Re: Reply to Double Clutching & What is it

[jimbo <q45@i2k.com>]

Adam D. Spiker wrote:
> 
> I am by no means a mechanic, but my dad used to race open-wheels and
> taught me the artful precision to "double-clutching".  It was apparently
> used to get into a lower gear before they had put sinchro's into gear
> boxes or something like that.
> 
> At any rate, for what ever mechanical reason which prompted double
> clutching, we are not bothered by it any longer.  The entire purpose of
> d.c. is to maintain the ability to accelerate through and out of a turn,
> and to use the natural friction of the engine to slow the vehicle AND NOT
> THE BRAKES.  Often, you might see a sign which says NO ENGINE BRAKING as
> a major road enters a residential area.
> 
> It is a simple demonstration in real life, but more lengthy to write
> about.  But here it goes:
> 
> Example....     You are in third gear, approaching a turn which can be
> taken at at least 25 mph.  There are no lights and no stop signs.  Let's
> say that while in third and approaching, your running approximately 3000
> rpm.  While pressing in the clutch and moving into second gear, you
> simultaneously tap the throttle up to approximately 1000 rpm higher than
> the gear you were just in (3000 rpm).  You then let out the clutch with
> the car now in second, the rpm's matched to the speed that the wheels are
> traveling and absolutely no clutch wear.
> 
> My dad always told me never to buy a manual transmission from a girl
> because they surely slip the clutch.  However sexist this may sound it is
> 99.99% true.  This extends to about 70% of men as well.  Slipping is the
> most damaging to a clutch.  This is when, during the same scenario as
> above would not rev the engine up to speed and simply slip the clutch out
> until the engine caught up to speed.  This is also the person who sits on
> an incline and instead of using the brakes when he's stopped, he rides
> the clutch to hold him still.
> 
> Double clutching/engine braking is what every professional racer and
> "protector of the all expensive clutch repair" does.  It takes some
> practice to learn your car's rpm's, but it will extend the life of your
> clutch.  Hope this helps.  Again, I am not a mechanic but I have mastered
> this process and am a firm believer in it.
> 
> Adam Spiker
> FaceMate@Juno.com

Jimbo chimed in:  Nope. you got the syncho part right though.  See my
earlier reply about double clutching.  

The method of shifing you describe, applies to todays cars also. 
Matching you RPMs before shiffing up or down results in a smooth shift.
It results in a shift up or down without passengers feeling the surge. 
If you are doing this, not only are you being good to the clutch, but
I'll bet you are a pretty good driver to. Paying attenting to the engine
RPM, means you are probably in tune to a lot of things, like other cars
on the road.  This is opposed to most drivers who drive like they are
someplace elsee, but behind the wheel.

It is my opinion that kids who learn on stick shifts (as mine did) make
better drives, as they have to pay more attention to the car that an
automatic trans car.  The later is pretty much a point and go.