Downshifting

Leeum

Leeum

Leeum

Associate
Joined
19 Sep 2005
Posts
1,242
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.
 
Depends how quick you change gear but my teg hates dropping down gears with slow gear changes so I always rev match as I downshift.
 
Yes, it will stress the clutch, gearbox, mounts etc as the drivetrain and engine suddenly have to take up the extra speed, so blipping is best
 
I always heel n toe when pushing on, part of the joy of a manual box! My preference is the side swipe technique, which is easier for me as my ankles are bobbins! :)
 
Just been watching some demos on YouTube... seems sensible but don't think I'll try it on normal roads :o I cringe when I occasionally am too quick to change down and the car lurches - didn't think it could be a good thing!
 
I think i need to learn to blip the throttle. I went into 2nd for a corner but due to the car lurching forward the back end kicked out which wasn't fun being a noob in a car.
 
housemaster said:
I always heel n toe when pushing on, part of the joy of a manual box! My preference is the side swipe technique, which is easier for me as my ankles are bobbins! :)
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The pedals on both the Manta and the 205 are nice and close, so you can brake normally and just "nudge" the accelerator with the outside edge of your shoe.

It's just one of those things I've always done, not doing it would feel weird after nearly 12 years!
 
So, the question is, for those of us who are complete track driving n00bs, but are about to do a trackday, what is the generally accepted "best thing to do"? I love my driving, I love motorsport, I love racing games... but I have just never learnt the heal and toe technique. Rev matching I can do, however doing it while braking is something else.

Being on track for the first will be interesting enough, I don't fancy trying to learn a new driving technique at the same time.
 
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Memphis said:
So, the question is, for those of us who are complete track driving n00bs, but are about to do a trackday, what is the generally accepted "best thing to do"? I love my driving, I love motorsport, I love racing games... but I have just never learnt the heal and toe technique. Rev matching I can do, however doing it while braking is something else.

Being on track for the first will be interesting enough, I don't fancy trying to learn a new driving technique at the same time.
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Matching the revs whilst braking into a corner helps the car keep stable and you gain the added advantage of having engine braking aswell.
 
Memphis said:
Rev matching I can do, however doing it while braking is something else.

Being on track for the first will be interesting enough, I don't fancy trying to learn a new driving technique at the same time.
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its really not that hard. try doing it it with the engine off. Obviously this takes the rev matching bit out of it but getting used to the foot movement is the hardest.

i had it down before i went on a track day, though the track was thruxton which doesn't have a big need for it
 
I'm only learning still, and this is something I've found invaluable. I've still relatively little experience, but have always found that a quick nudge of the accelerator whilst braking and shifting down stops the car going all juddery. Being a polo, the pedals are nicely positioned for doing this.

My only problem is that the outside of my right foot isn't very sensitive and I've not yet got to the point where I can always give it the right amount of nudge.....
 
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