Miata Mailing List: August 1997, Message #68
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From: 	"Sheehan, Gary J. (PBCOM - gjshee1)" <gjshee1@pacbellcomm.com>

Subject: Downshifting Theories

Date: 	Fri, 1 Aug 1997 16:05:05 +0000



Hi folks,



I've been reading about people's thoughts on downshifting.  I too love

to downshift, and double clutch, and heel-toe brake whenever I slow my

car.  However, the downshift has very little to do with slowing down the

car.  The downshift is only to put the car in the right gear for

acceleration when the time comes.  I am always braking much harder than

the engine is dragging, so compression is hardly a factor in slowing the

car down.  Matching engine speed to transmission speed is essential in

order to prevent clutch wear and instability in handling.



A clutch and a brake physically perform the same function;  apply

friction to a rotating mass.  If you slip the clutch excessively, on the

upshift or downshift, you will wear it out very quickly.  On the other

hand, if you locked up your brakes at every stop, you would have

virtually no brake pad wear!  Now there's a thought.  Anyone willing to

experiment with the latter?



Cya,



Gary