Re: Downshifting for Normal Driving

[escoses@earthlink.net]

It used to be called "double de-clutching" and was a quite common
procedure before cars had syncromesh gearboxes. Even then, it was usual
for, say a 3 speed gear box to have syncromesh only in 2nd and 3rd, so
you would have to double de=clutch to get into 1st gear from 2nd.

You did that by coming out of 2nd normally, with the gear lever in
neutral, you accelerated the engine briefly to balance the speed of the
engine with that of the shaft in the gear box, hit the clutch and and
engage 1st. 

Good drivers used to be able to shift gears without using the clutch at
all. they did it by having a good ear for the right RPM at which
everything was balanced.

Double de-clutching (or double clutching) today is a waste of gasoline.
But if you have a high Db exhaust sounds good......but useless!

Take care,

Graham