Proper way to down shift?

Noc · 04-27-2011, 03:46 PM

Thanks a lot for the info so far, but i have AT with paddle shifters, thats kinda different compare to the traditional downshifting

kenchan · 04-27-2011, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Noc

Thanks a lot for the info so far, but i have AT with paddle shifters, thats kinda different compare to the traditional downshifting

karotZ · 04-27-2011, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Noc

Thanks a lot for the info so far, but i have AT with paddle shifters, thats kinda different compare to the traditional downshifting

Regardless if AT or MT, don't downshift to 1st gear.

happytheman · 04-27-2011, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by karotZ

Regardless if AT or MT, don't downshift to 1st gear.

Will it even let you downshift while up to speed? My Toyota Matrix XRS wouldn't let me downshift into first until at a standstill.

chops · 04-28-2011, 01:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by happytheman

Will it even let you downshift while up to speed? My Toyota Matrix XRS wouldn't let me downshift into first until at a standstill.

from what ive been told you're not supposed to downshift into 1st ever, as 1st doesnt have synchros, (or it does but you ruin them). regardless, i do it all the time in parking lots/speed bumps. before rolling over a speed bump @ 1-2mph, ill quickly double clutch and throw it into 1st without an issue. i never force the shifter into any gear! if you feel any resistance, its usually because you're doing something you're not supposed to

DJ-of-E · 04-28-2011, 02:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chops

from what ive been told you're not supposed to downshift into 1st ever, as 1st doesnt have synchros, (or it does but you ruin them). regardless, i do it all the time in parking lots/speed bumps. before rolling over a speed bump @ 1-2mph, ill quickly double clutch and throw it into 1st without an issue. i never force the shifter into any gear! if you feel any resistance, its usually because you're doing something you're not supposed to

I've already making a habit of double clutching for the same reason, the less the force when shifting gears. I even clutch in a bit to shift to neutral.

ChipsWithDips · 04-27-2011, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Noc

Thanks a lot for the info so far, but i have AT with paddle shifters, thats kinda different compare to the traditional downshifting

In that case all you need to do is click that paddle when your rpms drop too low. What is too low? Depends how you are driving. If you are WOT racing, then you want to keep the rpms in the upper end of the rpm range, above 4 or 5k. If you are just cruising at a constant speed around town at light throttle, just keep the rpm above 1.5k. Running below that can put a lot of stress on the engine or stall out.

Downshift when you want more power (horsepower is more-or-less directly related to rpm). If you're already at 5k rpm you probably don't need to downshift(i doubt the AT will let you overrev the engine from a downshift anyways)

6MT · 04-27-2011, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Noc

Thanks a lot for the info so far, but i have AT with paddle shifters, thats kinda different compare to the traditional downshifting

Wait a minute.... didn't you start off this thread saying you wanted help with downshifting on a manual transmission?

memorylasts · 04-27-2011, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 6MT

Wait a minute.... didn't you start off this thread saying you wanted help with downshifting on a manual transmission?

LMAO thats what i thought!

kenchan · 04-27-2011, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Noc

I know what you are thinking 'what kind of stupid question is that?'

First off i apologize if it is a stupid question, most people around my generation did not have the opportunity to learn how to drive a manual transmission car. My parents dont, and the driving school i went to do not offer classes on manual trans. Basically all they say was "put it on drive and drive away"

Anyways, at what condition and situation should i downshift? What is the proper way of doing it so i wont damage the transmission?

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 6MT

Wait a minute.... didn't you start off this thread saying you wanted help with downshifting on a manual transmission?

he did... or i thought he did...so this is why i...

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenchan

Red__Zed · 04-27-2011, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 6MT

Wait a minute.... didn't you start off this thread saying you wanted help with downshifting on a manual transmission?

I think he said he didn't know how to drive a manual, which is why he didn't know...

6MT · 04-27-2011, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red__Zed

I think he said he didn't know how to drive a manual, which is why he didn't know...

dAvenue · 04-27-2011, 04:55 PM

Ah yes...a classic mix-up.

kenchan · 04-27-2011, 07:41 PM

I regret I replied...

happytheman · 04-27-2011, 08:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenchan

I regret I replied...

Ummmm, sorry dude!

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Proper shift point / powerband for racing?	wdkwang	Nissan 370Z General Discussions	22	02-16-2011 09:01 PM
Can proper engine mount be a potential mod?	kevin.z	Engine & Drivetrain	15	08-13-2010 12:32 PM
Proper Wheel Locks from Nissan	wheee!	Wheels & Tires	30	04-23-2010 04:05 PM
How do you do a proper dyno comparison?	UFreefer	Tuning	3	04-21-2010 09:23 PM
Proper Behavior when Greeting other Members!	bullitt5897	Nissan 370Z Photos / Spyshots / Video / Media Gallery	55	12-30-2009 09:38 PM

04-27-2011, 03:46 PM	#1 (permalink)
Noc Base Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: California Posts: 18 Drives: 370z Rep Power: 15	Thanks a lot for the info so far, but i have AT with paddle shifters, thats kinda different compare to the traditional downshifting

04-27-2011, 04:55 PM	#13 (permalink)
dAvenue A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: present Posts: 1,971 Drives: angry Rep Power: 49	Ah yes...a classic mix-up.

04-27-2011, 07:41 PM	#14 (permalink)
kenchan A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: N/A Posts: 76,801 Drives: N/A Rep Power: 141521	I regret I replied...