Downshift Braking ??
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,024
Likes: 18
From: DFW Texas
Downshift Braking ??
Seems someone told me once that using lower gears, std trans, to help act as braking was detrimental to the engine and other internal parts.
I can't think of any reason why that would be the case? But curious if it is fact or fiction.
Also.... at what RPM does the Rev Limiter kick in on a stock C5 MN6
I can't think of any reason why that would be the case? But curious if it is fact or fiction.
Also.... at what RPM does the Rev Limiter kick in on a stock C5 MN6
Pro
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 564
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From: New York NY
First off, there is no reason to brake a car with the transmission and engine. That's what brakes are for. It also takes longer to stop than threshold braking or slamming the brakes. It does wear out the clutch and can potentially destroy you engine if you over-rev the engine by downshifting to too low a gear. The rev limiter does not work when downshifting so its very possible to blow right by the redline. Imagine you are in 4th gear at 5000 rpm and make a downshift to 3rd --> $$ or to 1st by accident --> $$$$. One reason why racers heel and toe downshift and not just pop the clutch is that mismatched rpms for the new gear will cause an abrupt balance shift and possibly lock the rear wheels. They match the rpm to the lower gear while braking so as not to upset the balance and end up in the wall.
I believe engine braking was a technique used by the old timers when there were no power brakes. I'm not sure it had any relevance then and it clearly doesn't have any now. I hope I didn't insult any of you old timers
I believe engine braking was a technique used by the old timers when there were no power brakes. I'm not sure it had any relevance then and it clearly doesn't have any now. I hope I didn't insult any of you old timers
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I used to downshift all the time when coming to a stop but I have broke that habit. The increased wear on the clutch was why. Besides, I have good brakes - why not use them.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2005
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From: The problem with socialism is eventually the government runs out of other people's money
Basically, the more you shift, the greater wear on the clutch, but unless your hitting the drag strip alot, the clutch should last a long time. I downshift as traffic slows to maintain rpm's in the 2000-2500 range so as traffic moves out I can accelerate smoothly. If I'm coming to a stop then I just use the brakes. In an emergency stop, I've used both brakes and downshift to stop more quickly, but you have to be aware of overrevving the engine.
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Tech Contributor
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From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
There is no need to downshift for additional braking. The brakes are the most powerful system on the car. The reason people downshift is to get the car ready to accelerate out of a turn or to better match engine power band with the speed you are going. I tell people to practice heel toe downshifting on the street so when they go to the track it is second nature to them.
Bill
Bill
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2001
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From: South Alabama
I always get to chuckling on this question and the usual "Don't do it...you'll wear out the clutch and engine" 
I've down shifted for thirty years with each of the eleven Vettes I've had without detriment. This FRC's been getting downshifted since mile ONE. That was 126K miles ago, still has the original clutch which still grabs like a vice and the motor is running perfect. Traction control is always left OFF too.
Some folks just ride in their shrines...I like to DRIVE mine. Just match your revs going down and don't sweat it. Have some fun with the car.
I've down shifted for thirty years with each of the eleven Vettes I've had without detriment. This FRC's been getting downshifted since mile ONE. That was 126K miles ago, still has the original clutch which still grabs like a vice and the motor is running perfect. Traction control is always left OFF too.
Some folks just ride in their shrines...I like to DRIVE mine. Just match your revs going down and don't sweat it. Have some fun with the car.
Pro
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 564
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From: New York NY
Originally Posted by Cajun99
I always get to chuckling on this question and the usual "Don't do it...you'll wear out the clutch and engine"
I've down shifted for thirty years with each of the eleven Vettes I've had without detriment. This FRC's been getting downshifted since mile ONE. That was 126K miles ago, still has the original clutch which still grabs like a vice and the motor is running perfect. Traction control is always left OFF too.
Some folks just ride in their shrines...I like to DRIVE mine. Just match your revs going down and don't sweat it. Have some fun with the car.
I've down shifted for thirty years with each of the eleven Vettes I've had without detriment. This FRC's been getting downshifted since mile ONE. That was 126K miles ago, still has the original clutch which still grabs like a vice and the motor is running perfect. Traction control is always left OFF too.
Some folks just ride in their shrines...I like to DRIVE mine. Just match your revs going down and don't sweat it. Have some fun with the car.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2003
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From: Napa Ca
Originally Posted by Cpe04
You'll wear out your clutch and rear tires faster.If it becomes a habit and you forget and downshift under slippery conditions you can easily spin out.Cheaper to replace brakes than a clutch.[and a lot easier]
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2004
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like someone said before, better to wear out your brakes before you clutch, ur brakes are alot easier to change. and cheaper. id rather get 30k out of brakes vs 50k and have a clutch needing replacement prematurely. THEN AGAIN, just ***** it and downshift the bioch, the sound is good. lol roooooom, ROOOOOOOM, rooooom, ROOOOOOOOM lol
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St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12
Originally Posted by DeanOaklandCoMICH
Life is short. DOWNSHIFT every chance you get and, as in many cases in life, multiples are BETTER..........
Besides downshifting helps a LOT in situations like this 
Last edited by Knowme; Jun 22, 2005 at 02:00 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 6,772
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From: Tampa FL
i downshift all the time .. the key is .. as mentioned above .. rev matching.
rev matching: With the clutch in, rev the engine to the rpm that will match the gear you'll be placing the transmission in.
and even then, you dont pop the clutch .. you ease it out.
and that bit about putting it in the wrong gear
if you dont know your rev's and gears well enough to downshift then leave it in gear until you've come to a almost complete stop.
otherwise .. cruisin in 5th at 55 is a safe downshift into 3rd or enough 2nd if you rev it up high enough. (do it all the time)
and the cool part of downshifting to stop verses using you're breaks: you get to hear your exhaust rumble & pop as it's slowing down.
... the only reason I will be needed a new clutch after 50k was because my vette was my first manual .. oh well. $400 training wheels.
rev matching: With the clutch in, rev the engine to the rpm that will match the gear you'll be placing the transmission in.
and even then, you dont pop the clutch .. you ease it out.
and that bit about putting it in the wrong gear
if you dont know your rev's and gears well enough to downshift then leave it in gear until you've come to a almost complete stop.otherwise .. cruisin in 5th at 55 is a safe downshift into 3rd or enough 2nd if you rev it up high enough. (do it all the time)
and the cool part of downshifting to stop verses using you're breaks: you get to hear your exhaust rumble & pop as it's slowing down.
... the only reason I will be needed a new clutch after 50k was because my vette was my first manual .. oh well. $400 training wheels.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2004
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Originally Posted by EnglandGreen
It's a sports car.
I'm amused by the things I read on this forum. Who are you guys saving the car for? Drive it, drive it hard, enjoy the car the way it was meant to be driven. Don't save it for the next guy!!
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Celina ohio
Originally Posted by IBCAMN
I'm amused by the things I read on this forum. Who are you guys saving the car for? Drive it, drive it hard, enjoy the car the way it was meant to be driven. Don't save it for the next guy!!Gawd ain't that the truth. There are gonna be a slew of never driven in the rain, 19 coats of Zanio, never above 5000 rpm, hasn't seen 120 mph ,vettes for sale in the near future. Some kid with 18k of borrowing power is gonna buy these cars and DRIVE THE SHYIT out of them, and love every min of it, and so will the car.
