I wouldnt say it is bad for the clutch but you are wearing on it more for sure. And yes it has to be using more gas. The PCM responds to RPM and flow registered by the MAF.Which is a good thing considering cars dont have compression release .It also wears on your timing gear sprockets. I lost a timing gear set on an Olds when I was younger because I too liked the sound of downshifting and did it constantly.

i love the sound too, and if i had a manual i would do the eingine brake....but not often...probaly just to show off or just to make noise when im around someone...


i have done it in the bonne a few times, with First and 2nd gear, but thats probaly bad

What about motor/tranny mounts? Dont they also get more flex because your using the engine to slow the car down?

Naturally the engine moves when shifting/driving, but downshifting would put more stress on the mounts than using the brakes and coasting in neutral. wouldnt it?

I used to drive a standard and although I used to downshift, it was more or less to take a turn, or slow down quickly when I needed to as well as passing.

Having had a 5 speed Ford in the past...I was using the engine and brakes to slow.

Talking to my buddy the mechanic one day about things...and stopped using the engine to slow after that.

Brakes = $20 for lifetime pads and take about an hour to change
Clutch = $120 for a replacement and pulling the trans out of a FWD to change....all day...

You are wearing the clutch each time you use it. Those people you see working the clutch on a hill because they think it'* neat...yeah..they are quickly using their clutch to the point of about $500 from a mechanic to change it.

Go ahead...use your clutch... let'* see who'* trans needs service first....your stick or my auto

Wow, lots of mixed opinions. I don't do it that much, well, I don't know, that contradicts what I said. I usually only use 3rd and 4th to slow down, more often only 3rd. I understand what you are saying though about clutches and brakes and what not....

I guess my biggest thing is large steep hills. Put it in 4th, let off the clutch slowly to let the engine catch up, and put your feet flat on the floor because you will sit at 55 MPH in my car. Its awesome, but is it bad?

Boosty, I guarantee my tranny (clutch) will need service before any auto tranny of yours...but I guarantee mine will be MUCH cheaper to fix ($500 clutch or $1300 rebuild?).

Boosty again, are you saying people will leave it in OD, and lightly push in the clutch to get the RPMs up? Thats like clutch suicide.

With that said, more wear on the clutch? I suppose because it is 1, maybe 2 more shifts for me. But, its what its made to do. I don't think it is really abusive IMHO. Everytime I accelerate there are 4 shifts, what is 1 more to slow down?

It'* more wear..that'* all...

Now go learn how to shift w/o the clutch...

It'* easy.

And fry my synchros?

No...synch things..then shift w/o clutch..

There'* a point..where you can gently move the shifter out of one gear..let off gas a little and slide right into the next one.

If you grind..you did it wrong.

Ya Bill but thats the sissy way. WOT and feather off full throttle and cram ta shift. You only get a couple mistakes.hehehe. Most people dont realize most over the road truckers never use the clutch except to stop and start out.. It'* all in how you time the synchros.

I DID know that I'm in the minority and feel "special."

I will try this...ONCE! No more though. Apply gentle even pressure until it goes into the next gear?