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The whole essence of driving a stick is smoothness. Notice pros when they down shift will blip the throttle (called heel & toe) to rev match the engine to the lower gear as they let the clutch out to engage the lower gear.
Engine braking is an integral part of driving a stick. It's done in a great variety of situations and probably no two drivers do it the same in every situation. That's the beauty of a stick, it lets you put your individual stamp on the driving experience.
I find that correct downshifting will allow you to feather in the clutch now and then in a gentle (engine with closed throttle) manner not possible when accelerating and that this will help keep the clutch surfaces smooth and "in tone".
I also feel a stick actually promotes safer driving because it forces you to keep your mind in the game, your situational awareness is higher as you plot your driving strategy.
Finally, proper downshifting is cheaper than putting unneeded stress on the cars braking. Rotors and pads will last a long time and I doubt you'll wear a clutch out even after 150,000 miles.
Last edited by ex_MGB; 04-25-2006 at 06:51 AM.
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