thsiao

This is a question of all those who like to drive in SS mode. When you are driving in SS mode, and your speed is being REDUCED... NOT STOPPED COMPLETELY (either because there is traffic or whatever the reason is, BUT NOT when you need to stop completely because of a red light!), do you guys downshift or just brake and let the car downshift by itself?

scottiew

I advise using the brakes. They are a lot cheaper than a tranny. I was in this discussion on a Z06 forum when I used to have my Z06. I questioned whether downshifting to stop (or slow down) was too hard on the car as opposed to brakes. Brake pads are made to be replaced and they cost a lot less than a tranny replacement!

yield2s

FREE TRANNIES FOR ALL UNTIL 100K

Pure Adrenaline

iTrader: (2)

True, but you're also putting stress on other parts of the vehicle, namely the engine. I don't think we get free engines.

Just use the brakes, and let the computer downshift for you. And as you get going again, downshift as you give it gas. Painless.

yield2s

no, you're right. It's more stain on other moving parts.
I'd try to mimic gradelogic when your in SS, on a long decend to try to maintain a certain speed it's prob. good to engine brake.

jay.k

Downshifting is safe. Honestly, it's identical engine wear to upshifting during hard acceleration.... If you want to reduce engine wear, drive like a grandmother when accelerating (hard to do in this car!), and keep your foot on the gas when downshifting (not so hard to do).

62K miles - original tranny - original brakes - 50% of brake pad remaining on front, 75% remaining on rear. YMMV.

Jay

fsttyms1

unless you are rev matching its harder on the tranny (auto or manual) just use your brakes

thsiao

Well if downshifting is so bad for the car and we are just suppose to use the brakes when driving in SS mode, then why even bother giving us the option to downshift in the gearbox?

Severin

I often downshift when I see a cop on the median so that he doesn't see my brake lights, especially at night

NsX Pilot

i only downshift when i have to .....other wise i just use the brakes. As for the downshift option its there for passing when u need to get your car into the higher power band.