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to downshift or not to?

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Old 09-02-2003, 08:20 PM
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to downshift or not to?

i heard its bad for your tranny to downshift,but i don't think it is,besides it saves my brakes.whatta u guys think??
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Old 09-02-2003, 08:24 PM
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whats cheaper to replace?
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Old 09-02-2003, 08:38 PM
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Originally Posted by 97blackSE
whats cheaper to replace?
ive never had any problem caused from downshifting.isnt that whats it made for. ive did it in every car ive owned.
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Old 09-02-2003, 11:10 PM
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If you're referring to slipping the clutch in a lower gear to slow the car down...then yes, it's bad, but not for the tranny. It's bad for the clutch. My brother always says: "Brakes are cheaper than a clutch."

Downshifting itself is not really bad, per se. You just have to do it properly. Rev match your down shifts. Maybe even get in the habit of double-clutching if want to be extra kind to your syncros (at the expense of your clutch).

If you just rev match, you should be more than fine downshifting. But again, don't slip the clutch to slow the car down. Use the brakes, that's what they're there for.
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Old 09-02-2003, 11:25 PM
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I down shift when ever I enter a corner. It makes driving much more enjoyable. If I did not down shift I might as well drive an auto.
Parts are going to wear, it's just how it is. I'd rather enjoy my car and not worry about a little bit of wear and tear all the time.
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Old 09-02-2003, 11:32 PM
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enjoy the car, but dont abuse it
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Old 09-02-2003, 11:34 PM
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Old 09-03-2003, 07:28 AM
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at Nadir's comment
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Old 09-03-2003, 08:19 AM
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I rev-match my downshifts. I replaced my clutch at 103k, but only because I had the tranny off - the clutch itself was fine.
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Old 09-03-2003, 08:26 AM
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I only use downshift braking when I'm coming up to a high speed turn on the highway. I guess I've never seen the point to downshift to increase engine braking because all it does is accelerate syncro/gear/engine/clutch wear and uses more gas. Brakes are definately cheaper and easier to replace.


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Old 09-03-2003, 08:36 AM
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Be good to your car....Engine Brake.
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