Simple question on speed-shifting.

[StageLeft]

Whats the absolute fastest way to shift in a 5 speed? If I've ever been gunning it once I get to redline (I know it may not be ideal shift point but lets ignore that for now) I let off on gas as I hit the clutch, then put it into next gear then I simultaneously hit gas and let out clutch again. I can always get good spin and I shift faster doing this than anybody else I know.

However I'm wondering if there is even any point in letting off on the gas at all? Are ALL cars (even old ones) able to resist going past redline - so that its impossible for me to blow the engine just because the clutch pedal is in and I've got it floored?

 

[Dually]

even going near the redline is bad or potentialy dangerous. The best way to go is to shift smoothly and increase acceleration fast but not too fast and just shift up fast.

However you can skip the lower ones like 3 and don't skip 4.

 

[Soybomb]

<< even going near the redline is bad or potentialy dangerous >>


*buzz* Wrong! next contestant please

You don't in theory have to let off the gas to shift, for that matter you don't need to use teh clutch either, but both are recommended. There is no reason to have the engine still turning with such force (assuming that its rev limiter isn't a violent feeling on its own) when you push in the clutch pedal. View it this way, normally you let off the gas and the engine stops producing massive amounts of power and is now essentially just turning because of momentum, or you could have it turning with 300 ft/lbs of torque if you don't let off the gas, which is harder on the clutch? Thats teh main thing is how often do you want to replace the clutch/rebuild the tranny.

 

[fastcobra]

Well,
from a mustang freak (for many years), In the &quot;heat of the moment&quot; do not let off the gas, just slam your clutch to the floor as fast as you can, then release the same way, with gas depressed, while jerking your stick into the next gear.
Experience has taught me this causes premature death of ANY clutch, and in a mustang, jamming your gears causes your 3rd gear sychro to go bad very quick, time for a Tremec.
But hell, it's fun. You are on the right track. Now you have to learn how to replace clutches and trannies in your driveway without making a mess. It's an art and takes lots of practice...

 

[warlord]

to answer the question about can you leave the gas in on all cars, the answer is no, you can't on all cars. Many newer cars do have rev limiters on them that will prevent you from blowing the engine, but some, expecially high preformance cars, may not.

 

[StageLeft]

I'm not that concerned with the clutch - its just kind of a once in a while deal just to know if this is the best way.

warlord well damn that isn't good news - so doing the not-letting-off-gas trick in an exotic would instantly end its engine life unless I get it into gear in a hurry? That doesn't sound fun...not that I drive exotics, but I'd assumed all new cars would have a rev limiter.