Greetings all:
I bought a '77 TR7 which had the brake moved to the left so only
the left foot could do the braking... took some getting used-to, but
now I love it!! (and still no power brakes <grin>)
Jim
Easton Family wrote:
>
> Greetings John and the Triumph List,
>
> This is my first contribution or reply to a posting on this list. I'm
> somewhat new to this list, e-mail and computing but I am a longtime TR3
> owner and driver (same 1959 TR3A since 1968).
>
> >From my experience, you can easily double clutch and heel and toe downshift
> in a TR without modifying the pedals.
>
> Double clutching is simply engaging the clutch for a fraction of a second
> with the transmission in neutral while shifting gears. When downshifting,
> you blip the throttle while in neutral to increase the speed of the lay
> shaft so that the gears (actually the dog teeth in a synchromesh
> transmission) being engaged will be turning at close to the same speed and
> engage more easily. In a car that doesn't have a synchromesh first gear,
> you need to do this if you want to engage first gear while the car is
> moving.
>
> Heel and toe downshifting is blipping the throttle when double clutching and
> braking at the same time. To do this in a TR, move the heel of your right
> foot to the right slightly while braking and blip the throttle with the side
> of your right foot (not actually the heel).
>
> I don't know if this is how race drivers do it but it has worked for me for
> over thirty years. All that throttle blipping really sounds sporty and
> having the brake lights come on while the engine is revved for downshifting
> shows driving finesse.
>
> It's not really difficult to learn and get smooth, but matching the speeds
> for downshifting and the timing of the extra clutch engagement takes a
> little practice. It makes driving more fun and, to me, it's the essence of
> driving an old sports car!
>
> Well, that's my two bits worth on the subject. Thanks to everyone on this
> list for all the useful information, fascinating trivia and Triumph lore.
>
> Dave Easton
> 1959 TR3A
> Seattle, WA
>
> > Date: Thu, 06 Jan 2000 00:03:56 -0800
> > From: John Cowan <jfcowan@pacbell.net>
> > Subject: TR-2,3,4A - Double clutching, heel and toe shifting.
> >
> >
> > Anyone on the list comfortable and smooth with double clutching and heel
> > and toe braking/shifting in a TR 2,3,4A? Did you have to modify the
> > pedals? Was it difficult to learn and get smooth?
> > Thanks.
> > John Cowan
> >
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