Is it really necessary to use the clutch when downshifting?.....
01-23-2010, 09:30 PM
#1
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
Is it really necessary to use the clutch when downshifting?.....
I was reading in a racing book that if properly done, you don't really need to use the clutch to downshift (or upshift for that matter), but you have to match the revs......
That would mean that you could LFB instead, be quicker on the throttle (since the right foot stays on the throttle) and you would have a more balanced car.........
Has anyone tried it?
What are the consequences on the transmission?
Any thoughts?
That would mean that you could LFB instead, be quicker on the throttle (since the right foot stays on the throttle) and you would have a more balanced car.........
Has anyone tried it?
What are the consequences on the transmission?
Any thoughts?
01-23-2010, 09:36 PM
#2
It can be done -but it is very difficult on a synchromesh gearbox (I have done it before just playing around, but you have to be EXACT). On racing gearboxes with dog-ring engagement (no synchros) it's no big deal. On a synchro box if you are off by even a couple hundred RPM it will grind badly and you will be rebuilding gearboxes a lot!
01-23-2010, 09:37 PM
#3
Nordschleife Master
I don't think that's a good idea with a synchro-mesh transmission.
01-23-2010, 09:50 PM
#5
Rennlist Member
It can be done -but it is very difficult on a synchromesh gearbox (I have done it before just playing around, but you have to be EXACT). On racing gearboxes with dog-ring engagement (no synchros) it's no big deal. On a synchro box if you are off by even a couple hundred RPM it will grind badly and you will be rebuilding gearboxes a lot!
What he said.
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01-23-2010, 09:56 PM
#6
Perfect Angel
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Paolo,
I figure not using the clutch to be good for at least 1/2 a second a lap at a smallish track like Summit, probably good for at least 2 seconds at VIR and the Glen.
Can't hurt to try it
I figure not using the clutch to be good for at least 1/2 a second a lap at a smallish track like Summit, probably good for at least 2 seconds at VIR and the Glen.
Can't hurt to try it
01-23-2010, 10:08 PM
#7
Still plays with cars.
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Streak, from your post I deduce that you race against Paolo
Boston, don't even think of it in your car. It can and is done with "crash boxes" like the Hewland in the formula 1600 for example.
Boston, don't even think of it in your car. It can and is done with "crash boxes" like the Hewland in the formula 1600 for example.
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01-23-2010, 10:08 PM
#8
Drifting
please video yourself trying it for a couple of laps... make sure to post the video. Seriously, it's not for racing...
Last edited by FredC; 01-23-2010 at 10:28 PM.
01-23-2010, 10:13 PM
#9
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01-23-2010, 11:17 PM
#10
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Sure !
01-23-2010, 11:45 PM
#12
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Larry Herman
2016 Ford Transit Connect Titanium LWB
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Retired Club Racer & National PCA Instructor
Past Flames:
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Larry Herman
2016 Ford Transit Connect Titanium LWB
2018 Tesla Model 3 - Electricity can be fun!
Retired Club Racer & National PCA Instructor
Past Flames:
1994 RS America Club Racer
2004 GT3 Track Car
1984 911 Carrera Club Racer
1974 914/4 2.0 Track Car
CLICK HERE to see some of my ancient racing videos.
01-24-2010, 01:46 AM
#13
Rennlist Member
I was reading in a racing book that if properly done, you don't really need to use the clutch to downshift (or upshift for that matter), but you have to match the revs......
That would mean that you could LFB instead, be quicker on the throttle (since the right foot stays on the throttle) and you would have a more balanced car.........
Has anyone tried it?
What are the consequences on the transmission?
Any thoughts?
That would mean that you could LFB instead, be quicker on the throttle (since the right foot stays on the throttle) and you would have a more balanced car.........
Has anyone tried it?
What are the consequences on the transmission?
Any thoughts?
01-24-2010, 10:57 AM
#14
Play around with a manual street car if you have access to one. I'm not talking about fast shifts but rather slowly going up and down the appropriate portion of the rev range with a little pressure on the shifter. Once you find the right matching speed the lever will just into place. It's pretty neat and on an open road with time for really slow shifts you can definitely drive a car this way. It would be a good skill to have if on the street or on track your clutch goes south.
