HoBoJoe

Finally joining R-list, good to see you!

After reading other responses a reason other than smoothing things out that occurred to me was simply focusing on my braking. We both know my brake modulation and timing still needs a lot of work!

93 FireHawk 968

I think god for sequential with auto blip every time I watch Mr. Keen move thru gears on downshifts. I worked with Seth Thomas a couple of years ago and the in-car video comparing the downshifts between the 2 of us was indicative of how good the pros are.

I always blipped with each downshift in my 968. Especially turn 1 at TB, 5, 4 to 3. Good habit to minimize serious over revs.

mark kibort

there is always positive interlocking, if there is any force at all.... a little gas not to accelerate the car, but just match the decel forces, makes it slips out as if the car was standing still and not running.

I understand, I think you might be a little closer in ratios than me... don't know, have to see your video.
But, I will say, I don't think the wear might be less, in that there is a larger torque applied to the synchros to downshift skipping a gear . the synchros now have to bring the speed of the driveshaft to a 30% higher speed. but, in a 911 its not as bad of a situation , due to no torque tube inertia like in the 928, so its probably not a big deal.

you can do it, and match gears, but that has no bearing on the wear factor Im talking about. remember the gears are all always engaged, all the wear happens at the synchros, and that's what spins up the drive shaft. (well with exception to a little that can be applied through a not-fully-depressed clutch which can help spread the forces to the clutch and flywheel.

Oh, and you are the list monitor....... go back to your 928List link.... look at the title..... it says, "discussion forum"...

Veloce Raptor

Mark, chill out. No reason to be so hostile to Peter or anyone else here.

Geneman

is keen rev matching and letting clutch out for every gear? what is the value of letting clutch out for each gear change.. for instance when keen goes from 5 to 1 at the sebring hairpin. is he also braking while doing this? i do not see it...

Dr911

OP here. Much appreciate input.

The consensus seems to be downshift sequential, with a sizeable minority going 5th to 3rd.
Exceptions seem to be for veeeeery slow turns, after short straights/or low entry speeds.

My last 3 DEs were in a higher run group, and I was carrying greater speed into turn 12 at VIR (home track), I found I was better able to handle the steering/entry if I went from 4th to 2nd.

Got to wondering if this is a sustainable practice over the long haul...I'm still early enough in the game (9 or 10 DEs) to correct/avoid bad habits.
Thank you again for generously sharing your thoughts/experiences.

A.

Coochas

As simple as this is, I wasn't doing it until Spencer told me to!
It made a difference for me.

Coochas

I've always loved that vid. It's one of the ones I watch to prep me before I go to Sebring. Too bad there's not a foot work camera. His downshifting on that lap is simply insane. I could never have that kind of speed or coordination on shifts. Really cool to see.

danielyonker

I never feel hostility on this forum, except when I read entries by Dr. Kibort. Maybe i need counseling.

ProCoach

Yes, Leh is moving his feet and his hands about two to two and a half times quicker than most good club racers. He is dipping the clutch, selecting the lower gear (in order), stabbing the accelerator, releasing the clutch, ALL while maintaining steady and HIGH pressure on the brake pedal. This synchronicity can be practiced and learned, but you need a VERY clear vision of what you're doing before you begin to attempt to do it. It's not magic, but it is magical when done well. Leh, Seth, Brady Refenning and a bunch of people do it automatically.

To the OP, you are not "doing it wrong." Do not question whether you are developing bad habits. Just relax...

morsini

Really need the foot camera there. It's very hard to see, but I'm pretty sure he can't be letting it all the way out, or does the clutch pedal not travel as far as a road car?

ProCoach

Michael, he is "dipping" the clutch, i.e. only depressing partially, then releasing fully to spin the intermediate shaft up and to "reconnect" the drivetrain to the wheels.

He prepares for every brake zone requiring a downshift (or multiple downshifts) by lifting his left knee up as he pulls his left foot off the dead pedal (where it is braced in between using it for this purpose and for upshifts), in preparation for "dipping" the clutch for each and every downshift gear selection.

Fair number of pro drivers do this.

LuigiVampa

Its sorta like watching Eddie Van Halen play guitar. Its 99% skill and 1% magic.

Actually, I would like to know the answer to your questions as well.

mark kibort

Hostile? was that hostile?
I think Peter knows there is no need or desire for "one of us" to control the direction of any conversation. it's needless, ego-driven posting in my opinion.
Dave, you nor Peter do not dictate the direction of "conversations" here on the list... if you don't like someone expanding on a thought or topic, ignor it. You don't need to post to self promote. (you already paid for that. )
Again, you and others have to get away from the thought that these are the documents of the Porsche " Dead sea Scrolls". These are just the discussions of a bunch of guy talking cars. Go control your own "ask the coach "discussion.

morsini

Thanks Peter! Looking forward to catching up in a few weeks.