Proper Shifting Question

[mastalee]

When preparing to downshift for a turn coming off 5th gear, do you guys jump gears via rev-match to 2nd/3rd or do you guys downshift sequentially (again via rev-match) to the gear you need?

What are the benefits of doing one over the other? This is assuming perfect rev matching for both situations. I assume jumping gears might be bad for the clutch, but I do not know.

I personally jump the gears because I feel downshifting through each gear takes too long. Wanted to know what you guys do or what is better to do in the long run.

[NZO]

Doesnt really matter what you do as long as its smooth.

[KiDyNomiTe]

In a racing situation gear by gear is better cuz you wont have to guess what you should rev match it to. But regular driving isnt a race. Plus gear by gear wastes gass, just push the clutch in until you are ready to move.

[Tuck&Poke]

depends on the difference in speed...if your doing 110, you cant just go into 3rd

[aznpoopy]

Originally posted by minime686
depends on the difference in speed...if your doing 110, you cant just go into 3rd

yeah... u dont want to be at 6k in 4th gear and try to downshift... BOOM *dead*

jumping gears won't be bad for the clutch as long as you revmatch it properly. of course there are some jumps that are simply impossible to 'jump....' like the above example. if u're not sure what gear can go into what gear at what rpm, just do some experimentation in traffic... find out where 2nd gear tops out, where 3rd gear tops out etc etc... then you know the max speed for that particular gear. then pay attention to the rpms at 10mph increments for each gear... 1st gear @ 10mph, 1st gear @ 20mph... this is how my dad taught me way back in the day. do this for a little while, and you'll get it. any downshift should be very smooth with no 'kickback.' any jerkiness is bad for racing, bad for the car and per your concern -> bad for the clutch.