy/high engagement of the clutch mixed with the forced bounce back or pressure seems to be throwing me for loops. Should I remove the assist spring? Or should I learn to drive the car as is? Should I sell it and buy a Prius?
My brother has offered to allow me to drive/learn on his Mach but I feel like I should learn/practice on the vehicle I intend to drive.
I apologize for this long thread but appreciate any feedback you all can provide.
I have a 14 GT500 with all options but the glass roof. I took delivery of the car 29 June and have put just under 90 miles on the car. I would love to be out enjoying the car but feel embarrassed and frankly scared to drive the car for any distance because I am not comfortable driving stick.
I have experience driving manual vehicles in the past but never on a consistent basis or for any length of time. These vehicles however are limited to a 1980s Duece and a Half and diesel F-Series work trucks, that's it. My DD is an 05 F-250 Powerstroke with an auto. I've tinkered around in my brother's 03 Mach but needless to say, I've never drove anything with the type of power the Shelby has.
My problems are not up shifting while driving, pretty much, if I'm moving I feel alright. My issue is starting out. The engagement of this clutch is so vastly different than anything I have experienced in the past. Starting out in first results in severe bucking, burn outs, or stalling 90% of the time. I have better luck starting in second gear but still find it difficult to take off smoothly.
I'm not looking to power shift or drive like Ken Block but I would like to be confident cruising around town or to car shows. Nothing is more embarrassing than owning a new vehicle and not being able to feel comfortable driving it, let alone giving other Shelby/Ford owners a bad image.
I guess what I'm looking for is tips from others on this board. The top heavy/high engagement of the clutch mixed with the forced bounce back or pressure seems to be throwing me for loops. Should I remove the assist spring? Or should I learn to drive the car as is? Should I sell it and buy a Prius?
My brother has offered to allow me to drive/learn on his Mach but I feel like I should learn/practice on the vehicle I intend to drive.
I apologize for this long thread but appreciate any feedback you all can provide.