Downshift to engine brake in a 5AT...
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Joined: Jul 2005
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From: Houston, TX
Originally Posted by dcrobfukk
If you guys are so worried about wearing out your engine, then leave it in the garage. If you own a Z, and drive it like a little girl, then maybe trade it in for something a little more practical. Or just lease one. I drive a 5at. I downshift it. I beat the crap out of it, and I love it. It's a cheap sports car, not collecable, and I don't see the point of worrying. Most of these cars are still under warranty, so if it breaks, nissan can fix it. If you modified your z, and voided your warranty, then chances are, you bought this car to drive it, not whine about it on the forum. Get off the computer and go drive your damn Z! Drive it like a man.
Last edited by MeetJoeAsian; May 12, 2007 at 05:42 PM.
Originally Posted by MeetJoeAsian
it's not wearing out the engine that I'm worried about, it's knowing whether engine braking is recommended in an auto...
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 49
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From: Okinawa, Japan
Originally Posted by ISMSOLUTIONS
Manumatic is designed to be used, for the enthusiast, to have better control of the car, for all of the reasons you mentioned. It is VERY stressful on the engine, trans and differential to trans brake the car (downshifting to slow down). It is bad for an MT as well, but not AS bad.
The amount of sudden torque gain on the drivetrain will beat it up and heat it up more as well. Also, your suspension take a big load hit as well, so possible premature wear on bushings and components as well.
If you are going to do this, I would recommend your service intervals be as follows:
Oil - every 2500-3000 miles - religiously
Trans and diff - drain and refill every 15K, not 30K.
Now - with all that said - I do it all the time, and try not do...but likely 1/2 the time I do it as well.
Rick
The amount of sudden torque gain on the drivetrain will beat it up and heat it up more as well. Also, your suspension take a big load hit as well, so possible premature wear on bushings and components as well.
If you are going to do this, I would recommend your service intervals be as follows:
Oil - every 2500-3000 miles - religiously
Trans and diff - drain and refill every 15K, not 30K.
Now - with all that said - I do it all the time, and try not do...but likely 1/2 the time I do it as well.
Rick
Why would you wanna downshift in Auto anyway
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Joined: Apr 2007
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From: Okinawa, Japan
One time I was racing and downshifted instead of upshifting. Engine rpms prolly went through 10k and it screamed like crazy almost like hitting the brakes. Now that's harmful to engine(not even talking about tranny, lol)
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Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 41
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From: Florida
Originally Posted by NightRida
Thats gay, whoever did that!
I have an auto and have taken out quite a few respectable manual cars with the manumatic.
Then again, I do have an 07
Peace!
I have an auto and have taken out quite a few respectable manual cars with the manumatic.
Then again, I do have an 07
Peace!
Originally Posted by Seb-Specialty-Z
hi guys....
Rick, downshifting the 5AT like you would a 6 Speed will not hurt the engine\ trans much at all. Thats just being paranoid....... no pun intended.
I just picked up an 07 Enthusiast 5AT, love the "manumatic" and its rev match capabilities. I drive it just like I would if I had a manual. I really can't see it degrading it. Really, the failure of most automatics is due to overheating caused by slipping due to simply overpowering the trans, towing, failure to maintain the fluids clean, and not using an appropriate trans cooler.
First mod to be done on mine will be the addition of a B&M trans cooler w/ a built in-fan & auto switch. Keeping the stock cooler which runs into the radiator can be a problem for some making power/not changing fluid often because it can clog rather easily.
We'll be offering a "built" 5AT very soon, something like what we use in the Z32.
Rick, downshifting the 5AT like you would a 6 Speed will not hurt the engine\ trans much at all. Thats just being paranoid....... no pun intended.
I just picked up an 07 Enthusiast 5AT, love the "manumatic" and its rev match capabilities. I drive it just like I would if I had a manual. I really can't see it degrading it. Really, the failure of most automatics is due to overheating caused by slipping due to simply overpowering the trans, towing, failure to maintain the fluids clean, and not using an appropriate trans cooler.
First mod to be done on mine will be the addition of a B&M trans cooler w/ a built in-fan & auto switch. Keeping the stock cooler which runs into the radiator can be a problem for some making power/not changing fluid often because it can clog rather easily.
We'll be offering a "built" 5AT very soon, something like what we use in the Z32.
Originally Posted by Speeddemon69
Care to list these called "respectable" cars?
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Joined: Jul 2009
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From: Oregon
5at
When I use my 5at to downshift there is a big clunck in the rear (whenever the gears are between 2-3rd) and it takes so long to kicj in when up-shifting. I figured the up-shift is worthless, but i do love to use the downshift (wish I woulda got the 6mt) The question I have though is whats the sound a feeling comming from the rear during downshift, the differential? How can I best use the 5at without causeing damge ie. no gas while up shifting, or no brake during down shift. Wich is the best way to drive my damn Z.
I completely agree. The reason why downshifting to slow down, or engine braking is safer, is to have complete control of my car at all times. It's true it doesn't make sense why you would need to step on the gas while trying to make a complete stop, but not all accidents make sense, in fact I would argue that most accidents occur because someone made a nonsensical move. That is why I insist on having as much control of my car as possible. You never know who is on the road. I drive a 6MT by the way, and IMHO if I don't downshift while slowing down I feel like I have even less control of the car than if I drove a automatic. For in those crucial slip seconds before a collision, it is a lot easier to wait for the AT to shift during an emergency than to shift into the correct gear while trying not to slip the wheels in a MT.
