I have just bought a manual crossfire I find 1st gear very low. So on flat ground I have started driving off I 2nd gear car pulls ok but could this lead to clutch wear? Giz

 

I did this for a year before trading in the coupe for an SRT. No apparent problems.

 

I'm the original owner of a 2007 6 spd Limited. I too frequently start off in 2nd gear....especially in multilevel parking garages.....that's going slightly uphill ......much preferable to 1st gear .....at the 80,000 mile mark...zero problems.

 

Ok thanks. Giz

 

As above thanks everyone for prompt replies. Giz

 

Ok thanks Giz

 

I don't see how starting out in a higher gear doesn't automatically put more of a load on the clutch. It may not show up for quite some time, but I would think it would cause premature wear over the long run.
Also starting out in a higher gear (even if it's only 2nd gear) is "lugging" the engine. It may be ever so slight, but again, over time it adds up.
Just my opinion, but I tend to keep the cars I really like, a very long time, so I try to keep the wear and tear to a minimum.
But to answer your question Gizmow, unless you plan on keeping your car for the duration, you probably won't ever notice a problem.

 

If the driver knows how to properly operate a clutch engine lugging should never be present no matter what gear is chosen to start out in. The practice of starting out in higher gears however introduces more clutch slippage than starting out in first gear. This means you are wearing your clutch out faster than you would starting out in first. How much extra wear? Depends on the driver/conditions/etc.. Is it something to be greatly concerned with? Not really. I figure the methods I use when starting out in second that I am going to shorten my clutch life by about 1 mile so far.
Do I recommend starting your car out in second? If the situation warrants it (slight downhill slope, very flat, etc.) then go ahead and start out in second. If first is required, use first. Common sense should prevail on this one.

 

So it sounds like we're on the same page. For the most part.
But lugging an engine usually occures when you're in too high of a gear at too low of an RPM. Improper clutch operation is mostly responsible for slipping the clutch, or stalling the motor. But I don't care if you're "Grumpy Jenkins" himself, It's easier on your engine, and the entire drivetrain to take off in a lower gear. (That's just common sense).

 

Edit. Never mind, I'm a tard. Carry on.

 

Well that's mature.
Mopar, it's just my opinion, nobody called ya any names.
Geezs.

 

No, I was calling myself one because I had written a post that said the exact same thing you did. Realized it after I hit send so I edited it out.

 

I start in 2nd most of the time. I also shift from 2nd to 4th to 6th, unless I need to do otherwise.

 

I've read other posts about the low 1st gear as well. I've had my car only about a month, and it took a little practice but I think really all you need to do is ramp it up to at least 3500rpm and you will get a smooth shift to 2nd. You can do it slowly, or with some practice faster, but IMHO, I really can't see many situations where you would need to start off in 2nd....AND..if you do, you miss that nice snap to 3rd! 2004 Silver Blue 6spd Coupe, Annnnd.....loving it!

 

It's not a matter of it being difficult, it's a matter of it being pointless. Trust me, if I want to hammer it off the line, it's 1st, bust em lose hitting 2nd and 3rd for a nice chirp, and I'm gone. If the car is moving at all (like 1 inch per hour even), you're on level ground, and damn sure if you're on a downgrade, 1st is a waste of time.

 

John I "short shift" all the time myself, Once you get moving, the engine's torque can handle the higher gears with no problems.
I have on occasion launched in 2nd. when I've been on a down grade, I simply don't make a habit of it.
Beside 1st. gear being rather short, (but no more so than several other popular sports cars) many people don't like the objectionable 1st. to 2nd. shift that often happens. So they avoid using 1st. for that reason alone.
As Drawbar pointed out, many feel the 1st. to 2nd. glitch smooths out if accelerating more aggressively, as opposed to "granny" shifting.
Everybody drives their cars in their own fashion, and do so in a manner that's most comfortable for themselves. As long as you don't ride around with your foot resting on the clutch pedal all the time, there shouldn't be any problems.

https://www.crossfireforum.org/forum...irst-gear.html

 

I noticed the smoothest 1-2 shifts in my Limited when I was at least 50% throttle, and over 3,000 RPM before attempting the shift.

Slower shifts weren't complete garbage, but definitely notchy.

 

I don't have any problems shifting smoothly, jamming on it or going slow. As a matter of fact, I *love* that 1st to 2nd shift when driving aggressively, although, busting the back tires lose, even though it's brief, doesn't do anything good for rear tire wear.

... and never ride around with my foot on the clutch.

I wonder why cars don't use wet clutches like my Harley. It seems to last much longer and handle abuse better.