Stupid Question
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 33
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From: Louisville KY
Stupid Question
I had a C5 and I recently traded for a C6. So, tonight I was driving home, and I don't know what possessed me to do this, but I was going about 30mph and I was in Neutral, so I just grab the shifter and slide it right into 4th gear, not aggressively, just a normal shift, without using the clutch and it didn't grind or anything. . .Is this normal? My C5 wouldn't even come out of gear without engaging the clutch, much less going into a gear without using the clutch. . .Just curious!
Thanks
Thanks
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
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I had a C5 and I recently traded for a C6. So, tonight I was driving home, and I don't know what possessed me to do this, but I was going about 30mph and I was in Neutral, so I just grab the shifter and slide it right into 4th gear, not aggressively, just a normal shift, without using the clutch and it didn't grind or anything. . .Is this normal? My C5 wouldn't even come out of gear without engaging the clutch, much less going into a gear without using the clutch. . .Just curious!
Thanks
Thanks
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 20,352
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From: Ventura County, Calif
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
Nothing unusual about shifting a transmission without using the clutch. Truck drivers do it all the time including downshifting, just a matter of matching the rpms. They usually only use the clutch for initially getting the rig rolling and when stopping. Can also be done with an unsychronized transmission by making a fast positive shift without ever lifting the foot off the gas(just don't miss your shift).
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 7,250
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From: Glassboro New Jersey
You should not do this because it will put more wear on the synchronizer blocking rings. The blocking rings are what slow down the gear to allow the shift collar to engage and lock the gear. Without depressing the clutch to slow the input shaft, the blocking rings will wear faster. I have 20 years experience overhauling manual transmissions, so I know a little something.
Last edited by Marc V.; Apr 28, 2009 at 10:27 PM.
Team Owner
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St. Jude Donor '15
"In honor of jpee"
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2008
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From: Lake Worth Beach, Florida
As you have found you can shift if the RPMs coming down. It releases the stress on the gears and allows the shift to occur without the use of the clutch, only problem is you are wearing your syncros and eventually when the syncros wear out the car will not stay in gear. Very expensive for parts (new transmission and labor, about 10 hours out and 10 hours in.)
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: Rancho Murieta California
When some of us were wild and wooly young-ins of the 60s and 70s we used to do this all the time. I don't really know why we did. But I do not remember what we called it. Was it "speed shifting"? Maybe I did it too often and ground my memory.
Safety Car
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From: Providence Forge, VA
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12
Pro
Joined: Jan 2009
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From: Havelock North Carolina
I had a C5 and I recently traded for a C6. So, tonight I was driving home, and I don't know what possessed me to do this, but I was going about 30mph and I was in Neutral, so I just grab the shifter and slide it right into 4th gear, not aggressively, just a normal shift, without using the clutch and it didn't grind or anything. . .Is this normal? My C5 wouldn't even come out of gear without engaging the clutch, much less going into a gear without using the clutch. . .Just curious!
Thanks
Thanks
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 194
Likes: 0
From: NJ
yes, it can be done in any manual trans car or truck but, why? you have a fully syncro trans so just use it the way it's supposed to be used. If all trucks were syncro, you would use your clutch all the time.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2008
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I usually don't clutch when I'm on my Harley except for 1st gear. It's all about timing and doesn't cause any damage to the tranny if done properly.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2001
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From: Brewton AL
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: CT
Any manual trans can be shifted this way. In fact, before sycro's were invented matching rmps was required. I once had to drive home from JFK Airport (the Idewild) to CT in a car where I couldn't disengage the clutch. Had to make every shift by feel.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: CT
No, it was mostly called "power shifting" Like in the Beach Boys song with the lyrics "power shift Fuelie Cool"
Safety Car
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From: Anaheim Hills, Ca