Problem Downshifting
Joined: Mar 2001
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Originally Posted by Triple-H,Apr 25 2005, 08:20 AM
I know exactly what will happen if I do as you describe - try to engage 1st when decelerating from 2nd when you hit about 25 mph, but simply let off the gas and push the clutch in and try to get into 1st. The shift lever feels like I'm pushing against the weight of Hoover Dam, talk about resistance...
) As most of us are aware of, it is possible to shift proficiently NOT using the clutch at all. It only takes the ability to rev match precisely prior to shoving it into the next gear (high or low). I'm betting that you do it so well, that throwing in the clutch action merely makes it child's play for you. For the bulk of the rest of the world of manual drivers, it has to be a concerted effort and for some, this (blocker ring thing) becomes an "issue" because they can't quite figure out why the car is not letting them engage first on the roll.This blocker ring is part of the syncro assembly. The Helm manual doesn't refer to it as a "blocker ring" as such but as one of the "cones". Although I didn't get my info from the following (I get mine from talking to auto mechanics), here are some articles that describe this ring. Note they speak of "matching" revs before this ring "slides in". Most syncros of most gears have a blocker ring, it's just that (as I indicated before) 1st gear's ratio is so much farther from the others, its blocker ring needs more precise rev matching to "make it happy":
http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/jk/021009.htm
http://ddperformance.com/common_ask_questions.htm
If anyone is interested, simply plug in "manual transmission blocker ring" on a Google search and you will find out much more on this subject.
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Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 58,680
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From: West Henrietta UPSTATE NY
Originally Posted by xviper,Apr 25 2005, 10:40 AM
I believe that, in your case, your extensive track experience has given you the instinctive ability to do these downshifts in the manner which we should all be doing it and thus makes it sound like I'm talking "Swedish" to you. (You are basically too proficient at this for your own good or at This is that blocker ring doing its job. I believe that, in your case, your extensive track experience has given you the instinctive ability to do these downshifts in the manner which we should all be doing it and thus makes it sound like I'm talking "Swedish" to you. ( You are basically too proficient at this for your own good or at least, mine.. )
)
WARNING, step back from the computer, my head is swelling and will pop soon, I don't want to get any on ya.
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Joined: Nov 2002
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From: Calgary, AB
Dave,
I can easily engage 1st gear in my car as well. Been able to do it since day 1. Could also do it in my '01. I don't double clutch to do it, I simply rev-match or heel-toe and it goes in smoothly.
Of course if you just depress the clutch pedal and try to select first gear at anything over 10 kph, you feel the presence of that blocker ring.
I can easily engage 1st gear in my car as well. Been able to do it since day 1. Could also do it in my '01. I don't double clutch to do it, I simply rev-match or heel-toe and it goes in smoothly.
Of course if you just depress the clutch pedal and try to select first gear at anything over 10 kph, you feel the presence of that blocker ring.
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