But I did on occasion downshift to slow the car down.
Down shifting the 6 speed
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Drifting
Joined: Jan 2009
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From: Lake Norrell Arkansas
Down shifting the 6 speed
I have always down shifted 4 speeds to slow for curves and to stop. This is the first 6 speed I've driven/owned and read some where that the brakes were to be used to slow down not the transmission. I have been down shifting to slow and for curves with out useing the brakes that much. Is this harmful to the transmission? 
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Hanover MA.
I have always down shifted 4 speeds to slow for curves and to stop. This is the first 6 speed I've driven/owned and read some where that the brakes were to be used to slow down not the transmission. I have been down shifting to slow and for curves with out useing the brakes that much. Is this harmful to the transmission?
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From: Killarny MB
If you match the revs of the engine to the speed of the transmission, it does not wear on the clutch....however, this is easier said than done sometimes.
I've have down-shifted the tranny from the higher gears as well without any adverse affects. Once in a blue moon if I have to down shift into first, I'll double clutch to make it a little easier on the synchro's.
I've have down-shifted the tranny from the higher gears as well without any adverse affects. Once in a blue moon if I have to down shift into first, I'll double clutch to make it a little easier on the synchro's.
Last edited by ChromeC5; Aug 24, 2009 at 02:38 PM.
Melting Slicks
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If you're driving on the street probably better to use the brakes, but if you're out for some spirited driving in the twisties go ahead and down shift. Drive it like it was intended to be driven
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From: St. Louis Missouri
Heck, there are times I even downshift the A4 for curves. Keeps the car in a better rev range. That was the one thing I hated about having the A4 instead of the A6 was the paddle shifters. I know their execution is not that great in a Vette, but if I'm stuck with an automatic, I'd like the option. It would make it more palatable. I also know the A4 has some advantages over the A6. It's never a clear cut choice is it?
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2008
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From: Chicago IL
Heck, there are times I even downshift the A4 for curves. Keeps the car in a better rev range. That was the one thing I hated about having the A4 instead of the A6 was the paddle shifters. I know their execution is not that great in a Vette, but if I'm stuck with an automatic, I'd like the option. It would make it more palatable. I also know the A4 has some advantages over the A6. It's never a clear cut choice is it?
A6 has more gears, selectable gear, higher torque capacity.
I'm jealous of the A6.
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From: Machineguns, because I don’t compromise
There is a proper gear for everything.
My Zo6 is a perfect driving machine, one that deserves to be in the proper gear. When I'm behind the wheel, I'm not there to loaf around.
I rev match the transmission whenever I downshift for whatever reason.
Not many people know how to do it properly.
I rev match the transmission whenever I downshift for whatever reason.
Not many people know how to do it properly.
Instructor
Joined: May 2009
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From: Alexandria Virginia
If you're worried about cost, just use your brakes. They're cheaper and you may as well put the wear and tear on them.
If you enjoy downshifting - as long as you know how to match revs - enjoy it. That's what the car is meant for. I have done this on all of my cars with no problem. But I usually only shift down to 3rd at the lowest gear when casually getting around town.
If you enjoy downshifting - as long as you know how to match revs - enjoy it. That's what the car is meant for. I have done this on all of my cars with no problem. But I usually only shift down to 3rd at the lowest gear when casually getting around town.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Longview Texas
A 6 speed is just a 4 speed with 2 overdrives, so drive it the way you would any manual transmission.
I generally downshift when driving in the mountains to keep from over heating the brakes, but around town, I just use the brakes to slow the car down.
I generally downshift when driving in the mountains to keep from over heating the brakes, but around town, I just use the brakes to slow the car down.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2002
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From: Waldorf MD
The video that came with my car said that the Corvette's brakes are so good that there is no need to downshift to slow down the car.
I also say brakes are cheaper than clutches.
The only good reason to downshift is going down a long, steep hill. This is also a good reason to downshift in an automatic car. Continued use of the brakes in this case could cause them to fade.
I also say brakes are cheaper than clutches.
The only good reason to downshift is going down a long, steep hill. This is also a good reason to downshift in an automatic car. Continued use of the brakes in this case could cause them to fade.
Melting Slicks
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From: Nokomis FL
Race Director
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From: Lake Mary Florida
I down shift the 6-5-4 range for example coming off an interstate as I want to have engine control and not be free coasting. However, during in town driving I don't down shift that often mostly just use the brakes as stipulated in the owner's vid.
Le Mans Master
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From: Memphis Tennessee