I test drove my first manually-shifted IS today, and have a question. This is completely different from the shifter in my fwd Civic Si that I owned for 10 years. It's kind of difficult to describe; it felt like there was some real mass behind shifting the IS300; but in a good way and very solid feeling. When slotting the lever into first at a stop, it's almost like a "thump" sound / feel once it's in. A little less noticeable in second, etc. etc. Is this normal and to be expected? Car is totally stock, 78K, 2003 model, very well maintained.

Thanks,
Ken

 

And I have my answer.

http://my.is/forums/f88/manual-trans...-sound-375661/

 

you're comparing a FWD cable shifted car to a rwd direct-linkage shifter.

 

Actually the Civic Si in 99-00 utilized a rod linkage, but that's just semantics, lol. I've just never experienced a rear drive manual transmission car before. I must say I'm glad to be here in this forum, well in about a week anyways.

 

my is tight. R154 with short shifter

 

Each manufacturer has their own "feel" to their trannies. For instance, the Subaru 5MT's are notchy as hell but work fine. But if you abuse it, it'll die quick.

The Mitsu Evo manuals are stellar for the most part and can take abuse (5MT fairing better than the 6MT).

Nissan Z MT''s are great, have had issues in the past, but are mostly trustworthy.

Honda MT's are smooth and last.

I haven't driven a manual Lexus yet but can confirm that it's likely a Honda MT would feel smoother. The Honda trannies are just plain butter.

 

Yea the thunk when shifting is popular. Some thoughts are its the fluid in the tranny, others like me think its our massive flywheel. Any way my R154 solved it, Regardless of what you do it is the tranny