Gearchanging -- another approach

[supermono]

I don't think rev limiters had been invented when the classic texts were written but I've found a really effective way of getting the most out of an underpowered car (like a corsa or something, especially hire/loan cars) when pulling away is to select first gear and WOT, then let the clutch out fairly sharply but not to much to get a lot of wheelspin, and then to wait until the engine gets right up to the redline before dipping the clutch and quickly selecting second before letting the clutch back out sharply -- all without moving the accelerator.

You do this in each gear only releasing the accelerator when you've reached your desired road speed.

I don't suppose it's the last word in making the car last, but modern materials and all that. But it is really effective at getting the thing up to speed in as short a time as possible.

SM

[supermono]

GreenV8S said:

Works particularly well on rented turbo diesels, or so I'm told.

Not sure about diesels but their power characterists might not suit the method that well. Also the advantage of maintaining a fully open throttle in a petrol is that the flow of air isn't interrupted by the momentarily closed butterfly which doesn't apply to a diesel.

SM

[supermono]

Santa Claws said:

Your local garage must love you...

Not really -- I've never broken or worn anything out (zero worn out clutches for instance) in 20 years of driving apart from the clutch in my last 911 turbo which broke when <1/2 worn, but I certainly don't drive anything with a performance bias as described. That clutch was paid for by Porsche because they determined it was a manufacturing defect.

I've done a lot of bike racing too and have never had to spend anything more than routine maintenance and crash damage.

Although it sounds harsh, I don't think driving a low powered car in that fashion does much in the way of accelerated wear TBH, as long as it's properly maintained with fresh oil and is warmed up first. The rev limiter is set at a nice safe level.

SM

[supermono]

7db said:

Is someone did that in my car they'd be walking home. Probably looking for bits of the gearbox as they went.

Why? Do you have a TVR?

eta. Seriously I drove some corsa like this routinely for a few days and it was fine.

eta, Ahh just saw your car on the profile. Probably wouldn't harm it, but like I said, not for a car with a performance bias.

SM

Edited by supermono on Monday 3rd September 10:51

Edited by supermono on Monday 3rd September 10:53

[supermono]

Schnell said:

BIG DUNC said:

I drive like this in my Avis Megane all the time. Its got 40k on the clock now, and has not broken yet. In a few months time it will be someone elses problem.
I would not dream of giving any car I own this kind of abuse.

If anyone from Avis is reading, I do look after it really. The fact that the tyres & brakes are completely shot is just an unlucky co-incidence.......

Why would anyone openly admit that they drive like an idiot on the internet, let alone an advanced driving forum!

Errr because they have a sense of humour?

SM

[supermono]

Schnell said:

But it wasn't funny.

Anyway, isn't that what the P&P is for?

Sorry. I'll get my coat too. How unusual for a humourless stiff to be in the Advanced Driving brigade. Perhaps that's why it's so popular.

SM

[supermono]

Gromit37 said:

Maybe you could just...

My method works for me, and it's not for everyone I'll agree but it works very well when you have a vehicle that is reluctant to transition from slow->less slow such as a loan nissan micra or vauxhall corsa or indeed any car not belonging to you...

But as with all elements of advanced driving, one can take it or one can leave it.

SM

[supermono]

The clutch broke in my 911 turbo within 100 miles of its service.

SM