Question!

[90CorollaSR5]

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 .

[flylwsi]

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...

[90CorollaSR5]

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.

[2strokebloke]

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.

[90gs]

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....

[fatninja19]

do you rev match before actually engaging first?

[Polygon]

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.

[90CorollaSR5]

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.