How Do I Downshift Properly?

Spooler · 09-13-2014, 07:27 PM

My suggestion would be to look up Heel-toe downshifting via Youtube. You can also catch some good live videos on television during road race events that are broadcasted live.

Downshifting is to maximize your braking power via the brakes and the engine. Over revving is a no-no. Hmm, seems some folks on here have never been on the ragged edge slowing a car down quickly. S-mode is nice, it does the throttle input for you. I am kinda old school and like it all to be the drivers skill.

Aviator44 · 09-13-2014, 07:35 PM

If I understood you correctly, just throw the car in neutral and use your brakes to slow down. Once you come to the 20-30mph range, put it in whatever gear you need to accelerate again.

Rob298mx · 09-16-2014, 09:20 AM

Just takes practice man, find out where the tach will be for that given mph and the rest is simple. For heel to toe downshifting, it certainly takes some finesse and practice. You need to roll your foot over to blip the throttle. Like others have said, watch some YouTube vids and go out and practice.

DIGItonium · 09-16-2014, 11:13 AM

How I do it is that if you downshift without blipping the throttle, the engine forces itself to rev itself up. If you blip the throttle, just rev it high enough such that the engine doesn't need to ramp up to that speed. Don't rev too high since it's overkill. Then let the clutch out like normal. Do it just right and it'll be smooth sailing.

Justice97 · 09-23-2014, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MJB

Ummm.. you should never just shift into neutral while the vehicle is moving, let alone during a turn.

I did this in my 280zx all the time, never had an issue. over 223k on the engine and Tranny. Never replaced synchros, still shifts smooth. I don't know about the "during a turn," I guess I never really paid attention.

Neutral is just that neutral. Then engine revs to an idle and you are just coasting. Personally I don't see the danger in it. Your brakes stop the car, never ever ever use the engine or tranny to stop the car. Why, they are crap loads more expensive. That is for racing when you need engine assist, our brakes are fine for street driving. If you need engine assist on the streets you are going to get a DA award soon.

I think i understand the OP completely.

i.e. Exit freeway doing 70 cruising because it is a clear access road and you feel spirited...there is the turn around. 70-60-50-40-30-20 in about about 150 yrds. No need to downshift in that short amount of time, that would be silly. Not to mention you just stressed the hell out of your engine and tranny and maybe ground some gears trying to keep up. Your engine in 6th gear will not bog down and chug until you get to about 15mph. I typically leave it in gear till i get down to the turning speed about 15 or 20. Push in clutch change place it in second let out clutch and prepare to accelerate after I exit turn.

I understand some will get technical about driving a stick. Really it is not rocket science and you will figure out when to down shift and when not to.
I do not down shift to brake I down shift to maintain the correct rpms for the speed I am driving. If i am going to continue to apply my brakes till i come to a stop, i typically do not down shift.

Just my opinion on down shifting.

1slow370 · 09-23-2014, 06:21 PM

ok we are definitely having some conflict in here because some are giving advise for sport driving and some are just going daily, like the whole not putting it into neutral in a corner daily sure why the hell not if you are slowing down, on a race course though this will unsettle the rear end so it is a no-no. heel and toeing on the street is just a pain in the ***, if you are drving on the street and down shift to pass just clutch change down and let the clutch out a little slower or latter than you give it gas to get the engine going before the clutchs slams in, if you are slowing down clutch, off gas, on brake change down, slowly let clutch out so you don't shock tires until it is full engine braking. On the race course heel and toe and drop that **** while standing on the brakes

Bad Boy · 09-23-2014, 11:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Justice97

I did this in my 280zx all the time, never had an issue. over 223k on the engine and Tranny. Never replaced synchros, still shifts smooth. I don't know about the "during a turn," I guess I never really paid attention.

Neutral is just that neutral. Then engine revs to an idle and you are just coasting. Personally I don't see the danger in it. Your brakes stop the car, never ever ever use the engine or tranny to stop the car. Why, they are crap loads more expensive. That is for racing when you need engine assist, our brakes are fine for street driving. If you need engine assist on the streets you are going to get a DA award soon.

I think i understand the OP completely.

i.e. Exit freeway doing 70 cruising because it is a clear access road and you feel spirited...there is the turn around. 70-60-50-40-30-20 in about about 150 yrds. No need to downshift in that short amount of time, that would be silly. Not to mention you just stressed the hell out of your engine and tranny and maybe ground some gears trying to keep up. Your engine in 6th gear will not bog down and chug until you get to about 15mph. I typically leave it in gear till i get down to the turning speed about 15 or 20. Push in clutch change place it in second let out clutch and prepare to accelerate after I exit turn.

I understand some will get technical about driving a stick. Really it is not rocket science and you will figure out when to down shift and when not to.
I do not down shift to brake I down shift to maintain the correct rpms for the speed I am driving. If i am going to continue to apply my brakes till i come to a stop, i typically do not down shift.

Just my opinion on down shifting.

Thats exactly what I do and exactly how I feel. Good man.

Rangerz · 09-24-2014, 12:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bad Boy

Thats exactly what I do and exactly how I feel. Good man.

I was taught to never coast to a stop in nutral, it was drilled into my head that if something happens you may need to accelerate or slam the breaks on. Can't do that in nutral. I will shift to nutral after coming to a stop waiting for a red light for instance but, always have the car in gear apprpriate to the speed im going while slowing down.

/Angelo350Z/ · 09-24-2014, 01:12 AM

1. Approach the corner
2. Brake to desired speed (don't ride the clutch)
3. Downshift to appropriate gear right before the apex
4. Accelerate out of the corner at the apex

The end.

1slow370 · 09-24-2014, 02:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by /Angelo350Z/

1. Approach the corner
2. Brake to desired speed (don't ride the clutch)
3. Downshift to appropriate gear right before the apex
4. Accelerate out of the corner at the apex

The end.

It's not the end it's another person who didn't read the thread nor help at all.

1slow370 · 09-24-2014, 03:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DEpointfive0

Not me. I can't wait for manuals to die... LOL

I was gonna say no way has this guy ever taught drivers ed lol least of all how to drive a manual. No offense here OP really some of us where there once but you really are a noob. As far as daily driving goes you will get better at it eventually, I'm not going to say don't have fun but right now what you should be doing is the basics to get to know your car and get the feel for driving a manual, it is like a bike after a while you don't even think about it and can pretty much do it totally inebriated(not saying you should that sometimes ends very badly). Start with the things that help you be a better manual driver and keep the most embarrassing things from happening to you. A big part of driving a manual is clutch and gas control and switching between them and one of the suckiest things to do that needs this is hill starts, find a REALLY steep incline and stop right on it(find a spot where you can do this without being a nuisance and preferably without embarrassing yourself) the best hills are the ones with signs that say "warning steep grade all trucks check brakes" when you can start up that thing without rolling back more than a foot, without spinning the tires, without using your e brake and without looking differently than an automatic car and you can do it consistently no problem you will have figured out one of the hardest parts to driving a manual. Cornering will be no different from an automatic car so unless this is your first car period, once you can drive a manual normally without thinking about it, this will come naturally.

On a personal note are you duck lipping in your avatar pic?

roplusbee · 09-24-2014, 03:23 AM

LOL. I wasn't even going to look at this thread until one of my coworkers said "hey, that one looks like a winner!"

I personally don't coast in neutral for fear of being rear ended (again) and I like to have a gear to get out of dodge if necessary. All that is on the street.

On a road course or canyon / spirited / Tail of the Dragon run, I engage SRM (since I normally have it off) and ensure that I stay above 3k RPM so that I don't loose boost response. I learned that hard way that SRM downshifts can cause the car to lurch forward, so I stay above the boost threshold.

Your experience could be different. We don't know what your setup is (NA or FI). The only advice I can give you is to learn how the car behaves and adjust as necessary. Seat time is where it's at.

Bad Boy · 09-24-2014, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1slow370

I was gonna say no way has this guy ever taught drivers ed lol least of all how to drive a manual. No offense here OP really some of us where there once but you really are a noob. As far as daily driving goes you will get better at it eventually, I'm not going to say don't have fun but right now what you should be doing is the basics to get to know your car and get the feel for driving a manual, it is like a bike after a while you don't even think about it and can pretty much do it totally inebriated(not saying you should that sometimes ends very badly). Start with the things that help you be a better manual driver and keep the most embarrassing things from happening to you. A big part of driving a manual is clutch and gas control and switching between them and one of the suckiest things to do that needs this is hill starts, find a REALLY steep incline and stop right on it(find a spot where you can do this without being a nuisance and preferably without embarrassing yourself) the best hills are the ones with signs that say "warning steep grade all trucks check brakes" when you can start up that thing without rolling back more than a foot, without spinning the tires, without using your e brake and without looking differently than an automatic car and you can do it consistently no problem you will have figured out one of the hardest parts to driving a manual. Cornering will be no different from an automatic car so unless this is your first car period, once you can drive a manual normally without thinking about it, this will come naturally.

On a personal note are you duck lipping in your avatar pic?

Well this thread is a few weeks old. I have the hang of it now. Like another said, its not rocket science. I can drive perfectly fine, and on hills too.

And no, Im blowing a kiss

MJB · 09-24-2014, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Justice97

I did this in my 280zx all the time, never had an issue. over 223k on the engine and Tranny. Never replaced synchros, still shifts smooth. I don't know about the "during a turn," I guess I never really paid attention.

Neutral is just that neutral. Then engine revs to an idle and you are just coasting. Personally I don't see the danger in it. Your brakes stop the car, never ever ever use the engine or tranny to stop the car. Why, they are crap loads more expensive. That is for racing when you need engine assist, our brakes are fine for street driving. If you need engine assist on the streets you are going to get a DA award soon.

I think i understand the OP completely.

i.e. Exit freeway doing 70 cruising because it is a clear access road and you feel spirited...there is the turn around. 70-60-50-40-30-20 in about about 150 yrds. No need to downshift in that short amount of time, that would be silly. Not to mention you just stressed the hell out of your engine and tranny and maybe ground some gears trying to keep up. Your engine in 6th gear will not bog down and chug until you get to about 15mph. I typically leave it in gear till i get down to the turning speed about 15 or 20. Push in clutch change place it in second let out clutch and prepare to accelerate after I exit turn.

I understand some will get technical about driving a stick. Really it is not rocket science and you will figure out when to down shift and when not to.
I do not down shift to brake I down shift to maintain the correct rpms for the speed I am driving. If i am going to continue to apply my brakes till i come to a stop, i typically do not down shift.

Just my opinion on down shifting.

I'm not saying that shifting into neutral during a turn or while moving is hard on the engine or tranny.... but now you have no control of the engine or vehicle in that matter. Yes we know you can coast to a stop with the brakes, but what if you need to push on the gas to get out of a situation quick. That split second trying to shift back into a gear can mean everything.
I've been working for a defense contractor for almost 9 years teaching soldiers how to operate the Stryker vehicle (40 ton 8 wheeled vehicle) and even though its auto, I still had to go to school to get my CDL class B, which had me driving a 26ft box truck that was manual. We were ALWAYS taught never to shift into N while the vehicle was moving. Some people can panic or go full retard when they need to get out of dodge asap, whatever the case may be. Now they're fumbling around trying to get back into gear. Weren't you guys ever taught when you first got your license to never put your vehicle into N coasting down a hill thinking you are going to save gas? Same thing here.

Akurei · 09-24-2014, 12:57 PM

I'm sure everything has been already covered, therefore I will cover it again just in case. If you really want to perfect shifting. train yourself to shift more smoothly, then more faster or better at first. It's gonna have a lot of downfalls, but that way you are paying attention to RPM's and mph with a glance. People who say, "hear the engine" don't know what they're talking about. You can hear the engine when you learn about the critical parts of the car first. It's best to pay attention to the rpms and mph as your upshifting gears. Then you'll know where you can downshift gears. Obviously you can't stare at your guage the whole time so look at rpms and then mphs when you shift with a glance. Play with it. I rather let you learn yourself, it is more fun as you reach the "peak" (whenever that is lol). As far as corners, youtube some videos man, a lot of stuff you can see on the video's there on how they do it. Obviously a lot of people downshift a little bit right before the turn or curve. If say a right curve turns more to a L shape turn then obviously you are gonna have to move your car more to the left side of the road and line yourself up right in a lot slower pace than a curve. Don't listen to me, as I am a beginner myself, just watch the videos

09-13-2014, 07:35 PM	#17 (permalink)
Aviator44 Enthusiast Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: Pensacola, FL Posts: 299 Drives: AAM Twin Turbo 370Z Rep Power: 10	If I understood you correctly, just throw the car in neutral and use your brakes to slow down. Once you come to the 20-30mph range, put it in whatever gear you need to accelerate again. __________________ www.aamcompetition.com AAM Twin Turbo System

09-16-2014, 09:20 AM	#18 (permalink)
Rob298mx Base Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: NH Posts: 91 Drives: 2010 Nissan 370z Rep Power: 10	Just takes practice man, find out where the tach will be for that given mph and the rest is simple. For heel to toe downshifting, it certainly takes some finesse and practice. You need to roll your foot over to blip the throttle. Like others have said, watch some YouTube vids and go out and practice. __________________ 2010 Nissan 370z F.I. TT

09-16-2014, 11:13 AM	#19 (permalink)
DIGItonium A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Kansas Posts: 3,800 Drives: 09 Z34-TT 6MT Rep Power: 42	How I do it is that if you downshift without blipping the throttle, the engine forces itself to rev itself up. If you blip the throttle, just rev it high enough such that the engine doesn't need to ramp up to that speed. Don't rev too high since it's overkill. Then let the clutch out like normal. Do it just right and it'll be smooth sailing. __________________

09-23-2014, 06:21 PM	#21 (permalink)
1slow370 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: In the D Posts: 3,732 Drives: v8 74 260z ;) Rep Power: 7250	ok we are definitely having some conflict in here because some are giving advise for sport driving and some are just going daily, like the whole not putting it into neutral in a corner daily sure why the hell not if you are slowing down, on a race course though this will unsettle the rear end so it is a no-no. heel and toeing on the street is just a pain in the *, if you are drving on the street and down shift to pass just clutch change down and let the clutch out a little slower or latter than you give it gas to get the engine going before the clutchs slams in, if you are slowing down clutch, off gas, on brake change down, slowly let clutch out so you don't shock tires until it is full engine braking. On the race course heel and toe and drop that while standing on the brakes __________________ ANSWER PRICE LIST** Answers - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - $0.75 Answers (requiring thought) - - - - $1.25 Answers (correct) - - - - - - - - - - $12.50

09-24-2014, 01:12 AM	#24 (permalink)
/Angelo350Z/ A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Germany Posts: 2,230 Drives: Z34 \| MK7 \| F82 Rep Power: 3660	1. Approach the corner 2. Brake to desired speed (don't ride the clutch) 3. Downshift to appropriate gear right before the apex 4. Accelerate out of the corner at the apex The end. __________________ 2013 MB NISSAN 370Z SPORT

09-13-2014, 07:27 PM	#16 (permalink)
Spooler A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Ga Posts: 13,524 Drives: 2013 Nismo 370z Rep Power: 2684391	My suggestion would be to look up Heel-toe downshifting via Youtube. You can also catch some good live videos on television during road race events that are broadcasted live. Downshifting is to maximize your braking power via the brakes and the engine. Over revving is a no-no. Hmm, seems some folks on here have never been on the ragged edge slowing a car down quickly. S-mode is nice, it does the throttle input for you. I am kinda old school and like it all to be the drivers skill.

09-24-2014, 03:23 AM	#27 (permalink)
roplusbee A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Killeen, TX Posts: 2,360 Drives: 2007 350Z NISMO Rep Power: 22	LOL. I wasn't even going to look at this thread until one of my coworkers said "hey, that one looks like a winner!" I personally don't coast in neutral for fear of being rear ended (again) and I like to have a gear to get out of dodge if necessary. All that is on the street. On a road course or canyon / spirited / Tail of the Dragon run, I engage SRM (since I normally have it off) and ensure that I stay above 3k RPM so that I don't loose boost response. I learned that hard way that SRM downshifts can cause the car to lurch forward, so I stay above the boost threshold. Your experience could be different. We don't know what your setup is (NA or FI). The only advice I can give you is to learn how the car behaves and adjust as necessary. Seat time is where it's at. __________________ 2007 350Z NISMO #0618: Zerolift \| UPREV \| F.I. \| Greddy \| Competition Clutch \| Injector Dynamics \| Aeromotive \| Pioneer \| JL

09-24-2014, 12:57 PM	#30 (permalink)
Akurei Enthusiast Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: California Posts: 319 Drives: 14 370z Rep Power: 11	I'm sure everything has been already covered, therefore I will cover it again just in case. If you really want to perfect shifting. train yourself to shift more smoothly, then more faster or better at first. It's gonna have a lot of downfalls, but that way you are paying attention to RPM's and mph with a glance. People who say, "hear the engine" don't know what they're talking about. You can hear the engine when you learn about the critical parts of the car first. It's best to pay attention to the rpms and mph as your upshifting gears. Then you'll know where you can downshift gears. Obviously you can't stare at your guage the whole time so look at rpms and then mphs when you shift with a glance. Play with it. I rather let you learn yourself, it is more fun as you reach the "peak" (whenever that is lol). As far as corners, youtube some videos man, a lot of stuff you can see on the video's there on how they do it. Obviously a lot of people downshift a little bit right before the turn or curve. If say a right curve turns more to a L shape turn then obviously you are gonna have to move your car more to the left side of the road and line yourself up right in a lot slower pace than a curve. Don't listen to me, as I am a beginner myself, just watch the videos

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