There have been a number of threads lately on use of the M/T. As part of those threads there has been a sub thread about downshifting into first gear.

Now first of all, I understand completely that if one is traveling more than 1 or 2 MPH, downshifting into first is not needed. Most times I just stay in 2 nd gear like everyone else.

However, 1st has synchronizers (like reverse!) and I sometimes downshift into first at 5 mph or less. I was bored yesterday and decided to do some "research". I used my wife's 5 speed Celica (1992) and tried some 2 to 1 downshifts. To my astonishment, downshifting into 1st at 15 mph was not a problem at all. Gear lever went it nice a smooth and easy... you have to give a fair amount of gas to match revs as you engaged.

So contrary to many, this is a workable operation. Not sure what the limits on the CL are (and I'm not gonna do to much research on my 03).

And before all you guys scream it. NO, I generally do not downshift to slow down... just taking the old foot off the gas in the gear you are in works fine. I down shift into first sometimes after i have slowed down and am ready to accelerate. I never do this faster than about 5 mph. But you could!

 

I don't think that's really new news to people who have driven manual transmission's for any significant amount of time.

 

Thanks jtkz13. I'm aware of this.. I've been driving manual transmissions for 39 years. But many here (and especially over at freshalloy.com) assert one should never downshift into first.

 

I do, when rolling to a stop. but I hold the clutch in.

 

Hasn't this already been discussed in another thread?

Regardless, it comes down to driving preferences. Some do, and some don't. Whether it's good/bad for the car is debatable, and again was already discussed.

You must really enjoy posting repeat shit Joe.

 

Like I’ve said before, the only time I really downshift into first is when I’m pretty much completely stopped.
The only exception to this is when I pull into my driveway.
My road out front is on a hill and the driveway is too steep to effectively take in second gear.
When I’m coming UP the road I put the clutch in and blip the throttle while turning and then let out the clutch and power up in 1st to the garage.
When I’m coming DOWN the hill I turn into the driveway and basically stop then proceed up in 1st.

I still say there’s no need to downshift into fist when driving around town unless the light ahead just turned RED.

Shawn S

 

Sorry Scrib. I just thought my little 15 mph experiment (which is not repeat "shit") would be of some minor interest. I'm not the one who has started all these "how to drive a 6 speed" threads. Lots o' people here very sensitive.

 

If I recall, none of my "how to" threads have asked if it's a smart thing to downshift into first.

Sensitive or not, you seem to have a one track mind when it comes to issues you don't agree with. An open mind would help.

There was already a discussion about this, and views were shared. You'd think if it was of "minor interest" more people would have responsed???

 

I'm in total agreement.

 

But the REAL question is should you DOUBLE CLUTCH when shifting to first.

Shawn S

 

 

Double Cluthing is for when your driving an old manual FIRE TRUCK...:thumbsdn:




Smitty