Learning to rev match downshift .. any tips?

[pbanders]

Another tip to note here is how you actually use the lever to engage the gear you're downshifting to. For the smoothest and lowest effort engagement, try the following (4-3 downshift example):

1. Lift and declutch, push lever out of 4th into neutral (fingertips or open palm, easy movement, hand stays on lever)
2. Blip throttle (blip should bring engine speed above matching speed for 3rd engagement - you figure this out by sound, feel, experience, etc.)
3. Push lever towards 3rd until you feel synchro engagement (fingertips or open palm)
4. Increase pressure until revs match and the lever slips into gear (heel of your palm)
5. Release clutch smoothly (a subject in itself) to complete the shift.

This method is in opposition to simply pushing the lever straight through from neutral into 3rd. The brief pause against the synchro assures the speeds are matched and wear is minimized, as well as smooth engagement.

[pbanders]

Like EERacing says, most of us "old timers" learned on cheap cars. Me, it was a Honda Accord. You just need to take it easy and build up your skills if you're starting with your new Porsche.

One of my girlfriends had a VW Bug with a 4-speed manual that I used to drive. The synchros were completely shot so I had to learn how to double-clutch to downshift without grinding. The clutch would also come out of adjustment regularly, so I also learned how to upshift without using the clutch, and eventually, how to downshift without the clutch, too. I also had to learn how to get it home when the clutch wouldn't declutch at all, which is exciting at stoplights (stall it at the light, put it in gear, release the clutch, and turn the key when the light turns green).

Originally Posted by pbanders

Like EERacing says, most of us "old timers" learned on cheap cars. Me, it was a Honda Accord. You just need to take it easy and build up your skills if you're starting with your new Porsche.

One of my girlfriends had a VW Bug with a 4-speed manual that I used to drive. The synchros were completely shot so I had to learn how to double-clutch to downshift without grinding. The clutch would also come out of adjustment regularly, so I also learned how to upshift without using the clutch, and eventually, how to downshift without the clutch, too. I also had to learn how to get it home when the clutch wouldn't declutch at all, which is exciting at stoplights (stall it at the light, put it in gear, release the clutch, and turn the key when the light turns green).

Hey PB, are you old enough to remember rolling clutch starts? Great for sneaking away for whatever reason you might need to sneak away...

[FTD]

Originally Posted by EE3racing

Hey PB, are you old enough to remember rolling clutch starts? Great for sneaking away for whatever reason you might need to sneak away...

Are these a thing of the past?

Originally Posted by FTD

Are these a thing of the past?

Maybe not....No offense but why would you want to hold a car on an incline with the clutch? What that basically equates to is using the clutch like a sanding disc...

edit..I get it, he was teaching you the inevitable brake to clutch launch on a hill..we had customers who we used the "sanding disc" name for, some did it with each and every shift...

[FTD]

When my father taught me how to drive, he took me to quiet hilly roads and we did things you wouldn't normally do in everyday driving but really got me moving forward in leaps and bounds with the manual concepts. The best was to hold the car with the clutch [instead of brakes] on an incline. Then he would say, OK move forward [more gas, slowly letting clutch out/engaging] then hold it, then go backwards x feet [disengage clutch], then throttle and engage, hold, etc. Working up and down gears and learning good throttle and clutch management, on an incline, is brilliant training.

Great comments here on down shifting. I didn't realize it was such an art, or a ballet if you will. Now I will be mentally grading myself to see if I am actually doing it in the steps described.

I especially think heel/toe training at the onset is smart. I forget to do it, until I need it. NOT a ballet on my part.

[70Sixter]

The difference with older cars to me is that the revs fall sooo much faster. Modern computer controlled engines with emission controls come down so slowly I have begun to wonder the benefit of double clutching unless you have a race prepped engine. You don't have to baby the syncros as much and are less likely to beat the syncros in the modern cars.

Maybe I need to learn to drive the Box completely differently from the 914. As an old timer who learned on what are now old cars I guess I need some new tricks.

[nefarious986]

Agreed that its not the smartest idea to practice on the Porsche, but its the only car I have right now.

I thought about getting a 2k - 3k beater car to practice on, but that seems like it could be a money pit too. Getting clutch changes for a honda is about $500 ? .. last time I changed the clutch on the Box was about $800. Not big enough of a diff to go through all that trouble .. what I worry about though, is messing up the tranny. However, I'm still under CPO warranty for another year so crossing my fingers.

[nefarious986]

Can one of you`old timers` explain to a young newbie what you mean by the rolling clutch start ?

Originally Posted by nefarious986

Can one of you`old timers` explain to a young newbie what you mean by the rolling clutch start ?

Key is in the on position, wheel unlocked (never used to be an issue) anyway, roll down the hill, put the transmission in second or third and let the clutch out smoothly, the engine will fire as it's being turned over via the drivetrain with spark and fuel to the cylinders. Be ready to either push the clutch back in when it starts or after you get the feel just keep on moving..Note gear selection depends on the incline.

Ever lose a starter or battery is low and you have pushers or have parked on a hill, you can drive away..