[db2022cs]

So I have the rev match on and I really like it. One thing I am not fully sure on is when downshifting into a lower gear with active rev matching on, are you supposed to quickly release the clutch? I'm assuming this is the case as the rev matching will match up allowing for a smooth downshift. Car just recently passed 1500 miles and starting to have a bit more fun with it.

In regards to the manual transmission, I was going through the owners manual and I noticed this sentence:
Shift into 1 (First) when going less than 65 km/h (40 mph).
Now my last car was a Veloster N and the gears were pretty short. I needed to get into 3rd gear before 60mph. I was always under the assumption that first gear is for taking off from a stop or a very slow start under 5mph. Does anyone ever shift into first at a lower speed if taking a turn or something, say 10-20mph? I still won't but I'm curious if others do and if not, why does the manual say this? TIA for any input.

[ember1205]

One of the main reasons for rev-matching on a downshift (whether via ARM or manual control with your foot on the accelerator) is specifically to allow a quick release of the clutch without adding wear to the clutch. If you're still "slipping" the clutch when you release, you're not getting the benefit of the rev match.

I predominantly do the rev match manually. On the highway, however, I'll turn it on because I do it mostly by sound and I can't hear the motor well at 75MPH with the top down if I'm getting ready to take an exit...

[USAFS197]

The only time I ever downshift into first, is if I know I'm coming to a stop. Otherwise, these engines make more than enough torque to power you out of a turn at those speeds in second gear.

[Socal Shock]

Originally Posted by db2022cs

Does anyone ever shift into first at a lower speed if taking a turn or something, say 10-20mph? I still won't but I'm curious if others do and if not, why does the manual say this? TIA for any input.

No, I've never shifted into first while still rolling. I've never needed to, at least on the street in this vehicle.

[ember1205]

Originally Posted by USAFS197

The only time I ever downshift into first, is if I know I'm coming to a stop. Otherwise, these engines make more than enough torque to power you out of a turn at those speeds in second gear.

Yeah, similar here... If I'm coming to a stop, I may downshift one or two times, possibly as low as second gear. But then it just goes into "N" and I don't touch the clutch again until I'm ready to pull away from the stop and put it into "1" at that time.

Also, I believe that the page / comment being referenced actually comes BEFORE the rev-match info in the manual. It's more about starting from a stop and not having to do with downshifting into "1".

[SSEssence]

When rev match is on, I usually quickly release the clutch and never shift to 1st while in motion usually, 2nd gear is sufficient.

[Wyzz Kydd]

Originally Posted by Socal Shock

No, I've never shifted into first while still rolling. I've never needed to, at least on the street in this vehicle.

Same here. I only use 1st from a dead stop.

[db2022cs]

Thanks for the input, glad to know I was mostly doing it right. My last few cars were all Turbo so I'm still getting used to the powerband. They were all either AWD or FWD so I'm slowly exploring the capability of the car and the characteristics for 450hp RWD car.

[JamesNoBrakes]

Yes, all the time in Autocross.

[jp6]

On regular, slower, street driving I have noticed sometimes the rev match doesn't quite match perfectly. In those cases I will let off a little slower. Otherwise I let off quick. I'd say just go by feel and if you're not experiencing any lurching then you're good to go (faster!).

[pzoom]

I’ve heard downshifting to first while moving is stressful on the the synchros and transmission. I stay in 2nd until 2K rpms or so then neutral to stop. Brake pads are always cheaper than clutches.

Whether that is the best way - don’t know, but I’ve never had to replace a clutch in the past 30 years.

[BundiMan]

You can reach 58 mph in 1st gear, so down shifting into 1st below 40 mph is the recommendation if you are going to do that.

[N Camarolina]

On the subject of Rev Match, I've been wondering......

The manual says it matches on both down AND UP shifts. I use Rev Match all the time and clearly see the computer raising the RPM on downshifts, but what does it do on the upshifts? Clearly you don't want to raise RPM on upshifts, so the only need for a RPM adjustment would be to lower RPM if you are going to skip shift. Buy I can't see a way for the computer to lower RPM by dampening it.

So does anybody know what it does on upshifts?

[ZPirate]

Originally Posted by Wyzz Kydd

Same here. I only use 1st from a dead stop.

Me too. The gear spacing is pretty broad in the Camaro compared to other manual transmission cars I've owned. Between the tall gearing the torque of the LT1 you don't have to shift as often as in cars with less displacement. I typically don't get past 4th when driving around town (around 50 mph). I'm typically in 5th gear in my Z at the same speed.