As a new owner I'd like your opinions. What is the best way to slow my S2k? Should I downshift or put it in neutral and use the brakes? I've put this question to mechanics and even a friend who is an engineer at Chrysler. No one seems to know for sure.

 

Downshift and rev match

 

localizer,

This subject has indeed been beaten to death in the past. Use the search tab for things like "engine braking" "downshifting" etc...

In quick summary, here's my opinion:

This car is so damn much fun to shift that I downshift just because. In truth, you're probably better off (marginally) if you use your brakes. However, as any amount of time in the car will show, it's better to be in the powerband when you pass the apex of a turn and want to straighten out -- that'd normally require a downshift somewhere.

Anyway, I'm not sure if you've got an '04 or not, but the shifter's been pretty good ever since the '02 model year. My understanding was that the even beefed it up a little for '04... So, shift away!!!

 

Personally i downshift and use the brake also, just remember to let the clutch out slowly, havent seemed to have any problems yet...yet being the key word haha, but ive only had the car for a little more than a month, so im def not a pro at drivin it yet.

 

If coming to a dead stop I will just go neutral + brakes.
I generally only downshift for something like corners where I need to accelerate out of them.

 

The one thing I wouldn't do is put it in neutral. Even if you keep the clutch in and just use the brakes, I've never like the idea of putting the transmission in neutral. To me, it's a safety issue.

Drive Safe,
Steve R.

 

Best way to slow down is to use the brakes, that's what they are there for. You don't really want to let out the clutch to slow down the car, that just wears it out.

 

As I come to a stop, I down shift thru the gears for even gear wear.

 

if im coming to a stop i'll put it into neutral and use brakes
if im going down a long hill i will rev match downshift . most of the time im in the right gear anyway because of anticipation.
i would use the brakes. much cheaper to replace than a clutch or tranny. unless it's a long hill down.