skipping gears

[dephilile]

Is it ok to skip gears? i.e. go from 3rd to 5th? I had an argument with someone the other day about it. they were convinced that it was a very bad thing to do. I’m not quite sure why. they are not mechanically minded so were unable to offer an explanation but refused to listen to my logic on the matter.

[pro_gmh]

I dont understand why you would want to anyway? but all i can see that would happen is a real loss of rpm?

[Tasmaniak]

the only issue I can seeis that if you shift from 3rd to where you would normally go to 4th. Then you may find the revs too low for 5th and over an EXTENSIVE period of time do minimal damage to the motor and clutch slippage.

otherwise I can't see an issue. I konw when I used to have a 6speed I would often only use three gears for normal driving...2,4 and 6th.

[Charg'd]

12 volt is right, the revs would be a bit low and your car may not be as responsive, as it would if you had of gone to 4th, not sure about the damage though,

[sixshooter]

That really depends on how much you rev it out in 3rd...and the closeness of the ratio's in the box.I had a Vk 304, 4speed and it didn't even mind taking off in 2nd...I'd rev it out and change to 4th...or if I wanted to take off quicker I'd rev it out in 1st change to 3rd then 4th... If i gave it the redline in 1st I could drop it straight into 4th... the ratio's between 1st and 2nd were quite close for a v8...The gearbox it just so you can match the engine power/revs to the speed your doing at the time...I can't see any harm in skipping gears...

[vlv8vic]

i only ever used the 1st gear in the datto for tyre tests. failing that it was never really needed.

Someone once told me it ****s the synchros if you do it all the time. i dont know alot about gearboxes to comment any further on that.

[GLD-086]

I dont really see the point of it, its like shifting too early.

When I drive the 5 Speed Laser if I shift from 1st to 2nd to early it loses alot of steam especially going up hill, I almost have to put my foot down to the floor.

[dephilile]

I usually go 1st, 2nd, 3rd until I reach 60 and then if it’s a flat straight road slip it straight into 5th and just cruise along.

[matrix]

it doesnt do anything bad to your car, infact i was taught to do it by my driving insrtuctor years ago.
if you have enough revs to take a gear 2 up (2nd-4th, or 3rd -5th) or need to slow down in a hurryjust go straight to 3rd or 2nd.
its all good.

[vlv8vic]

matrix using your box to slow down in a hurry WILL do damage. its ok to use your brakes.

[matrix]

in an auto itl do damage not in a manual. i drive an auto so i dont use mine to slow down (much).
been driving long?

[STEALTHY™]

ohhh good topic


Engine braking (using the gears) doesn't do damage unless your doing 100, put it in first and let the clutch all the way out (obvious exaggeration)

I engine brake, (have to admit, i have diff locked more often than not, which WILL do damage, but not normal engine braking).

About the original topic though, if you've seen the inner workings of a gearbox, you'll know it wont effect it at all no matter what combo you do.
Just personally though, if i want to skip a gear, i'll still put it into the gear, but without letting the clutch out, go to the next gear.

[vlv8vic]

been driving a while, why do you ask? does it make a difference?

Depends on what you drive. engine brake an older V8 and see what happens to pushrods.
I was just saying that generally, its better to use the brakes for heavy braking.

maybe i should have been clearer, i was thinking engine damage rather than box damage.

[STEALTHY™]

been driving a while, why do you ask? does it make a difference?

Depends on what you drive. engine brake an older V8 and see what happens to pushrods.
I was just saying that generally, its better to use the brakes for heavy braking.

maybe i should have been clearer, i was thinking engine damage rather than box damage.

what about on a injected V8? i was more worried about doing gearbox damage, never even thought it'd be hurting the motor.

I also engine brake sometimes with the carby 304, only with the tri though, so i take it thats not a good thing to be doing to a 20yo motor....or even the ol trimatic (as in try....lol)

[vlv8vic]

yeah no idea mate, im only applying my experiences with my carby fed V8. Ive knocked the traumatic back a few times, on one occaision the pushrods hurled some foul language at me and refused to do their job anymore. Will post pics in a few mins. (cleaning out the shed last week and found the rods i pulled out and hid out of embarresment for my lack of respect for the car)....

[STEALTHY™]

yeah no idea mate, im only applying my experiences with my carby fed V8. Ive knocked the traumatic back a few times, on one occaision the pushrods hurled some foul language at me and refused to do their job anymore. Will post pics in a few mins. (cleaning out the shed last week and found the rods i pulled out and hid out of embarresment for my lack of respect for the car)....

i'll take your advice and go easy on the old girl, but the injected one is another story.....hehe

[vlv8vic]

Ok ducked down to the shed just then for an example of why i dont condone too much engine braking.

The gouges near the ends were from the vice grips i used to pull them out. The valves survived the incident (which was lucky), apart from being a bit gummy for the first run with new sticks.

[tr3nt]

I used to use the gearbox to slow down in the VR (auto) until the box died, I only do it if I HAVE to and not to revs over 3,000. I always do it in the parents VP (manual), and have done the 'compression lockup' once or twice.