Is it possible to downshift without using the clutch in the S? If anyone's done it, how?

Thanks

 

 

[QUOTE=ymx777,Mar 15 2006, 12:53 PM] Is it possible to downshift without using the clutch in the S?

 

I'm just curious. I took a ride in a mustang this weekend, and the driver went from 3rd to 2nd while braking with his left foot. I was amazed. There seems to be little to no literature on the topic, I just got really curious....

 

I think you can do it in any manual. As the engine transitions from load (on the throttle) to no load (off the throttle) there's a moment when you can pop it out of one gear and into another (up or down) without grinding. I'm sure it's not good for your car, so there's no point in doing it unless, say, your clutch goes out and you absolutely have to drive your car clutchless.

I've never tried it on the S2000, but it's worked in at least one or two cars I abused as a teenager, Formula Fords, shifter karts and of course, motorcycles.

 

I know a multi-time SCCA Solo National Champion that shifts up and down w/o the clutch during autocross events. This was not in an S2000 and he used to own a transmission shop, YMMV.

 

slide it into neutral, blip the throttle, gently attempt to press shifter into appropriate gear, and when the revs drop to the correct amount, it will slide right in.

 

It may be possible, but why would you? Downshifts are done during braking, so you don't lose any time by conventional heel-toeing. If, as Nobody says, your clutch is completely fried, then it's probably also slipping when engaged, and you're dead in the water anyway.

 

It's going to be costly enough to replace the clutch. You'd be risking having to replace gears also.

 

Looks like most agree it's not good for a transmission.
Anybody cares to explain why?
As I can see it the only way to damage your box is to do it wrong. Making it right saves a clutch and synchros and it's quicker.
Why some good drivers do it? They want to have right foot on an accelerator and left on a brake to control braking and the balance of a car better.

Oh, and I forgot - It's possible in any MT car, S2000 included.