rev matching?

[7thGear]

when rev matching while downshifting, is it nessesary for the clutch to be engaged?

[MainEvent212]

um...i'd say...cuz u wanna put that clutch in to switch gears...and the rev matching is to smooth out the downshift

[toki]

it doesn't HAVE to be, but it is going to be really rough if it goes at all if you dont get it within maybe 300rpm on either side

[skydragoness]

yeah if it's not engaged all the way the car will jerk as you rev match.. you want smooooothness.

[MrFox]

I feel that the shifting (the actual gear engagements) are smoother if I let up on the clutch and blip the throttle while between gears.

So its:

Brakes onClutch inShift to neutralClutch outBlipClutch inShift into lower gearAnother blip if you took too long shiftingClutch out

It sounds and feels so nice when its done just right. No jerk, no grind, no forcing the lever into gear. Just smooth deceleration and the most wonderful snarl from the engine.

[7thGear]

what i meant to say is what is better?

brakeclutch inshiftblipclutch out

or as you said ( and i think the right wayt to do it)

brake clutch inneutralclutch outblipclutch inshiftclutch out

which way is the right way

[MrFox]

Different strokes for different folks. There really isn't "a" right way. If you understand what is going on inside the transmission than you can decide for yourself.

There are 3 independent spinning components that has to uncouple, then recouple at a different speed. The engine including the flywheel is one. On the other side, the clutch leading up to the transmission main shaft is the second. Meshing with the main shaft, the transmission countershaft all the way to the wheels is the third.

The main and counter shafts spin at different speeds, depending on ratios of the engaged gears. If we come out of 5th, and shift into 3rd, the speed of the main shaft must increase to accomdate the new gear ratio. The blips and double clutching is to sync the parts so they engage smoothly.

Without double clutching, we depend entirely on the syncronizer rings to sync the two shafts. The rings are made of soft metal, and uses friction, and the visciosity of the gear oil to force the shafts to match speeds and mate. They wear with use, like the clutch. The forcefulness in gear engagement is directly propotional to the stress applied to the syncros.

It is up to the individual to decide if they want excise the syncros or put in the effort to match shaft speeds. I don't do it consistantly, sometimes I feel more up to it then others. I'm more keen to do it when I'm just cruising around town, or when there is a need to skip gears, or when I need to get into 1st gear while moving.

Its a useful tool to have honed in your arsenal, ready for use when fast approaching those wonderful 1st gear switchbacks.

Cheers