downshifting
4th Gear Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,517
From: Austin, TX
RE: downshifting
ORIGINAL: MrChubs1
Downshifting wears everything (but the brake pads) more, plus burns more gas.
The trans bearings see negative load, the clutch gets worked more, the synchros get more work (just more shifting frequency) and the engine itself gets negative load, which wears the rings more and is actually much tougher on the rods and rod caps than accelerating. They're not designed to handle extreme negative loads that are actually pulling on the rod bearing caps.
That said, normal driving decel probly isn't a big deal. Coasting is always easier on everything though.
Downshifting wears everything (but the brake pads) more, plus burns more gas.
The trans bearings see negative load, the clutch gets worked more, the synchros get more work (just more shifting frequency) and the engine itself gets negative load, which wears the rings more and is actually much tougher on the rods and rod caps than accelerating. They're not designed to handle extreme negative loads that are actually pulling on the rod bearing caps.
That said, normal driving decel probly isn't a big deal. Coasting is always easier on everything though.
I coast. Except when I'm coming up to someone I know and wanna show off or somethin, then I'll give a little downshift here and there.
4th Gear Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,381
From: Tucson, AZ
RE: downshifting
ORIGINAL: 96GT226410
Downshifting is for idiots who like their exhaust too much. I'd rather keep it in whatever gear I'm inalready until RPM's get too low and then just throw it in nuetral, most of the time not hitting the clutch. Why put all of the wear and tear on your clutch and tob when it's not needed?
Downshifting is for idiots who like their exhaust too much. I'd rather keep it in whatever gear I'm inalready until RPM's get too low and then just throw it in nuetral, most of the time not hitting the clutch. Why put all of the wear and tear on your clutch and tob when it's not needed?
1st Gear Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 122
From: Outer Banks, NC
RE: downshifting
I throw the clutch in and pop it out of gear and brake to a stop.........but i do have a a question of when ya pull up next to someone that wants to try u and ur running between 60-70 and throw it in 3rd and let her rip how bad is that????
1st Gear Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 66
From:
RE: downshifting
u shouldn't have the car in neutral AND have the clutch in. the clutch should beused for changing gears only, don't ride the clutch.
that being said, if i have to slow down quickly i will engine break. the best thing is to just watch your speed and plan appropriately.
that being said, if i have to slow down quickly i will engine break. the best thing is to just watch your speed and plan appropriately.
5th Gear Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,402
From: MA
RE: downshifting
Normal down shifting will not hurt your clutch as long as you aren't trying to downshift over revving the motor and tranny. There is nothing wrong with downshifting as long as it is not abrupt.
You got to love that exhaust sound andwho cares about gas mileage anyway. The car is mean't to downshift it is a sports car for **it sake.[8D]
You got to love that exhaust sound andwho cares about gas mileage anyway. The car is mean't to downshift it is a sports car for **it sake.[8D]