Downshifting

[ToyotaAutoXer]

Is it better to downshift as early as possible, or to leave it as late as possible in the braking zone?

I tend to do it early so I can concentrate on where to start turning in after I finish braking.

I need some go-fast advice.

[Marsh]

Generally the later the better, but I think your right in being sure to complete it before turning in. Changing gears mid-corner is a bad habbit of mine.

[ice/solo racer]

Not that I'm right but I tend to pull a downshift pretty early in the brake zone,I kinda like the extra help with engine braking.I also tend to be a little agressive on the trail braking so getting the shift in early allows me to focus on the line I'm after and on the brake pressure to try and avoid any inside front lockup.Try to never have any time during the run where your coasting,gas or brakes but never neither.My car is also rwd so if I botch the shift when turning the wheel I have a good chance of a ruined run by backing it into the corner.
As long as the shift is smooth with proper heal toe and rev matching the results will be fine.Of course I'm no expert,thats just how I TRY to drive.

[ctheo]

As long as the shift is smooth with proper heal toe and rev matching the results will be fine.

That's it in a nut shell. As long as you don't upset the car you're doing ok.

The text book scenario would be;

1) get most of your braking done
2) heel/toe downshift
3) turn in


Using engine braking and shifting (mid corner) are big no-no's as there's a greater chance of upsetting the car. Both are habbits I'm trying to break.

[ctenche]

Keep in mind that if you're downshifting early you stand a chance of shooting past the redline if you're rev's haven't dropped enough for the lower gear.

Personally, I don't like the complete all your braking then downshift rule. It's a bit too strict for my liking. I would say I downshift somewhere around the 50% point in my braking phase.

[rainman]

I think it depends on the corner too. If you are heading into say a tight corner at a high rate of speed that would require downshifting from 4-3-2, you can either work your way through the gears from the time you begin braking OR brake, then once your maybe 2/3's done braking, heel-toe to 2nd.

[Shaman]

I downshift early but keep the engine clutched until the end of the braking phase, and usually try to trail brake a little - depending on the corner.

[ice/solo racer]

The only problem with keeping the clutch in after the downshift and during the braking is that when you let the clutch back out the engine has returned to idle.When the engine has to speed back up to match the vehicle speed it upsets the chassis with the weight transfer,plus you'd end up entering the corner slower than possible.

[ToyotaAutoXer]

My 4-3-2 shifts are o.k., its my 2-1 that sucks. My car revs sooo slow that I really have to stomp on the gas during the heel-toe to get the revs high enough, and I end up downshifting too late.:(