Downshifting
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 7,281
Likes: 5
From: Boston
Re: Downshifting (Tree)
The topic at issue involved downshifting and synchros, and I wondered why someone would make a ricer comment.
If you're going to the trouble of matching revs, you might as well double clutch so that you also save wear on the synchros as well as being easy on the rest of the drive train.
Rev match helps in driving/racing, and is easier on the drivetrain if you're running hard. As for DC, it has no effect on the drive train at all besides the synchros, and even then its so minimal if you rev match that its insignificant, hence the reason I compared you with a ricer, cause normally thats the kind of crap that comes out of their mouths.
Have a nice day. :seeya
[Modified by Darkness, 1:31 PM 2/2/2004]
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 4,411
Likes: 1
From: Wilmington NC
Re: Downshifting (ddmau)
I read a post from a professional driver the other day who stated downshifting to slow the car will eventually harm the engine. This is how I've always operated my vehicles. Have I been wrong all these years? Hope not cause I love the sound of those Borlas doing their thing while slowing for the light, etc. :steering:
Of course a downshift to pass e.t.c. is a different topic. But to downshift just for the sake of downshifting while coming to a stop seems to be a waste.
[Modified by Richin Chicago, 6:24 PM 2/2/2004]
Racer
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 292
Likes: 0
From: Southbury CT
Re: Downshifting (Darkness)
[ As for DC, it has no effect on the drive train at all besides the synchros, and even then its so minimal if you rev match that its insignificant, hence the reason I compared you with a ricer, cause normally thats the kind of crap that comes out of their mouths.
Have a nice day. :seeya
The crap is all yours, friend. Rev matiching with the clutch disengaged (in) does nothing to save wear on the synchros. The purpose of rev matching in neutral with the clutch out is to increase the speed of the gears, particularly the one you're about to shift into. That is precisely why you double clutched before there were synchros. Today, synchros do that work for you, but to the extent you double clutch, you're making them work less. Downshift (without double clutching) often at a high speed difference and you will wear your synchros and risk damaging them. Or maybe you have magic synchros?
[Modified by Darkness, 1:31 PM 2/2/2004][/QUOTE]
Have a nice day. :seeya
The crap is all yours, friend. Rev matiching with the clutch disengaged (in) does nothing to save wear on the synchros. The purpose of rev matching in neutral with the clutch out is to increase the speed of the gears, particularly the one you're about to shift into. That is precisely why you double clutched before there were synchros. Today, synchros do that work for you, but to the extent you double clutch, you're making them work less. Downshift (without double clutching) often at a high speed difference and you will wear your synchros and risk damaging them. Or maybe you have magic synchros?
[Modified by Darkness, 1:31 PM 2/2/2004][/QUOTE]
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 26,679
Likes: 17
From: This vette goes to 11 Milford MA
St. Jude Donor '03-'05
Re: This is getting good. (Thud)
I like to redline in 4th gear and pop it in first at about 145mph. It saves me from having to wash break dust from the wheels. On the downside, its hard to get gear oil out of your eyes.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,890
Likes: 1
From: Indiana
St. Jude Contributor
Re: Downshifting (ddmau)
I got into this same topic a few months ago.
To all that don't downshift...........let's say you're on the road in a high gear and you need to pass someone........do you STOP, engage 1st and then accelerate through the gears to keep from downshifting while moving. :lol: :crazy: :lolg:
To all that don't downshift...........let's say you're on the road in a high gear and you need to pass someone........do you STOP, engage 1st and then accelerate through the gears to keep from downshifting while moving. :lol: :crazy: :lolg:
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Team Owner
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 22,830
Likes: 13
From: Columbus Ohio
CI 3-4, 8-9-10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '06-'08-'10
Re: Downshifting (03Ragtop)
Driving wears out the engine. :steering:
And letting it sit will let the seals dry out. We're screwed either way. :lolg: :lolg:
Supporting Vendor
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,073
Likes: 0
From: Loveland CO
Re: Downshifting (ddmau)
I downshift and brake to slow the car down. I have to agree that the guy was referring to over revving the motor by forcing it into the wrong gear while downshifting. Kaley
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 798
Likes: 0
From: Frisco TX
Re: Downshifting (IFLUBYU)
I used to use downshifting quite a bit to slow down, heck I learned to drive stick in a tow-truck (hopefully my old boss from 23 years ago ain't reading this!). The real danger is down shifting into a gear and engaging at or above the max rev. The rev-limiter only cuts spark or fuel on the rev climb during acceleration to keep you from over-revving. If you down shift from 4th to 3rd, and accidently hit 1st (if you are not used to a six speed, it can happen), or anything similar the power is forced from the drivetrain back into the engine and can over rev the engine into some serious problems. The most common problem I have heard of, possibly experienced (still not sure it was a downshift that caused it) is over revving the valve train, floating a vavle and ending up with broken or bent push rods or worse. :cry
If a pro was mentioning it being dangerous, I would guess this would be what he was referring to. Been forcing myself to get out of the downshifting habit.
Hope that helps, good luck...
If a pro was mentioning it being dangerous, I would guess this would be what he was referring to. Been forcing myself to get out of the downshifting habit.
Hope that helps, good luck...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 7,281
Likes: 5
From: Boston
Re: Downshifting (Tree)
Rev matiching with the clutch disengaged (in) does nothing to save wear on the synchros. The purpose of rev matching in neutral with the clutch out is to increase the speed of the gears, particularly the one you're about to shift into. That is precisely why you double clutched before there were synchros. Today, synchros do that work for you, but to the extent you double clutch, you're making them work less. Downshift (without double clutching) often at a high speed difference and you will wear your synchros and risk damaging them. Or maybe you have magic synchros?
[Modified by Darkness, 1:31 PM 2/2/2004]
[Modified by Darkness, 1:31 PM 2/2/2004]
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 975
Likes: 0
From: www.corvettepartitions.com Il
Re: Downshifting (Tree)
Doesn'y understand what a ricer is???? :conehead :troll
Look Brian, I'm sure I'm not as smart as you (maybe I should be thankful), but I didn't say I don't understand what a ricer is. I said I don't understand the reference to it. The topic at issue involved downshifting and synchros, and I wondered why someone would make a ricer comment. By the way, welcome to the Forum. Hopefully you can wait another 9 days before making additional stupid comments.
Look Brian, I'm sure I'm not as smart as you (maybe I should be thankful), but I didn't say I don't understand what a ricer is. I said I don't understand the reference to it. The topic at issue involved downshifting and synchros, and I wondered why someone would make a ricer comment. By the way, welcome to the Forum. Hopefully you can wait another 9 days before making additional stupid comments.
Bruce, The reference was to how ricers shift like crap--ok? Understand the reference now?? The world does not revolve around me or you, so lets have fun talking with our fellow vette lovers and drop it--ok?? I understand some people cannot see indirect references, but thats life.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 292
Likes: 0
From: Southbury CT
Re: Downshifting (Darkness)
Not DC will not harm the tranny in a C5, not a studebaker. This is a C5 forum, not a 50's cars forum. DC in these days does nothing to the car if you rev match. The synchros are running at the same speed of the rest of the tranny so if you rev match theres no jolt in the synchros. Therefore you'll only be excercising if you DC.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 7,281
Likes: 5
From: Boston
Re: Downshifting (Tree)
The point of rev matching you rpms is not to spin the input shaft, but simply to match the crank speed to that of the whole drive train in order for the tires not to lock and you spining out. You got overwhelmed because of the whole topic and your own ignorance on the subject.