ckwhite

I tried to use an existing thread since there are so many of them on Ron Fellows' Spring Mountain driving school, but my question got buried at the end and nobody saw it. So here it is in a new thread:

I have a 2015 Z51 (stick) on order now and plan to take the 2-day class, next spring. Accordingly, I plan to do my track driving in one of the manual transmission cars.

My question is this: How much emphasis do the curriculum and instructors place on methods such as double-clutching, heel-and-toe driving, and other classic track techniques that - while certainly of some value - we probably won't ever use in our C7s because of the full-synchro, rev-matched transmissons those cars come with.

Any thoughtful insights on this would be greatly appreciated.

AORoads

IDK the answer to your question re Spring Mtn., but some of the techniques are useful on the street since you probably won't be using rev matching all the time. And as far as double clutching, that's pretty much gone for most modern cars, not that it can't help at times, but it just isn't used.

Rich427

SM does put you through some heel/toe exercises, but once you are out on the course, it is up to you to determine whether to try it or just use the rev matching. In my class last June, I don't think there was one student who used the heel/toe over letting the computer rev match it for you.

There is nothing in the curriculum associated with double clutching.

One last item, if you have the ability, adjust your reservations to add the 3rd day to your class. Everything that you are given in the first two days really comes together in day 3. Plus, it is primarily all track time. I have not heard one person that has taken the 3 day class say that I wish I had only taken the 2 day class and saved the money.

socalspringmountain

Hi and thank you for your question.
Both days that you are with us we will work on heel toe. We teach it as if the car had no auto rev match function on the first day, and then introduce it so that you can see how it works!
After that we leave it to personal choice. Some folks like to practice without it, or use it at some of the harder downshifts to accomplish and then turn it off for the easier ones so they practice their blipping. Double clutching is not taught as it's not necessary in these cars anymore. As far as practice, you will get (depending on the track you are on) up to 4 downshifts to practice per lap! And both days in the shifting exercise in the mornings as well, with about 45 minutes spent on it.
Hope this helps!
Vic.

Steve Snake Driver

When I was there this summer, I used it as a backup. That is, had rev match on, but still did (or attempted ) while doing manual heel toe. If you don't get quite enough revs, the car adds the missing revs.

ckwhite

Thanks to all of you for the information. On another note, I tried to reserve a spot for the 2-day new Corvette owners class in March, 2015, but they are all booked up for the dates available. Dang! I'm hoping they'll consider adding additional dates in March.

Cruiter

I just finished the two day course with the 3rd day extension yesterday afternoon. I can tell you the worst thing C7 owners can do is NOT GO. I'll let you form your own impressions after you go but re: how they treat the rev match vs heel and toe I can answer that for you. 1st, I have an A6 and was offered one of theirs for the course but elected the manual just for the experience and to see if I had any regrets ordering the A6 for myself. The answer is NO! While I thoroughly enjoyed flogging a manual around for three days (who wouldn't) under track conditions I'm very happy with what I own. Their approach to the rev matching if you want to use it is very positive. They have the 1st morning dedicated to shifting and braking and they spend a lot of time on the heel and toe approach until you're comfortable with it. However they also understand the rev match is very good and it's totally OK if you want to use it. They even suggest if you do, then use the heel and toe with it at least for a while because the rev match will improve the heel and toes technique with most people. But it's your choice.

The one recommendation I'd make is if you can work out the time and money difference then do the third optional day. It not only puts more of what you've learned into practical experience, it's the biggest blast I've ever treated myself to . None of us at the end of the day regretted taking the option.

Hope this helps.