consider that, theoretically, downshifting costs you less than upshifting
because it occurs under braking. upshifting leaves you coasting when you
could be accelerating.
however, if shifting causes you to drive a poorer line or brake less
effectively then it might be a net loss.
i hate shifting (upsets the suspension) so ive been putting it in 2nd at the
starting line.
-james c (in new york where i could find work)
----- Original Message -----
From: "Loughmiller, Scott" <scott@radiate.com>
To: "'Scot Zediker'" <roadsterboy@earthlink.net>; "'Mark J. Andy'"
<marka@telerama.com>; <ba-autox@autox.team.net>
Sent: Friday, October 12, 2001 8:01 PM
Subject: RE: 2500 lb Miata?
> > I don't bother with downshifting most of the time. If it's a
> > single corner
> > with a good straight after it, it might be worthwhile, but
> > otherwise it's
> > awkward getting back to 2nd if you have to do a series of
> > turns afterwards
> > (I've been in situations where I've had to shift while I was
> > steering). You
> > typically have enough to worry about without going down to 1st.
>
> However, you're geared very similar to the guys with the 6-speeds. The
> 5-speed on the '01 has a very tall second gear - redline is 60 mph, so if
I
> don't downshift for a tight corner, I come out of it drumming my fingers
and
> yawning waiting to get some speed in second.
>
> >
> > > What you need is 2 cars, look at the course, and then
> > decide what to drive
> > > based on the course.
> >
> > Must be pretty damn nice to have that kind of money...
> >
>
> I can dream can't I?
>
> -Scott
|