Potentially stupid question, Is skipping gears ok? | FerrariChat

Potentially stupid question, Is skipping gears ok?

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by Threeofnine, Jun 20, 2022.

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  1. Threeofnine

    Threeofnine Formula Junior
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    Dec 11, 2020
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    Jarrod Heath
    I have a Testarossa. A lot of times when driving I will upshift from 1st to 3rd to 5th. Is there any reason I shouldn’t do this? The reason I ask is I was told this will stress the gearbox (by someone with questionable automotive knowledge).
     
  2. Steve Magnusson

    Steve Magnusson Two Time F1 World Champ
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    Jan 11, 2001
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    Is there any reason you should?
     
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  3. francisn

    francisn Formula 3

    Apr 18, 2004
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    I do it frequently on my 308GT4 though normally just 3rd to 5th. Will do no harm and saves fuel.
     
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  4. Threeofnine

    Threeofnine Formula Junior
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    On level roadways I just feel it’s smoother. I also thought it might be easier on the clutch.
     
  5. colorfull

    colorfull Formula 3
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    I've been skipping gears for 40 years, makes perfect sense much of the time.

    All that matters is that the engine and trans are meshing smoothly and your clutch release is on point when you go into gear

    If you're stressing the gearbox, it would be because you're not shifting smoothly, not because you're skipping.

    You can hit every single gear and still do a terrible job if your rpm, speed, acceleration or deceleration aren't blending smoothly.

    This is why the RPM gauge is in the center
     
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  6. Llenroc

    Llenroc F1 Rookie
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    Let me get this straight your skipping gears in a Ferrari; is that an oxymoron? maybe it’s time for an electric car for you guys:p:D:D
     
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  7. Threeofnine

    Threeofnine Formula Junior
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    Actually this is my first gasoline powered car in years (and first manual car in 20 years). I’ve been exclusively driving Teslas for the last 10 years. Luckily I still remembered how to pump gas, I hadn’t done it in over 5 years before I took delivery of the TR :D
     
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  8. colorfull

    colorfull Formula 3
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    Not 'skipping gears', putting it in the apt gear for the particular situation

    If you are getting on a highway, you don't have to go through 6 gears to get to 70mph in an F430, for example.
     
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  9. Edward 96GTS

    Edward 96GTS F1 Veteran
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    Nov 1, 2003
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    1st to 3rd is very common until gearbox warms up.
     
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  10. Llenroc

    Llenroc F1 Rookie
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    I should have known there was more to this than skipping gears, lol. May I pass along some advice? STOP IT:eek::D from now on shift all the gears and listen carefully to the noises you here, man up and be a car guy. ;):D:D
     
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  11. Llenroc

    Llenroc F1 Rookie
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    #11 Llenroc, Jun 20, 2022
    Last edited: Jun 20, 2022
    Yes you do, what’s the matter with you guys. You may not need to go to 6th in this situation but you shouldn’t be skipping gears to get to 70 you need to enjoy the car. These cars are not the family truckster; and are not to be treated as they were.:p:)
     
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  12. tazandjan

    tazandjan Three Time F1 World Champ
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    Jul 19, 2008
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    Jarrod- It will not hurt anything. Lots of us have driven cars with only 3 manual gears and they worked fine.
     
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  13. craze

    craze Formula 3

    Mar 5, 2021
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    its fine
     
  14. spaghetti_jet

    spaghetti_jet Formula Junior

    Jan 5, 2005
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    Anyone who has mastered a manual gearbox knows when it's time to skip a gear or to use all the gears, especially in a car with close ratios. It does no harm whatsoever to an old school manual like a Testarossa.
     
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  15. Ferrarium

    Ferrarium F1 Veteran
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    Jul 28, 2018
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    I mean don't go into third from first at 10 mph and lug the motor perhaps, but other than that if the speed and rpm is right you can skip. They are not sequential boxes there IS overlap between gears. Of course it's fine, this is absurd some of the responses.

    Sent using FerrariChat.com mobile app
     
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  16. spirot

    spirot F1 World Champ

    Dec 12, 2005
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    So those that have a manual gearbox Ferrari - especially from 1990 and before, know that 1st - 3rd is the usual practice until the gearbox oil is warm. Shifting to 2nd and forcing it in older boxes can damage the gear and synchros. this is common practice. unless you are going up a very steep hill, from cold, skipping gears is fine.
     
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  17. Ferrari Tech

    Ferrari Tech Formula 3

    Mar 5, 2010
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    Wade Williams
    I drive a lot of different Ferraris and I skip gears frequently in traffic situations. However, when the road is open, I do love the sound of all the gears. Sadly, sometimes there just isn't anywhere to go so you putter along with the crowd.
     
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