I'm not sure if this is the correct term, but I'm talking about shifting a manual transmission car without using the clutch. And by proper timing of throttle release, RPM matching, patience, and a deft hand, you can shift without using the clutch at all, and NOT GRIND the tranny either.

Now, those who are expert drivers of manual transmission cars probably already know about this, and I'm sure some of you don't. My question, is HOW BAD IS THIS FOR YOUR TRANNY?

I've heard arguments from extreme left to extreme right. I know it doesn't grind, but then again, there's a clutch for a reason.

My second question, why would you ever shift like this? Is there any possible benefit besides the sheer laziness?

 

i dont really think its bad, because...Yes, theres a clutch for a reason, but when you accelerate the car at full throttle, in 1st gear, you can actually pop the gear into 2nd by using the momentum of the clutch, this has to be done quickly though, or else youll just grind

 

Power-shifting or Speed-Shifting as my mom calls it
(she used to race Corvetts in the 60's) is all about getting
through the gears as quickly as possible. It has nothing to
do with lazyness.

It's all about timeing, and you really need to *know* your
engine and trans.

I used to do it when I was younger, but I find no need for it,
even when I am in a true performance car. If you know your
clutch well enough, you can pull the stick out of gear before
the clutch is depressed and have it in the next gear just
as the clutch releases. Basically I can get the same speed
as with speed shifting, but knowing that I won't accidently
bump/grind gears.

 

yea... its not the best thing, but its not the worst. if you're doing it all the time, it will never be good because:
a) your always racing
b) wear happens...

granted your not gonna snap your transmission in half, but its a little much unless you have to absolutely do it for some odd reason.

 

That's what I thought, I can usually shift faster using the clutch than to time my shifts to the revs.

 

I'm also not sure if there is a difference, due to the name. But I also find that if I am lazy, I can use the same (or similar) technique to shift without using the clutch pedal at ALL. I don't really do it, but I was shown this by another . . . .errr car dude. I personally think that there has to be wear, but the tranny shifts smoothly without a complaint or noise (if the timing is right).

 

stay away from it dude.
it's like the guys in office space looking up money laundering in the dictionary.
if you have to ask on the forum, you probably shouldn't be doing it. the trial and error may result in unnecessary wear

 

yea.. my dad did it in my car once, he said you have to be really good. he also said you can only down____ when you do it and not upshift. i wanna learn how to do it, can anyone explain?
-shane

 

that's awesome, you said down____.

 

You can do both, and I learned fairly quickly (actually on the first try). It's really no different than shifting normally.

First off, you grind your own gears at your own risk!!!!

Downshifting:
1. ease off the gas
2. There is a point on this transition, between acceleration and engine braking, that there is minimal pressure on the tranny, at this point (you have to feel it), you semi-quickly disengage into neutral.
3. Rev-match (as if dbl clutching), hopefully you are a pro at this, otherwise you will grind.
4. Once the rev's are matched, the shifter will easily slide into gear without a single noise. If you messed up, CRRRRUNNNNCCCHHH!!!!!

Upshifting:
1: (see above)
2: (see above)
3: wait for the revs to drop while in neutral (approximately a half second)
4: the shifter will easily slide into the next gear

I do NOT recommend trying this with 2nd gear, but rather 3rd gear and up. 1st and 2nd gears are too short.

And again, I know how to do this, but don't really do it. I wondering if there is a purpose, as it seems slower than shifting regularly. I'm sure it will come in handy if my clutch were to give out or something tho. . .

 

.5 seconds for shifting is slow. a good shift time is like .25. a fast shift is like .23. Use your clutch fellas its not there just to keep your left foot company.

 

in theory all you need to do is perfectly rev match and gently easy pressure off the throttle... It is much easier on a bike, not sure what the point is in a car though

 

That's what I was saying. . .

 

Just curious, is it faster on a bike or something?

 

I find it quicker and easier on a bike. You can snap your wrist back and forth while flicking the shifter with your foot. They have such low inertia motors the throttle response is great - making it easier than a heavy flywheel car

 

I agree. On a newer car with a well synchronized tranny you can usually shift nearly as fast using the clutch. Speed shifting (without the clutch) is just a matter of feel and experience. Now on a motorcross bike I NEVER use the clutch unless I need to build rpms or to start off the line, but they are much easier to do it on, and are also built for racing, so they are much harder to tear up if you mess it up :-)