Quote:
Originally Posted by Kenny Boxster
No need to double clutch unless you are driving a tractor or semi truck. Huge annoying misconception popularized by a Need for Speed Movie by clueless Hollywood directors... Modern day cars have synchronizers in their transmissions. You can double clutch, but it's counterproductive and somewhat obsolete.
As one person puts it:
"Double clutching is used by truck drivers because most semi-truck manual transmisisons don’t have synchronizers. They double clutch so that the pressure plate completely disengages to disconnect the engine from the trans in which lets them shift gears. "
|
Dear Kenny,
You should start double clutching. Having to replace your clutch due to a worn out synchro is the worst feeling in the world. Every time you use your synchro, such as a hard downshift, it is wearing ever so slightly. Eventually they will wear out and you will be forced to shift either without using the clutch or at the very least double clutch.
If you have never felt the need to double clutch, you do not drive your car hard enough. If you've downshifted under braking, just in time to get back on the throttle, lets say going from 3rd to 2nd at ~60mph. (Assuming in an S model where 2nd will do ~72 at redline); You will go from about 4500rpms to 6000. The faster this is done the better, in racing applications at least. If you jump 1500 rpms by simply dropping the clutch it's extremely uncomfortable, especially for your passenger (if any).
All I'm really trying to say is two simple things:
1) Although not "necessary", double clutching slows down the wear on your syncrhos.
2) Double clutching makes for much smoother, faster shifts that are MUCH easier on your transmission.
If you don't believe me, as any of our fellow members that participate in regular track-days.
Happy Boxstering,
~Brad