Shifting while in a turn | FerrariChat

Shifting while in a turn

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by netman, May 3, 2009.

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  1. netman

    netman Formula 3

    Jun 17, 2008
    1,905
    OC SoCal
    I was wondering what the concensus is regarding shifting while in a turn. Here is the scenario. You are at a light waiting to turn. The light turns green you start off in first gear and at the apex of the turn you the engine is turning 6.5k RPM. I shift at this point to second gear. I have friends that say the shift to second should come after the turn.
     
  2. MamoVaka

    MamoVaka Formula 3

    Jul 31, 2006
    1,409
    Los Angeles, CA
    Full Name:
    Pano S.
    that is absolutely wrong thing to do.. ever.. EVER

    in some countries you can go to prison for doing that..

    seriously.. don't do it..

    HAHAH friend I am kidding.. it's fine pal you should not think twice about doing this!!!


    in all seriousness.. don't do it.
     
  3. Tobias

    Tobias Formula 3

    May 22, 2004
    1,685
    NY
    WTF?
     
  4. ducowti

    ducowti Formula 3

    Jan 27, 2008
    1,557
    NY/SC
    Full Name:
    David
    +1 :confused:
     
  5. yelcab

    yelcab F1 World Champ
    Consultant

    Nov 29, 2001
    13,654
    San Carlos, CA
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    Mitchell Le
    If you are driving at the track, or racing where you are driving the car at almost the absolute limit of its handling capabilities, then the thing to do is to set up for the turn before the turn, and be steady and smooth through the turn. Any shifting (letting up on the gas, pressing the clutch, back on the gas) would upset the car and may cause you to spin out.

    But, if you are taking off a a light on the streets, chances of you driving at the absolute limit 20 feet into the turn is probably zero. So, shifting in the turns causes no harm.
     
  6. JoeZaff

    JoeZaff F1 Veteran
    Owner

    Aug 5, 2007
    5,459
    Philly suburbs
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    Joe
    It depends. If you are loading up the suspension in the turn, then shifting gears could seriously upset the balance. Depending on the car and g-load you could end up spinning pretty easily. Definitely not something to try in say an older porsche!
     
  7. JoeZaff

    JoeZaff F1 Veteran
    Owner

    Aug 5, 2007
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    Joe
    #7 JoeZaff, May 3, 2009
    Last edited: May 3, 2009
    ROTFLMAO!
     
  8. spiderseeker

    spiderseeker Formula 3

    Jul 22, 2005
    1,718
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    Steve
    If you're concerned about it , just launch from the stop light in 2nd gear.
     
  9. Modeler

    Modeler F1 Veteran

    May 19, 2008
    7,330
    State of confusion
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    a.n.other
    If you're asking that question and driving any sportscar you're badly in need of some driver training!

    These are basic questions of traction, weight transfer etc you need to understand at a more advanced level than simple rules as to what you should do.
     
  10. RAKLAW

    RAKLAW Formula Junior

    Mar 22, 2009
    407
    Westchester,NY & Sarasota FL
    Full Name:
    RAK
  11. hardtop

    hardtop F1 World Champ

    Jan 31, 2002
    11,298
    Colorado
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    Dave
    Very true but driving on the street at a speed where shifting would cause a spin is going too fast to be safe IMHO. Regardless, it is a good habit to not shift in turns.

    Dave
     
  12. DGS

    DGS Seven Time F1 World Champ
    Rossa Subscribed

    May 27, 2003
    72,883
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    DGS
    #12 DGS, May 3, 2009
    Last edited: May 3, 2009
    If you're starting from a stop, and hit redline by the "apex", you either have a 20 speed gearbox (super short first), or that's a very wide radius turn.
    Or you're in a ricer when the turbo kicks in.

    Presuming the wide radius turn, you should probably short shift first -- blip with first to get you off the line before turning, then quickly shift to second to power through the long curve.
     
  13. dakharris

    dakharris Two Time F1 World Champ

    Jun 7, 2001
    29,441
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    Cavaliere Senzatesta
    I'd say the answer is to buy a car with an automatic transmission.
     
  14. Sareve

    Sareve F1 Rookie

    Oct 23, 2007
    2,968
    Singapore/Melbourne
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    Daniel
    HAHAHA I found this hilarious!

    In all seriousness, either short shift near the beginning of the turn or let off the gas and drive through the turn without accelerating too hard and shift after you're through.
     
  15. dakharris

    dakharris Two Time F1 World Champ

    Jun 7, 2001
    29,441
    Sleepy Hollow
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    Cavaliere Senzatesta
    Or a car with a higher redline.
     

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