I was wondering what the proper start technique is for a manual transmission to maintain clutch life? Do I let the engine bog down and then accelerate or do I raise RPM and slip the clutch?

 

Put your foot on the brake, give it the gas with your toe until about 1000-1200 rpms (gas motor), slip the clutch until the motor is just below stalling, let off the brake, while letting out the clutch all the way and giving it the gas.

 

I generally do about the same, don't have a tach, so I just do it by ear, but have been doing it so long... anyway, revv it just a bit, and slowly let out on the clutch until it grabs and the motor pulls down a bit. You can slip a clutch some, just don't let it get hot and it will be ok. I haven't spent much time doing clutches over the years, actually, have yet to fry one, and work them pretty good. But then, I also don't run the trucks every day, and not a lot of time in the city. Eventually they all do wear out, just haven't gotten there with mine yet.