Starting from a Stop in 1st Gear - Need tips, My fifth day driving stick Options

[Celicav]

Well, I just got a Manual GT Hatchback, and yesterday was essentially my fifth day of driving stick. I drove it in "real" bumper-to-bumper traffic for the first time, and that was an enlightening experience. My start from a stop is only smooth about half the time, if that, so it was pretty stressful. Any tips or instructions on how to get a smooth start every time? I need very specific info on the clutch and gas pedal position (or RPMs) at the point the car should start moving. I try to remember exactly how I managed a smooth start when I do it, but that is difficult at this time. Thanks!

P.S. Any other tips on making driving stick a more enjoyable experience would be great too!

[tin_foil]

I've had some bad experiences driving automatics since I almost only ever drive manuals. One time I hopped in my dad's old ford(an automatic) and started down the road. It was dark, and when I instinctively felt that I needed to chage gears, I started freaking out cause I was waving my right hand all over the seat and floor boards trying for the life of me to find the stick. I was just about the slow down and turn on the interior light and look for it, when it shifted. I felt pretty stupid, but it was funny.

Another time I was driving my mom's auto van, and I started slowing down to turn. So, one again, totally instinctively, I stepped down really hard on the "clutch". Except that I very soon discovered that my "clutch pedal" was actually the brake. It's probably a good thing the van had ABS, cause the wheels all locked up, and I just about gave myself whiplash...I'm so smart....

Yeah...suffice to say, I hate auto's now...=]