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HippoSleek · 12-03-2002, 06:59 AM

I really wanted to stay out of this after that post 3 months ago.  

Black Apple -
1) won't hurt it much?  Why hurt it at all?  

2)  not all cars are 94 Jettas... luckily.  The more performance you have, the shorter the life of your clutch (fwiw, I've never had a clutch go... <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/eh.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':eh:'>  

3)  The point of a 5 speed is power on demand in acceleration (i.e., being able to chose your optimal gear).  Acceleration - NOT BRAKING.  That is the point of having a car w/ 4 wheel discs.  Actually, autos are more prone to engine braking b/c of the inherently bad design of the auto transmission.  Otherwise, efficient systems do one thing well - brakes slow, engine go.  As for what's cheaper - I can do a brake job in the parking lot of my apartment complex in about 30 minutes (from the time I walk out of my apt until I walk back in).  OEM pads and rotors are cheap.  And this isn't even getting into the whole a clutch can last for 300,000 mi., but brakes never go beyond 75K no matter who's driving.

Its funny - a couple of weeks ago, I was told yet again by yet another track school instructor that you should NEVER slow the car w/ the engine.  Having it in gear is a good idea for safety and rev matching is 100% necessary for downshifts to prepare for accelaration or to increase throttle response (e.g., before a corner).  Otherwise, you are just wasting your effort and clutch.

12-03-2002, 06:59 AM	#13
HippoSleek Nissanaholic! Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: elsewhere Posts: 2,081 Trader Rating: (0)	I really wanted to stay out of this after that post 3 months ago.   Black Apple - 1) won't hurt it much?  Why hurt it at all?   2)  not all cars are 94 Jettas... luckily.  The more performance you have, the shorter the life of your clutch (fwiw, I've never had a clutch go... <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/eh.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':eh:'>   3)  The point of a 5 speed is power on demand in acceleration (i.e., being able to chose your optimal gear).  Acceleration - NOT BRAKING.  That is the point of having a car w/ 4 wheel discs.  Actually, autos are more prone to engine braking b/c of the inherently bad design of the auto transmission.  Otherwise, efficient systems do one thing well - brakes slow, engine go.  As for what's cheaper - I can do a brake job in the parking lot of my apartment complex in about 30 minutes (from the time I walk out of my apt until I walk back in).  OEM pads and rotors are cheap.  And this isn't even getting into the whole a clutch can last for 300,000 mi., but brakes never go beyond 75K no matter who's driving. Its funny - a couple of weeks ago, I was told yet again by yet another track school instructor that you should NEVER slow the car w/ the engine.  Having it in gear is a good idea for safety and rev matching is 100% necessary for downshifts to prepare for accelaration or to increase throttle response (e.g., before a corner).  Otherwise, you are just wasting your effort and clutch.