Question!

Hey, does anyone know if or why it is bad to downshift into first? I'm talking about downshifting into first at around 5-8 km/h. Its much easier to come to a stop and start up again when you don't have to stop and then shift into first. Hopefully someone can help me with this ;).

you'll know if your motor doesn't like it...

it's not a bad thing, and actually a necessity at times when on really tight road courses... (racing)

it's something you can do, but not necessary... just know the limit and don't do it too fast, b/c you can over rev your motor...

Yea, I would only downshift into first below 10 km/h. There is a bit of resistance trying to put it into first, but its not too bad. Thanks for the information.

I don't see why there'd be a problem - I do all the time, just make sure you pass it through second gear first (unless you want the hear the gearbox really scream!) The only problem I can think of is that some older cheapo cars have a "crashing" first gear requiring a double de-clutch.

my integra wont let me put it into first if im going faster than 5mph.. i can SHOVE it in really hard if i want to hear a nasty grind but i never do that....

do you rev match before actually engaging first?

Try double clutching to see if that helps, your syncros might be worn. Also some cars are set up to keep you from shifting into first until you come to a dead stop.

Thanks everyone. I think polygon is right, I think my car was just designed to keep from downshifting into first. Although I can downshift at around 5km/h without much effort.