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Discussion in 'Ferrari Discussion (not model specific)' started by JLocke, Jun 3, 2005.

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  1. JLocke

    JLocke Karting

    May 26, 2005
    53
    Montgomery, Alabama
    #1 JLocke, Jun 3, 2005
    My idea of driving these wonderful cars (that is, when I finally settle on one) will very likely be that of how I drive my Boxster: conservatively.

    The salesman who rode with me when I test-drove a F355 commented (somewhat relieved, I think) that I "was kind to the car." Same comment when I test-drove a Maserati Spyder. Hmmm.

    I just felt awful when I read the news herein of the two fellows who were killed in the Carrera GT yesterday. Terribly sad. Reminds me of a close friend who died skydiving many years ago. He was a great friend and we shared many jumps together. When he died he was married and with a small son. Just horrible.

    Having said that, I would certainly endeavor to drive my Ferrari on the track. I really don't care to compare lap times with guys (although I know I will); rather, I see the track as a way to really enjoy the car without the threat of a child on a bicycle or a deer darting out in front of you. I am enjoying life a lot, owning such a fine car would only add to that enjoyment, and I really want to be around for a long time. Shaving a few seconds off a lap time is not worth the risk to me. (This is not a commentary on the recent deaths. It is admitting my comfort with my own limitations.).

    To illustrate how slow I can go, can I get a comment or two on a particular down-shifting technique?

    When I drive I don't heel-and-toe in the traditional way. That is, I don't blip the throttle while braking to rev-match when downshifting. No, I use a slower method! I depress the clutch, shift to the desired lower gear, and then press the gas pedal while letting off the clutch slowly so there's no lurching or grabbing as the gear engages. Sounds slow, huh? Well, I think it's kind to the engine and clutch.

    That should provide some insight into this conservative driver's method of enjoying my car. And it'll probably carry over to the Ferrari as well. Any thoughts? Criticisms? Suggestions?
     
  2. 911Fan

    911Fan Formula 3

    Apr 15, 2004
    1,294
    Southern California
    #2 911Fan, Jun 4, 2005
    You're putting undue stress and wear on your clutch with that technique. The principle behind rev matching is simple -- you want to get the engine to the precise RPM it needs to be for the next gear before letting the clutch out. That way you are not forcing the clutch to slip because of different RPMs at each side.

    You'll never get the match exactly right (unless you have help from a microprocessor) but to the extent you can reduce the difference of RPMs, you'll extend clutch life and improve the vehicle's balance. The usual advice is to treat the clutch like a switch -- in or out -- with minimum time spent in the transitions. You can really only do that if you rev match.
     
  3. JLocke

    JLocke Karting

    May 26, 2005
    53
    Montgomery, Alabama
    #3 JLocke, Jun 4, 2005
    First, thanks 911Fan for your reply. You prompted me to start looking around the 'net for more information and I came across the following article that really explains a lot.

    It goes into the basics, describes what's going on in the gearbox, provides exercises for learning, etc., etc. I hope it will be helpful to others here on FC. ('course, most of you guys already know this stuff and it's automatic to you...).

    http://www.waycoolinc.com/z3/essentials/fixit/heeltoe/shifting.htm
     

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