Russ

I'm new to the whole driving standard thing. I recently bought a 2000 Honda Civic Si, which I quite enjoy might I add. But I need a lil help. I've pretty much mastered the entire driving method, except one thing, downshifting. What's the proper way to downshift and how do you do it? If someone could gimme some feedback on this it would be great, detailed feedback would be even better, thanks.

imported_1sicsol

Opposite of upshifting..............
You want to really go slow on the sweet spot of the clutch, and never downshift to first while moving

what is it your having trouble with?

Russ

Well when I downshift, I tend to do it early, making my rpms rise up really high in the downshift, then I tend to hafta downshift again to slow down more, then my rpms go even higher, which isn't good for the car.

imported_1sicsol

Someone posted this link not to lonk ago.
For more tips about manual transmission you can goto


www.shifters.ca

RCBH

ok this is what you have to do. you want to match the speed of the transmision to the speed of the engine. that way you dont have that jerk and rpm spike. that kind of stuff will send you into the guardrail at the track. when you are slowing down take it out of 4th - neutral- blip the gas to 3 grand- third- clutch out-. because the engine is at 3 grand and not 500 you wont get the jerk and rpm spike. just smooth downshift. you dont want to do this to slow down. use the ****** brakes cheaper. you do this to be at the sweet spot of the rpm in racing all the time.

Russ

For slowing down, is it true that if you don't get the rpm's to high that it can't be bad for the engine at all? Cuz I love downshifting to slow down, but if it's bad for the engine then i'll stop.

Is there a way to downshift that isn't bad for the engine? (ex. being downshift then brake, or something) If someone could explain it would be awesome. thx

imported_Slvr-Bullet

Downshifting shouldn't be used just for slowing down the car but everyone does it anyways. <--everyone

Downshifting should be used primarilry to get the car in the proper gear when coming out of a turn/bend, setting the car up for maximum accelaration.

Downshifting is going to put stress on the engine no matter what. Just think of it this way, what's less expensive to replace....brake pads or a tranny???

Slow down the proper way

My $0.02

mechatune

rev-match whenever u downshift.
it's easier on your synchros that way

and try the heel-toe whenever u wanna break hard, or before a tight turn, street or track.

LoudAccord

ok, so once you get the heal toe thing, it is then time to move on the the left foot breaking. This is great for bringing out the back end. cut the car, while holding the gas, tap the break while cutting the turn. if you get this down, drifting will be fun. Slalom will be much easier also. enjoy.