Downshifting

[Leeum]

Hi there,

Quick question. Does downshifting through the gears without blipping the throttle to match the revs result in strain on the transmission/ clutch? E.g. approaching at junction and dropping into 3rd at say 45 MPH.

 

[Leeum]

I'm finding it quite hard getting used to the whole blipping thing. I find myself blipping the throttle then jumping off the clutch before the revs drop back to idle (if that makes sense) - normally resulting in a crappy downshift. Practice makes perfect I guess.

 

[Leeum]

the whole point is so that the rpm DOESN'T drop back to idle, what are you doing?!

Sorry for my pants wording - I've had a few too many Stella tonight.

My understanding is, if I want a lower gear then the rpm (in that gear) is going to be higher than in the current gear. While selecting the lower gear, I blip the throttle to bring the revs at (or just above) the rpm the crank will be in the lower gear.

I find myself coming off the clutch too quickly to ensure the revs don't drop off below the level needed for the lower gear.

 

[Leeum]

you mean you are blipping it too much and dumping the clutch while the rpm is too high, giving you a jolt of acceleration? If so, then you need to judge how much gas you give it better. Practice this in a straight line whilst no braking, if you make a screw up whilst blasting into a corner it won't be pretty.

That sounds about right. Cheers for the advice - I intend to get some practice in over the summer. I've been driving almost a year and have never blipped the throttle before on downshifts - it's taking a bit of getting used to.

Is it just me or does rev matching/ the heel and toe technique use a lot more petrol?