Hey guys, I know there has been other threads covering this topic...actually, that's why I am making this thread. I was reading another thread on this and it shocked me to see how many people think downshifting is wrong, including my dad and most of my friends(who think I am a poser racer wannabe for downshifting).

I ALWAYS downshift when coming to a stop or losing speed (ie going from an 80 zone to a 60 zone or something) and I don't CARE how much wear it puts on my clutch because I always rev-match and my car never ever lurches. I get weird looks ALL the time from people because it sounds like I am constantly revving my engine while approaching a light, but man, I would NEVER roll to a stop in neutral, or even in a gear where my RPM's are under 3000...what if someone was about to ear end me or something...

So I guess my question is, what is you guys' general consensus on it? Seemed like there were quite a lot of people talking out of their asses in the other thread.

 

As long as the downshifts are smooth, which sounds like yours are, there's no problem. With a current total of 5 motorcycles and two manual transmission cars, I downshift everything (some pretty agressively too), and there's been no problems, excessive wear, or any need to replace a clutch in the last 15 years. I don't go through brake pads either.

Chris.

 

I go so easy on my brakes as a result of downshifting. If you match revs well it really isn't causing much wear. It just feels wrong when I don't heel and toe and downshift whenever I slow down.

After about 5 track days in the past 12 months, daily driven, I have had my pads replaced once, and my rotors resurfaced. Pluuuuus it means I'm carryin serious speed into them corners

 

brakes cost $500

engines cost $5000

which do you want to put possible wear on?

i do a mix of both...simply for fun, but in all honesty, brakes were meant to slow you down, not engines (unless you have a truck)

 

Yeah I've gone through those thoughts, but our engines take a LOT worse beating when they're being pushed plus I enjoy always being ready to put my foot on the pedal and have the power there.

 

word

i do a mixture of both

 

I usually rev match and downshift approaching a corner but if I'm approaching a light that I know will be red for a while I just stick it in neutral and use the brakes...

 

I don't get this comment.
Our engines rev till 9000 (or 8000 for some of us less fortunate ones )
why would downshifting to say 4k hurt anything?

 

rev match!

 

it isnt about 4k, 1k, or 9k........even though i do it, downshifting puts unneeded stress on the engine when there are perfectly good brakes available for you.

downshifting for a corner is different in that you are stopping really...but even then, you see guys go from 6-2 when they could be in 6 and brake until needed speed, revmatch, then shift to 2.