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I'm relatively new to the C7 world and just started using Rev Matching on my '14 Z51. I've been driving manual transmissions my entire driving life (now 71 years young) and don't really see the benefits of using rev match. My Corvette is my only car but being retired, I only drive it a few times a week. I don't track my car and am a conservative driver. I've read that driving with rev match on is better for the clutch and transmission but I never have had a clutch problem in any sports car I've owned. Actually, I don't typically downshift when coming to a stop, and just prefer to brake as I have some health issues with my left foot. I do understand the how and why rev matching works. So my question is, is it really better for the car to use rev match and what benefits are there for using it? Will I do any harm in not using it? Thank you in advance!
The biggest benefit is smoothness for the passenger when you do downshift. While you don't when coming to a stop you probably do on occasion in traffic or when the speed limit changes.
As I understand it--and I'm no expert--the things that damage the the clutch/transmission most are riding the clutch, resting your hand on the shifter, leaving your car out of gear as you slow down, and being in to low a gear at cruising speed.
Riding the clutch is what folks often do to smooth out downshifts instead of heal/tow or use rev match.
The other three things if your transmission and clutch are in perfect order are fine but as they age it can cause premature failure before the car needs servicing. At least that was true in older cars, the M7 transmission in these cars is supposed to be bulletproof so maybe it doesn't matter?
The biggest benefit is smoothness for the passenger when you do downshift. While you don't when coming to a stop you probably do on occasion in traffic or when the speed limit changes.
As I understand it--and I'm no expert--the things that damage the the clutch/transmission most are riding the clutch, resting your hand on the shifter, leaving your car out of gear as you slow down, and being in to low a gear at cruising speed.
Riding the clutch is what folks often do to smooth out downshifts instead of heal/tow or use rev match.
The other three things if your transmission and clutch are in perfect order are fine but as they age it can cause premature failure before the car needs servicing. At least that was true in older cars, the M7 transmission in these cars is supposed to be bulletproof so maybe it doesn't matter?
Thank you! I've never been told or have felt that I'm not smooth in my downshifts and have never had clutch or transmission problems in any car I had. So whatever I'm doing in my shifting, I'm doing it correctly. So if that's the only reason to use rev match, I don't see a need for me to use it. Having said that, it might be useful for someone learning how to drive a manual or if you are on a track.
Mine is a '14 Z51 as well. I never use 'Rev Match'.
I tried using it many times when I first bought the car. I'm a street guy and don't track the car, so I found rev match does not work well for me. I've had far too many false blips from rev match, so I just stopped using it. However, some guys love it and use it on the street. It's all about personal preference.