Downshifting

[enigM@]

Any one have any tips for properly downshifting on a p5 ?

 

[Pro Fiz]

i know there is a good link somewhere on this fourm, just use the search button, it cover's a few different aspects of good driving, including downshifting

 

[Ryan]

there isn't really a way to "properly down shift" I use downshifting as a means of slowing down and / or picking up speed if the car seems to be lagging down. Generally when you get used to driving the car u'll know how it sounds whats a good sound whats a bad sound etc. I can go all day long wihtout looking at the tac going basically on feel and sound of the car. only thing i can really say is let off the gas shift down to the next gear be sure ur rpm's are not currently high otherwise it may shoot the rpm's up to high.

 

[mopiko]

proper downshifting:

1) Know what gear you're in

If you're in 2nd, 3rd, 4th, or 5th:

2) Watch your RPM (Refer to owner's manual for max speed for particular gear you're in

If within apporpriate RPM

3) Depress Clutch pedal

4) Downshift one gear

5) Release Clutch pedal

TADA! You're done....

hehe just joking around.... please don't be offended....


If you're downshifting to accelerate, you really need to know what RPM you're in, based on my little experience with my P5 it won't do me much good if I want to accelerate and downshift one gear and be in 5,000rpm range cuz I won't really feel the different if I would've kept in gear...

If you're downshifting to help you brake I guess don't try to skip gears as you might over-rev your engine and bit the crap out of your clutch....

 

[uclap5]

its good to tap the accelerator to get the rpms up maybe 1.25k when downshifting for a smooth downshift and go easy on the syncros. also you wont lurch.

 

[kidkorrupt]

its good to tap the accelerator to get the rpms up maybe 1.25k when downshifting for a smooth downshift and go easy on the syncros. also you wont lurch.

aka double clutching =D

dont downshift if the downshift will cause the car to go into redline. super bad for the engine

 

[Action Jackson]

I treat the downshift as a double de-clutch to slow down or to pass.

What's the same is that my foot is ON the brake pedal, and that I'm revving on the gas with the side of my foot [heel and toe].

The only difference is whether or not I'm APPLYING the brakes [obviously to slow or take a corner, not to pass].

I think of it as a safety factor in case I have to apply the brakes, I'm already on it.

 

[slipangle]

First, learn how to match rev while downshifting. Once you get that, you'll be able to learn heel and toe faster. ONce you get all that, then maybe start experimenting with Left Foot Braking.