Downshifting Question (Extremely Noobish Question Inside)

[SpydeReFs]

Ok, i was able to trade in my auto GT for a 5 speed gt. I can drive it alright normally, but i'm having trouble downshifting.

When i'm going 70 in 5th, where and how is the correct way to downshift to get maximum acceleration?
I've never really done this before, but I might mess up my engine, and no one around me knows how to drive stick.
Would i have to double clutch, etc.?

Again I'm a total newb about manual transmissions.

Thanks

[vvtlikick]

You SHOULD try to revmatch on every downshift. It eases clutch wear, but more importantly, it makes the clutch engagement smoother for the passengers.

All "revmatching" means is that you "blip" the throttle just prior to releasing the clutch pedal. Shifter technique doesn't apply, since we're not double clutching. But take your time moving the shifter to ensure you hit the correct gear.

Ideally, the blip of the throttle will get the engine rpm to match the tranny. At 70mph in a GT, I'd guess you should aim for 3rd gear and around 5000rpm.

I wouldn't worry about double-clutching ... at least until you're comfortable revmatching. :)

[archspeed]

Yep, revmatching is the way to go. You don't have to double clutch, but you SHOULD revmatch, like the member above stated.

Basically, there's two situations for downshifting: To kick ass, and to downshift into lower speed entering a lower-speed zone or just slowing down.

To kick ass, just downshift that bitch. Forget revmatching, although I tend to do a bit of revmatch before I kick ass. But if the situation calls for quick matches, then off I go ONE BIG DOWNSHIFT AND ZOOOOMMMM!

The second situation, basically, you want to press the clutch in to go neutral, rev your car to the specified rpm speed where that rpm would match your current road speed in the gear you'll be downshifting.

For example: In 5th gear at 50mph you're at 2000rpm. In 3rd gear at 50mph you're at 4000rpm. So, if you want to downshift from 5th to 3rd while going 50mph, you want to press the clutch in, rev the needle from 2000 to 4000, downshift to 3rd, and then release the clutch.

You'll basically have to learn where your rpms at certain speed in certain gear are at, so you can revmatch properly. Just drive around and test.

[Aracheon]

It takes practice and learning your car... but the two above described techniques are perfect.

[terran]

I don't like downshifting to speed up without rev matching because u get that drag effect, which slows the car down because your clutch needs to sync with the ur current speed.

[SuuPaSeDan]

Listen to everything above but also consult your owners manual for maxium mph in a certain gear. For example you don't want to be going 70mph and downshift to 2nd gear. Thats bad.

This is just an estimate for the gears. consult your owners manual.

1st - 35mph
2nd - 60mph
3rd - 80mph
4th - 110mph

what this means is if you are going faster than the corresponding speeds and downsift to that gear... youre screwed.