Miata Mailing List: August 1994, Message #96
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   From: mikef@mer-mail.ctron.com (Michael Friedman)
Subject: Re: When to shift.....
   Date: Thu, 4 Aug 1994 08:23:14 -0400


 > Alice T. Liu says:
 > >         
 > > I take highway 9 every morning to work, from Felton to Santa Cruz.
 > > It *is* fun.  It's probably one of the tamer streches of the highway.
 > > But I'm a newbie - I had only about 5 hours worth of experience 
 > > driving stick before I got my Miata!  I'm sure I am not yet taking 
 > > full advantage of the road.  My shifting is much smoother now, but 
 > > I'm still unsure about when I should be down shifting, so if anyone 
 > > has any tips, send them my way.  For smooth shifting, for instance, 
 > > from 4th to 3rd, it seems I should be going 30 mph.  Any higher than 
 > > that and the rev sound gets higher and the car lurches a little.  

Rule #1: Don't worry about revving the engine.  It is designed to
operate at high RPM and you won't hurt it so long as you don't 
exceed the red line on the tach (well - not for too long anyway:)

Rule #2: When down shifting, bring up the engine RPM to be about
matched to your speed.  This will prevent the lurching you mentioned.
Until you learn how your car handles better, don't downshift
DURING a turn, do it before the turn or while entering.  This will
prevent a possible oversteer condition which will get your attention
really fast!  When downshifting pick a gear which will get you into 
the power band of the engine (>4500 rpm) so that you can accelerate
out of the turn quickly.  Don't be afraid to experiment!

Rule #3: Don't worry about revving the engine.  After a while it will
begin to sound like music to your ears.

Rule #4: If you have time to look at the tachometer, your not trying
hard enough.  (See rules 1 and 3)

Rule #5: Brakes are cheaper than clutches to replace, so don't be afraid
of using them.  Downshift while braking (you do have 3 feet don't you?)
into turns to avoid loosing momentum.  Don't let the engine lug,
it's embarassing!  Make sure your off the brakes once your actually
into the turn.

Or you can ignore this...
Mike