how you downshift

Sometimes on the highway or driving locally you need to pass someone and just need that extra power, ive heard a few dos and donts about downshifting but i just wanted to hear what you guys think and how you guys do it and if you have had any problems with anythnig.

i heard the best way is by double clutching, when you are cruising in 5, then engage clutch, shift to neutral, disengage clutch, engage clutch again, downshift to 4th then add gas, and disengage clutch, and by doing so you are saving your synchros.
Other people say just screw it and with a 4th gen prelude you have nothing to worry about, just engage clutch, downshift to 4th add gas (rev to 1000 rpm over what you were cruising at) and disengage clutch.

I think in double clutching you rev while your in neutral...

I drive an 86 Carolla (no its not a good one its a 80hp 5 door family transport) I downshft the 2nd way you mentioned, put in the clutch, rev up then put it into the lower gear.

u don't have to double clutch ever in ur car because of the syncros. honestly its a little hard on ur car to down shift, but its not going to hurt anything when u do it jus to pass someone.

go w/ the 2nd option, clutch, shift, gas/clutch...simple as that

what exactly is a synchros and why was it so important to double clutch with the older cars and is it still as important for newer cars...because by the sound of it, it doesnt sound very important anymore.

Synchros adjust all the parts of the transmission to be going the same speed, so that when the gears come together they don't grind. When synchros are worn out you need to double clutch, which is ::clutch in, neutral, clutch out, clutch in, engage next gear, clutch out::.

By the way my 91 grinds upshifting into third if i shift after 4000 RPM, or it sometimes grinds going from fouth to third, but i solve this by shifting to second and then third.

what exactly is a synchros and why was it so important to double clutch with the older cars and is it still as important for newer cars...because by the sound of it, it doesnt sound very important anymore.

Synchros line everything up for ease of shifting. Older vehicles & some race vehicles DO NOT have synchros & double clutching is the only way possible to shift. Double clutching on a tranny with synchros will reduce wear slightly. Always rev-match the engine when downshifting.

Driving Techniques:
http://www.driftsession.com/drift_techniques/heeltoeshifting.htm
http://www.driftsession.com/technique.htm

sbddude sounds like possible 3rd gear/synchro is shot - try adjusting the clutch as this may help slightly. Adjust the clutch cable OUT.

I honestly think shifting without the clutch is a whole lot easier. Just everything has to go perfectly for this to work without tearing up the tranny. I shift without the clutch all the time racing, not racing - vette or civic. If done correctly you have nothing to worry about, but your better off using the clutch if its your only mode of transportation besides the Nike express.

Synchros line everything up for ease of shifting. Older vehicles & some race vehicles DO NOT have synchros & double clutching is the only way possible to shift. Double clutching on a tranny with synchros will reduce wear slightly. Always rev-match the engine when downshifting.

Driving Techniques:
http://www.driftsession.com/drift_techniques/heeltoeshifting.htm
http://www.driftsession.com/technique.htm

sbddude sounds like possible 3rd gear/synchro is shot - try adjusting the clutch as this may help slightly. Adjust the clutch cable OUT.

I honestly think shifting without the clutch is a whole lot easier. Just everything has to go perfectly for this to work without tearing up the tranny. I shift without the clutch all the time racing, not racing - vette or civic. If done correctly you have nothing to worry about, but your better off using the clutch if its your only mode of transportation besides the Nike express.

Ok I feel dumb, shifting with OUT using your clutch??? I didn't think the stick would even move with out using the clutch? :sly:

i think he means shifting without double clutching.....but i dunno maybe he knows something we dont hehe

I hope so because from what I've expierenced if you can shift with out your clutch there's something wrong with your car. :confused:

Clutch only for 1st gear. There is nothing wrong with my tranny's yet . I can shift without clutch in a brand new car with a few miles. The easiest shift is from 3rd to 4th @ normal speed for gear change. Lift on gas - pull from gear - wait split second in neutral - pull to next gear - back on gas for up shifting //// when down shifting rev-match during neutral pass. Professional instruction is also helpful for this you may wish to check out www.racingschools.com

Clutch only for 1st gear. There is nothing wrong with my tranny's yet . I can shift without clutch in a brand new car with a few miles. The easiest shift is from 3rd to 4th @ normal speed for gear change. Lift on gas - pull from gear - wait split second in neutral - pull to next gear - back on gas for up shifting //// when down shifting rev-match during neutral pass. Professional instruction is also helpful for this you may wish to check out www.racingschools.com

It's about 3800 RPM on my 4th gen lude to do this. Haven't tried upshifting yet. Maybe tomorrow. Grinding gears is nails on a chalkboard to me, I can't stand it.

Love revmatching though, especially through corners. Keep that smooth line.

so when do you engage clutch and rev match when going into a turn fast? from the stuff jackassi posted at the site....it said to break right before you go into turn...and at same time engage clutch downshift and rev match....then disengage clutch and at this time you should be hitting the height of your turn....put gas....then right when your about to straighten out gun it.....i havent tried it yet but i wanna make sure this is correct.