Excessive downshifting
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Joined: May 2015
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From: Harrington Delaware
Excessive downshifting
So now that i have exhaust on my vette, i have found myself quite addicted to downshifting every chance i get when coming to a stop sign or a red light. The sound emitted is music to my ears lol. Does anyone else do this almost every chance they get? Any serious negative repercussions of doing it? Its a 6 speed car with 4.10s that i let rumble up to like 2k rpms on the down shift.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 5,034
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From: Rotonda West, FL 2015 Z51 M7 3LT
Oldtimer
I wouldn't worry about it. From the '03 manual:
If your vehicle is a coupe or convertible, do not downshift into the gear shown below at a speed greater than shown in the table:
First (1) 50mph
Second (2) 74 mph
Third (3) 101 mph
Fourth (4) 130 mph
If your vehicle is a coupe or convertible, do not downshift into the gear shown below at a speed greater than shown in the table:
First (1) 50mph
Second (2) 74 mph
Third (3) 101 mph
Fourth (4) 130 mph
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Joined: May 2015
Posts: 50
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From: Harrington Delaware
Basically i downshift and slip the clutch a tad to slow the car with the engine/trans. It produces a very mean bubbly gurgly sound that im just in love with lol. It will occasionally pop too which im assuming isnt the best for the car but i love it haha
Last edited by Jay Bizzal; Oct 11, 2016 at 09:10 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 5,278
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From: Kelowna BC
My previous car (325i) manual stated to minimize shifting down (allowing engine to slow car down for long steep hills or if already in gear only); stating clutches being more costly than brakes. In the C5 with the tranny where it is, this would be even more so.
That said, I love to wind up my motor when circumstances allow, but am not as much into decel sounds.
That said, I love to wind up my motor when circumstances allow, but am not as much into decel sounds.
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Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 50
Likes: 1
From: Harrington Delaware
My previous car (325i) manual stated to minimize shifting down (allowing engine to slow car down for long steep hills or if already in gear only); stating clutches being more costly than brakes. In the C5 with the tranny where it is, this would be even more so.
That said, I love to wind up my motor when circumstances allow, but am not as much into decel sounds.
That said, I love to wind up my motor when circumstances allow, but am not as much into decel sounds.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 1,031
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From: Bakersfield CA
hell yeah and sometimes like to lock a bit the rear wheels for a little more fun !!! 
Pro
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 590
Likes: 57
From: Aurora Colorado
All of the above downshift speeds would be too high for 4.10s. As long as the engine speed doesn't exceed 6k--it would probably be safe.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,284
Likes: 356
From: Iowa
I downshift all the time too. I just love every aspect of it. It's definitely more wear and tear on the clutch/transmission than putting it in neutral and using only your brakes... but where's the fun in that?
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Joined: May 2015
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From: Harrington Delaware
Thread Starter
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Joined: May 2015
Posts: 50
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From: Harrington Delaware
Racer
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 489
Likes: 83
From: Lancaster California
Definitly yes, yes, yes, Love the sound of my Bassani exhaust crackling and gurgling and popin, especially in tunnels and under freeway bridges in traffic, Im a total showoff, Scares them stang boys right outta town. I just put in a brand new stage two carbon/Kevlar clutch disk so I'm not worried about it... for awhile anyways. also..the exhaust sound going up through the gears at 3000 RPM is amazing. I only downshift under 2000 RPMs. seems to get the best sound results from that range. I'm one happy camper in love with my C5 for sure. Well...Obsessed would be more like it...Just sayin.
