C5 Tech Corvette Tech/Performance: LS1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Tech Topics, Basic Tech, Maintenance, How to Remove & Replace
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

What is 'double clutching' ??

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jul 24, 2003 | 12:33 PM
  #1  
dmcantrell's Avatar
dmcantrell
Thread Starter
Racer
 
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 392
Likes: 0
From: Austin TX
Default What is 'double clutching' ??

What is 'double clutching' ??
Reply
Old Jul 24, 2003 | 12:59 PM
  #2  
Flyin'Brian's Avatar
Flyin'Brian
Melting Slicks
25 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 3,029
Likes: 1
From: Wichita KS
Cruise-In I Veteran
Cruise-In II Veteran
Cruise-In III Veteran
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Default Re: What is 'double clutching' ?? (dmcantrell)

Push the clutch in and shift out of gear, then let out clutch, then push clutch in again, and shift to next gear.
Reply
Old Jul 24, 2003 | 01:01 PM
  #3  
dmcantrell's Avatar
dmcantrell
Thread Starter
Racer
 
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 392
Likes: 0
From: Austin TX
Default Re: What is 'double clutching' ?? (Flyin'Brian)

What are the advantages of this technique (if any), as far as racing goes??
Reply
Old Jul 24, 2003 | 01:10 PM
  #4  
Flyin'Brian's Avatar
Flyin'Brian
Melting Slicks
25 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 3,029
Likes: 1
From: Wichita KS
Cruise-In I Veteran
Cruise-In II Veteran
Cruise-In III Veteran
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Default Re: What is 'double clutching' ?? (dmcantrell)

the only reason I can think of to do this is if your syncros are worn out.
Or if you drive a big truck that don't have any syncros. (Race the Brown truck :lol: )
Reply
Old Jul 24, 2003 | 01:40 PM
  #5  
SFVetteman's Avatar
SFVetteman
Drifting
10 Year Member
 
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,607
Likes: 1
From: San Francisco CA
Default Re: What is 'double clutching' ?? (Flyin'Brian)

The purpose of double clutching is to match gear speeds when shifting, especially when down shifting. Once upon a time, manual transmissions were non-synchromesh in all gears or non-synchromesh in 1st gear and this was the technique to use to avoid grinding the gears when shifting.

In a synchromesh transmission, when you shift gears, a tapered ring (usually made of brass) contacts the gear first and through friction brings the gear up to speed or slows it down so that the gear will engage smoothly without grinding the teeth of the gears.

If you were driving a car with weak syncro rings, double clutching might prolong the life of the transmission. Also, if a syncro ring breaks, double clutching may provide you with a way to continue shifting without immediate further damage to the transmission.
Reply
Old Jul 24, 2003 | 02:01 PM
  #6  
chuckster's Avatar
chuckster
Race Director
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 17,602
Likes: 20
From: Palm City Florida
Default Re: What is 'double clutching' ?? (Flyin'Brian)

the only reason I can think of to do this is if your syncros are worn out.
Or if you drive a big truck that don't have any syncros. (Race the Brown truck :lol: )
I loved that STUPID comment made in "The Fast and the Furious" when the bald dude was mocking on the other guys racing technique...

He told him he should have been "Double Clutching" to gain speed... :lolg:
What stupid technical consultant gave then that line to use in movie.. :conehead


[Modified by chuckster, 2:02 PM 7/24/2003]
Reply
Old Jul 24, 2003 | 02:05 PM
  #7  
dmcantrell's Avatar
dmcantrell
Thread Starter
Racer
 
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 392
Likes: 0
From: Austin TX
Default Re: What is 'double clutching' ?? (SFVetteman)

OK guys -- thanks for the answers.

The reason I ask is this -- this weekend I was forced to watch 'The Fast and the Furious' (I hate that movie by the way) and there was a scene where Vin Diesel was ragging on the main character (Brian, I think..) for not 'double clutching' while he was racing his '10-second Eclipse'. The line from the movie was somthing like this "...You never had me. You were granny shifting, not even double clutching..." or something along those lines. I started a conversation with my friends that that comment was total :bs but I didn't really know the details of 'double clutching' to explain it to them.

At any rate -- thanks for the explanation, and I apologize for even mentioning that movie title on this forum.

--dc.
Reply
Old Jul 24, 2003 | 02:12 PM
  #8  
SleepieAce's Avatar
SleepieAce
Le Mans Master
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 5,409
Likes: 0
From: Kentucky basketball is life the rest is just details
Default Re: What is 'double clutching' ?? (dmcantrell)

My friends and I had the same discussion after that movie. The consensus opinion was that double clutching a race car is the best possible way to blow an engine and that some tech consultant somewhere is an absolute :conehead

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :cheers:
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

 Brett Foote
story-2

10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-3

8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Jul 24, 2003 | 02:13 PM
  #9  
Special K's Avatar
Special K
Safety Car
 
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 4,640
Likes: 0
From: Sunshine State
Default Re: What is 'double clutching' ?? (dmcantrell)

A good drag racer, just like a good truck driver (semi), doesn't need the clutch. It's all in the timing of the shift. A clutch is usefull when stopped.

Bob
:flag
Reply
Old Jul 24, 2003 | 02:17 PM
  #10  
geekracer's Avatar
geekracer
Melting Slicks
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 2,499
Likes: 0
Default Re: What is 'double clutching' ?? (dmcantrell)

I remember that scene :lol: I also remember when 3 sp trannys had syncho between 2nd and 3rd :sleep:
Reply
Old Jul 24, 2003 | 02:28 PM
  #11  
verskel's Avatar
verskel
Safety Car
 
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 4,143
Likes: 0
Default Re: What is 'double clutching' ?? (Korreck)

A good drag racer, just like a good truck driver (semi), doesn't need the clutch. It's all in the timing of the shift. A clutch is usefull when stopped.

Bob
:flag
:iagree: ......and to add to the Vin Diesel / Fast 'n Furious movie......it's a whole 'nother ballgame to shift a '69 Dodge Charger vs. a Ricer Eclipse. ;)

Sometimes I'll double clutch my '68 just to make up the time it takes for my mile-long shift throws ! :lol:
Reply
Old Jul 24, 2003 | 02:41 PM
  #12  
chuckster's Avatar
chuckster
Race Director
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 17,602
Likes: 20
From: Palm City Florida
Default Re: What is 'double clutching' ?? (Korreck)

A good drag racer, just like a good truck driver (semi), doesn't need the clutch. It's all in the timing of the shift. A clutch is usefull when stopped.

Bob
:flag
I used to shift without the clutch on my 85 Honda Civic all time.. It was fun. No grinding at all.. I had it to a science..

I am not brave enough to try it on my C5 :eek:
Anyone else do this???
Reply
Old Jul 24, 2003 | 02:53 PM
  #13  
Trey395's Avatar
Trey395
Instructor
 
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 203
Likes: 0
From: Kansas City MO
Default Re: What is 'double clutching' ?? (chuckster)

It's also used to keep the car in the peak RPM range while cornering...
Reply
Old Jul 24, 2003 | 03:00 PM
  #14  
GR8-LIFE's Avatar
GR8-LIFE
Team Owner
 
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 55,394
Likes: 1
Default Re: What is 'double clutching' ?? (Korreck)

A good drag racer, just like a good truck driver (semi), doesn't need the clutch. It's all in the timing of the shift. A clutch is usefull when stopped.

Bob
:flag
I've heard this before. Can you splain???
Reply
Old Jul 24, 2003 | 03:14 PM
  #15  
Fastlane's Avatar
Fastlane
Racer
 
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 443
Likes: 0
From: Fort Worth tx
Default Re: What is 'double clutching' ?? (SFVetteman)

Why not simply rev the engine to ease the syncro strain during the clutch re-engage?

I see no reason to double-clutch, at all.
Reply
Old Jul 24, 2003 | 03:18 PM
  #16  
Special K's Avatar
Special K
Safety Car
 
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 4,640
Likes: 0
From: Sunshine State
Default Re: What is 'double clutching' ?? (MARK's_C5TT)

I'll make this real simple. The engine rpm must be the same while between gears as it will be in the next gear you put it in. If you go into the next gear and the rpm is 3000, then that's what the engine rpm has to be to get it in there without the clutch. Doesn't matter if you're down shifting or up shifting or speed shifting.

Bob
:flag
Reply
Old Jul 24, 2003 | 03:21 PM
  #17  
GR8-LIFE's Avatar
GR8-LIFE
Team Owner
 
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 55,394
Likes: 1
Default Re: What is 'double clutching' ?? (Korreck)

I'll make this real simple. The engine rpm must be the same while between gears as it will be in the next gear you put it in. If you go into the next gear and the rpm is 3000, then that's what the engine rpm has to be to get it in there without the clutch. Doesn't matter if you're down shifting or up shifting or speed shifting.

Bob
:flag
I get it, thanks
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To What is 'double clutching' ??

Old Jul 24, 2003 | 03:33 PM
  #18  
Special K's Avatar
Special K
Safety Car
 
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 4,640
Likes: 0
From: Sunshine State
Default Re: What is 'double clutching' ?? (MARK's_C5TT)

Mark,

Just start out trying it real easy and leave your left foot on the clutch but not depressing it. That will be your security blanket. Practice makes perfect. Gradually over a period of time you'll be able to speed shift using this technique and in a close race it will make the difference. Ronnie Sox of 'Sox and Martin' (pro drags) never touched a clutch in a drag race.
Reply
Old Jul 24, 2003 | 03:42 PM
  #19  
chuckster's Avatar
chuckster
Race Director
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 17,602
Likes: 20
From: Palm City Florida
Default Re: What is 'double clutching' ?? (Korreck)

I am actually anxious to try it...

Do you lift the accellerator during the shift? If done properly...will it put any unnecessesary loads on the tranny or synchros?

I am wondering how effective this would be Drag racing...

Because if I am going to shift from 1st to 2nd at 6200 rpm and I use the clutch.. I will end up at some speed less than 6200..

If I don't use the clutch I need to shift much earlier to match the speed I need fo 2nd gear..
Don't I loose the benefit of the redline shifts?
Reply
Old Jul 24, 2003 | 04:14 PM
  #20  
SFVetteman's Avatar
SFVetteman
Drifting
10 Year Member
 
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,607
Likes: 1
From: San Francisco CA
Default Re: What is 'double clutching' ?? (chuckster)

There’s speed shifting and then there’s power shifting. In speed shifting, some attempt is made to match the gear speeds. The quickest shifting drag racers use power shifting. Power shifting is done by keeping your right foot to the floor while yanking the shift lever from gear to gear. This is best accomplished with lightning fast reflexes and muscle working through a strong short throw linkage coupled to a strong close ratio transmission. Done successfully, it’s the quickest shift there is.

If your reflexes aren’t quick enough engine RPM gets completely out of hand and you won’t be able to engage the gear. Not enough muscle and you won’t be able to force it into gear quickly, as gear speeds are never properly matched with this type of shift.

Big cajones are usually required for this technique and a big wallet is a plus.
Reply



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 11:52 PM.

story-0
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-8
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-9
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE