[chittychittybangbang]

someone on another forum was having problems shifting smoothly.

Here is a tip to improve shifting. What you do is take the clutch and flywheel out of the picture and you can also isolate any problems. All you have to do is rev match and don't use the clutch when you upshift. Upshift is easier to rev match than downshift. You only absolutely need the clutch for 1st gear.

To do this, memorize what RPM and Speed the car is set to at what gear. Always try to upshift to 3rd at, for example, 25 mph. Note what RPM the engine is at once you release the clutch at 25 mph and memorize the speed and rpm.

Find a straight level road, and hold the car in 2nd gear at 25 mph. Once the speed is stabilized, put the car into neutral without using the clutch, use your right foot to set the RPM at where it normally is when you shift using the clutch at 25 mph, and put the car into 3rd gear.
If you rev match properly, you can feel the gear shifter slide into 3rd without using the clutch. If you did not rev match properly, the gear shifter will have resistance, don't force it.

 

[Guest]

Also do not hold the car on a hill with the clutch - there's no worse thing you can do!

 

[OM617]

Yep! Good way to take out your synchros.

Use the shifter like it was designed to be used. And don't give me grief about "Oh, but the truckers do it!" because the transmissions used in that application are VERY different than an automotive tranny.

 

[chittychittybangbang]

it's just an exercise to improve your shifting, not a way to shift regularly. Some people give too many rpm, some people give too few. this exercise will help them learn how to set the engine at the proper rpm.

yes it is harder on the synchros than regular shifting, but not putting the engine at the proper rpm is even harder on the synchros and that kind of repeated wear is what causes worn transmissions