driving sans clutch

[Siliconslave]

Hey guys,
Had the dubious pleasure of hireing a couple of cars the other week for site visits. Well actually they weren't all that bad but due to bordem on the m25/m1 i started messing around with driving without using the clutch as i'm sure i've heard people talking about it on here.

Couple of questions though - how the heck do you pull off? or can't you?

and what are the benafits / drawbacks of doing it - i know the clutch is there for a reason, but this was just for a bit of fun

Sam

 

[Firestar_3x]

Its all about matching the engine revs on changes IIRC, other than that go grind someone elses box and practice

It might take you a few cars to get it right

 

[paradigm]

how the heck do you pull off?

Engine off, into first, key over until it starts and you're moving. Thats the only real way, unless your on a downslope.

EDIT: Kroegen is wrong

 

[Kroegen]

On a slope you could move off otherwise i dont think you would be able to

EDIT: I admit my lack of knowledge

 

[Siliconslave]

Its all about matching the engine revs on changes IIRC, other than that go grind someone elses box and practice

It might take you a few cars to get it right

yer, realise that got pretty good at it - down changes are interesting though, but i can heel and toe so could just about manage it that way

Did wonder if you needed to move off on the starter motor may have to give that a go at some point - gotta love hire cars!

 

[Almeda]

you can pull off reasonably easily on the flat by forcing the stick forward in 1st. Eventually your car will start to move, but it takes ages and then the gear bangs into place. You could also apply some throttle whilst pushing, the rest is childs play

 

[weeble]

Engine off, into first, key over until it starts and you're moving. Thats the only real way, unless your on a downslope.

EDIT: Kroegen is wrong

This is true, although I thought 2nd gear was prefered. May depend on engine size/torque though. Going through the gears thereafter is easy, matching revs.

I know, a clutch cable on an old car of mine snapped - made it 2 miles, up 2 hills on a single lane, and met one car!

 

[Mr_Sukebe]

I once had a clutch cable snap on my old Scirocco Gti and had to drive home 30 miles with no clutch.
As already stated:
When stationary - Turn the engine off, stuff it in first, wait for lights, start car whilst in 1st, accelerate to 20mph, smoothly drop it into 2nd
Whilst moving - foot off the throttle, nudge the gearstick into neutral, match revs for speed/gear, stuff gearstick into correct gear
Beyond that, it's all about planning to avoid stopping wherever possible and also gear changes.

 

[JRS]

When I hurt my left knee a while back, I tended to drive the Fiat around using the clutch pedal as little as possible. Pretty much saved it for pulling away and parking, never had any trouble with it.

Still do have days when my knee just doesn't want to play ball, so it's a neat little tactic to fall back on.