My question is:

Is it bad to skip gears when downshifting? I understand the debate is out whether or not you should downshift at all. But I just want to know if you do downshift, can you go from 5th to 3rd or something like that?



G35Coupe B/B 6MT Aero/Premium

 

As long as you rev match prior to shifting into the lower gear and the downshift wouldn't put you in a redline situation, you should be OK. Some people recommend double-clutching for smoothest shifting with the least amount of wear, but I'm not sure that's necessary with this car's synchros.

--Steve

 

thanks guys...

G35Coupe B/B 6MT Aero/Premium

 

My typical downshift is from 6th to 3rd when passing on a highway (going 55).

downshifting w/ manual has no downside, thats why you got a manual gearbox silly.
Use it to your advantage, and always revmatch when downshifting....ALWAYS.

<font color=green>-Rambo</font color=green>
G35c 6MT DG/Willow/HyperGround/BorlaExhaust

 

Don't wanna make ur tach show off the limit. =)

Black / Black 2004 GcoupeMT. Premium. Splash Guardz.

 

OK, that makes sense, and good point--this is why I got a manual.
but what about skipping a gear when shifting up gears? can you go from 3rd to 5th without straining the trans? For instance say I get up to 40mph or so...and I want to end up in 5th or 6th just to cruise, but I dont feel like rowing through all the gears to get there. Is there anything wrong with that?

G35Coupe B/B 6MT Aero/Premium

 

What is double-clutching?

 

double clutching was required before manuals had syncromesh tranmissions. You had to shift to neutral first, release the clutch then shift to gear. This allowed the transmission time wind down so you could change gears without grinding them. Syncromesh has been around in cars longer than most people in this forum. You "do not" need to double clutch and it serves no purpose with modern day standards in cars.

This is a good way though to tell if there are problems with the synco's in your car. If you have a tough time shifting from say 2cd to 3rd all the time, but double clutching eliminates the problem, you more than likely have synco problems.

Where's the Tylenol

 

I'm no expert but I think a good rule of thumb is that when upshifting or downshifting if you (a) make sure you're applying the gas while depressing or releasing the clutch and (b) the car doesn't jerk or knock at all when you release the clutch--meaning you've matched revs--then you're likely doing it correctly.

 

On the same lines of shifting...with all the talk about the wear and tear on Brembo brakes and brake dust, I assume by downshifting this will save on brake pads, which will in turn create less brake dust...is this true?

 

Regardless of where you buy your replacement Brembo pad/rotors, they are still a *lot* cheaper than clutch and pressure plates. I'll let you decide which one you rather replace.