05RedHead

I don't have time to do the searching, but there was a good thread on this a few months ago.

When downshifting, it creates a vacumn (duh, that's how it slows you down), and I guess that's not so good for the valves.

I do it anyway...

UberHax0r

the car will always have a vacuum, that's how it operates. unless you have FI of some sort. at WOT it breaks even at no vacuum/no pressure, but all other times (idle, part throttle), it is creating a vacuum.

moosestang

the car will always have a vacuum, that's how it operates. unless you have FI of some sort. at WOT it breaks even at no vacuum/no pressure, but all other times (idle, part throttle), it is creating a vacuum.

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+1 I have a vacuum/boost gauge and letting off the gas quickly creates more vacuum than downshifting. Downshifting actually lessens the amount ofvacuum because the revs increase. The engine always has a vacuum except when the trottle is fully open. There's 23psi of vacuum at idle with my car. Psi, is that the correct term?

I downshift everywhere, but I don't do it so much as to not need the brakes.

okbfd

I know it's harder on the driveline, but.....oh the sweet sound of that blip in RPMs when you are matching on the downshift is SO sweet

johnnyv8

my dad does that when he drives my car..drives me insane

try letting go of the clutch in a "smooth" like matter first, then give it some gas. when you rev up 1st before letting go of the clutch it cuz that head jerk ur having, it sucks.

so remeber, let go of the clutch, then give it gas while shifting.

ooo, and as fair as downshifting to pass someone, i rev match...YOU CAN FEEL HOW MUCH BETTER IT IS. and i only ds to slowdown when im in the "show" off mood...

A_J

It's not that downshifitng is bad per-se, but it's about how you downshift - there are driveline shocks if you just pop the clutch out and lurch the car on a downshift, plus it unbalances the car, possibly leading to loss of traction when driving at the limits of the tires.

Besides, the brakes are there to slow the car down, so using the engine to slow the car is, in a way, like not using the right tool for the job.

Google downshifting technique and you'll find some good articles on it -

Maverick9110E

the only time i downshift to help slowdown is if im driving a tow vehicle on a steep grade, or if im really haulin *** and need the trans to help,............. or if its dark out and i dont want the cop whose up ahead while i was speeding to see my brakelights[sm=nono.gif]

Vegasfilter

when im coming to a stoplight, usually i pop it into neutral and coast to the stop sign....only downshift on approach to a freeway standstill.....and my car jumps when i switch gears too...i thought it was just my driving...nice to know im not the only one...i thought i just needed to get used to my car!

mx07gt

ok so now I am confused guys...

I always shift (when I am calm) at like 2k RPM...is that way to low? [>:]

howarmat

i shift 2500-3000