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Manual Downshifting question

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Old 10-20-2006, 02:25 PM
  #26  
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Originally Posted by Ninonemo
Is there a requirement to using heal and toe? A really small foot maybe? Because I find it hard to do it with my 10 1/2-sized running shoes.
It just takes a little practice. I wear 11's and don't have a prob. Its a bit awkward at first, as you have the rotate your right leg and hip. Also, its easier if you are braking hard. However, our pedals are ideal for heal-toe, compared to most cars.

You may try using the side of your foot more than your heal if your having trouble. Also, I have found personally that running shoes aren't the best driving shoes (thick soles and big tread blocks=not the most condusive to good pedal feel)

Last edited by Rhythmic; 10-20-2006 at 02:27 PM.
Old 10-20-2006, 02:29 PM
  #27  
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Originally Posted by fredw1
and never down shift when coming to a stop
?

And the engine doesn't take a beating in any of this...unless you're doing something stupid (what are you doing on your driveway?) or shifting into 1st/2nd on the highway.
Old 10-20-2006, 03:21 PM
  #28  
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Originally Posted by Rhythmic
You may try using the side of your foot more than your heel...
I've had to use the side of my foot on almost every car I've had. The exception was a 1953 Chevy, with a floor-mounted gas pedal that was a lot lower than the brake. My foot is about size 12.

I catch the side of the gas pedal with the side of my shoe, above the welt, rolling my foot to work the gas. I find the gas and the brake to be a little far apart on the 8. There's a DIY post that describes moving the gas pedal's foot pad over a little. Haven't tried that, and am not likely to: I'll just eat more and fatten my foot to help it reach.

Ken
Old 10-20-2006, 05:03 PM
  #29  
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Originally Posted by Rhythmic
It just takes a little practice. I wear 11's and don't have a prob. Its a bit awkward at first, as you have the rotate your right leg and hip. Also, its easier if you are braking hard. However, our pedals are ideal for heal-toe, compared to most cars.

You may try using the side of your foot more than your heal if your having trouble. Also, I have found personally that running shoes aren't the best driving shoes (thick soles and big tread blocks=not the most condusive to good pedal feel)
Oh yea, I haven't practiced it too many times since I got the car not long ago, but the few times that I've tried, my foot would hit the top and right side of the footwell, so I guess I'm kinda clumsy when I do it. I've never thought about using the side of my foot, so I guess I'll try that when I have the chance. Humm, the running shoes that I have aren't too outrageous, but I know what you mean, so hopefully I'll pick the right shoes next time I shop. Thanks for the advice!
Old 10-25-2006, 09:16 AM
  #30  
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http://www.renkucorp.com/garage/shifting.html
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