Opinions on downshifting

ryan0 · 02-27-2012, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SPOHN

What are some of you guys opinions on downshifting? Mostly after coming out of a long stretch. Is it ok to skip gears as long as you don't over rev or bind the rear tires? Also if you still go threw the gears is it ok to clutch in once and rev match threw the rest of the gears and clutch out? I do realize that not going threw the gears can wear synchro more. But that's racing/ tracking.

At Road Atlanta for me on the long back stretch I was averaging 135mph with a couple of laps at 140 if Istayed it just a little longer and wanted to brake harder and later which at this point is a slight down hill into a chicane. Well being I heel to toe (pretty good at it) being I don't have SRS. At 135mph and 6th gear coming to the chicane (in which third gear is perfect for this apex) I was braking hard clutching in and holding to I slowed alot then rev match to third which workes perfect for me lap after lap. Seemed so natural. But should I be practicing this differently? I'm going back in two weeks with a bunch of hand notes and want to be ready. I know I need to learn this but interested in your opinions.

I guess it would depend on how your brakes are holding up, how hard you want to stop, and you skills (including dealing with a lot of things at once, at speed)...

id row through the gears just to let the motor do some of the braking, and save some of the brakes.

i would also be willing to bet that you could brake later and stop harder if you use the motor as an aid.

if you feel safer just holding the clutch in and focusing on braking, i'd continue doing what you're doing.

sig11 · 02-28-2012, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ryan0

id row through the gears just to let the motor do some of the braking, and save some of the brakes.

i would also be willing to bet that you could brake later and stop harder if you use the motor as an aid.

Don't you generally not want to be engine braking on track?

ryan0 · 02-28-2012, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sig11

Don't you generally not want to be engine braking on track?

'generally'? hard to say.

in corners.. no.. in a straight line.. why not?

let's say my brakes are cooking and I have only a few laps to go... do i let the engine do some of the work?

on the other hand... let's say my motor/trans is running how and I only have a few laps to go... do i just hold the clutch in and let the motor idle while i brake?

I would say try learn to do everything.. if you can be comfortable with it, and it works.. great. if it sketches you out while braking.. don't do it.

but as far as i know (in regards to the OP)... there is no point in going thru gears if you don't release the clutch... and synchros won't wear out by skipping gears.

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