Need help with downshifting :(

  • Thread starter Thread starter LFAlltheway
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LFAlltheway

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Hey guys im new to GT5, just lvl7 on A-spec and started trying to use MT.
so basically my questions are:

When down shifting to take the turn, do i need to apply the brakes at the same time or just coast through it? Basically, how do I judge the amount of brakes to use and how much to rely on downshifting?

Also, how is it that manual is better or faster to get out of a corner than an automatic?

Thanks
 
Since you are just starting out, get your downshifting and braking done before you turn in.
 
Okay but how is it that when using manual, you will be able to get out of a corner faster and control your speed when entering?
 
LFAlltheway
Okay but how is it that when using manual, you will be able to get out of a corner faster and control your speed when entering?
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With a manual transmission you can select a gear that will have you in the proper rpm to take advantage of the engines power to get good acceleration out of a corner.

It can take a while to know what speed/gear combo works best... and of course tuning can help (or hurt if you don't know what you are doing).

I'll give you 2 simplistic examples: Lets say you have a turbocharged car that has its peak hp up high. As you come into the corner you can downshift to a gear that you have up in the rpm range as you get ready to exit the corner. Or, if you have a car that has the power drop off dramatically in the upper rpm range like the Cappacino, you can keep the car in a higher gear so that you can use the power in the lower end of the rpm range and shift sooner.

Hope this helped.
 
peterjford
With a manual transmission you can select a gear that will have you in the proper rpm to take advantage of the engines power to get good acceleration out of a corner.

It can take a while to know what speed/gear combo works best... and of course tuning can help (or hurt if you don't know what you are doing).

I'll give you 2 simplistic examples: Lets say you have a turbocharged car that has its peak hp up high. As you come into the corner you can downshift to a gear that you have up in the rpm range as you get ready to exit the corner. Or, if you have a car that has the power drop off dramatically in the upper rpm range like the Cappacino, you can keep the car in a higher gear so that you can use the power in the lower end of the rpm range and shift sooner.

Hope this helped.
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So basically what you are saying is that because you are down shifting, the RPM will still be high even though you hit the brakes for the turn. So this will make the car accelerate out of the turn faster than automatic right?
 
Yes and accelerating before a turn. you might be able to hold a gear a bit longer past red if u know a turn is coming up when the auto would shift into a gear for a millisecond before you slam the breaks.

It helps optimize your power to the track in all aspects
 
I'd use l2 r2 and accelerate n brake with the right toggle.
 
I use R2 to accelerate, L2 to brake, R1 to shift up, and L1 to shift down. Works perfect.
 
You'll want to brake just a tad bit later than normal for most corners. Just a little bit, though. However, some you'll want to treat like you used to. It all really depends. You'll figure out each corner as you go. From what I can tell, downshifting doesn't make a huge difference in GT5. If you downshift (as a means of braking) too far or early, be careful not to let your rear slip out. :)
 
Thanks for reply guys, helped me alot after i did some laps with manual trans. :)
 
The whole point of a manual is that you get to choose when and how to shift. Since you use a dual shock controller, the game shifts perfectly for you. Since you're racing... Keep the RPMs high.

In GT5, the benefit of using a manual is that you can cut down on the number of shifts made, and possibly gain some time or control by doing so. The AT mode keeps the RPMs are high as possible at all times. Well, it almost does, anyways. If when cornering your speed drops, you downshift into redline,and then right after you have to accelerate and upshift... It can lead to a time loss. But this is a rare issue.

MT is more for fun and style than anything else.
 
I suggest that you get some type of wheel so you can get better at down shifting. If you do I have give you some tips on bleeping the throttle. Though GT already bleeps the throttle for you when you down shift but you can slow down faster if you bleep it your self.
 
So ive been trying out MT and AT for comparison on lap times and the feel.

However, i consistently drive like 10 seconds faster than MT when im on auto...
I just cant get the right gear and speed for the turn and end up down shift

any tips guys?
 
Zuel
I suggest that you get some type of wheel so you can get better at down shifting. If you do I have give you some tips on bleeping the throttle. Though GT already bleeps the throttle for you when you down shift but you can slow down faster if you bleep it your self.
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Oh and im using DS3, no wheelie lols
 
Usually I'd brake first before downshifting to bring the revs low, really low. I do the downshifting late too. I dunno if it does help decrease braking distances but for me it does.

Don't follow me though if you haven't got the hang of manual yet.

I use a DS3 by the way, says in my signature. That way, I don't have to worry about bleeping the throttle.
 
LFAlltheway
Oh and im using DS3, no wheelie lols
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Ok that's another apple to deal with. I've been using the wheel since GT3 and it helped me with my real world racing. With the DS3 I couldn't even tell you how to master downshifting.
 
uMadson?
Usually I'd brake first before downshifting to bring the revs low, really low. I do the downshifting late too. I dunno if it does help decrease braking distances but for me it does.

Don't follow me though if you haven't got the hang of manual yet.

I use a DS3 by the way, says in my signature. That way, I don't have to worry about bleeping the throttle.
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Yeah isnt that how most people do it?
Like braking down to the indicated gear then downshifting.
But i dont really get how MT is faster than AT. Say i brake into corner then downshift into indicated gear, accelerate away. While using AT, it just feels like the same acceleration speed...

Oh man im clueless :sick:
 
How and when you downshift is relative to not only particular cars, their setup, but also driver preference. There's also situational variables, like outbraking an opponent or to help a car turn-in better mid-corner.
 
If you've played enough with AT it shouldn't be too hard to judge the braking, it's won't be a lot different with MT. While braking for the corner take a mental note of the gear you're in and decide if you are carrying enough to speed keep that gear or, if you've slowed down, what gear will suit the revs best on exit.

When I switched to MT I took some time to just drive, not race, around a few twisty tracks until I could gauge the shift for the particular car I was in.
 
LFAlltheway
So ive been trying out MT and AT for comparison on lap times and the feel.

However, i consistently drive like 10 seconds faster than MT when im on auto...
I just cant get the right gear and speed for the turn and end up down shift

any tips guys?
Click to expand...

Just practice, until shifting become a reflex.

I switched from AT to MT about 3 months ago. I still am not able to achieve faster laps using MT, but I'm getting closer. It's just a matter of time.
 
SmokingCones
Just practice, until shifting become a reflex.

I switched from AT to MT about 3 months ago. I still am not able to achieve faster laps using MT, but I'm getting closer. It's just a matter of time.
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Yeah takes a while doesnt? how many seconds you coming off from AT lap times when you are driving manual?

Just wanna know, Thanks
 
My lap times were 15 seconds off at the beginning, now it's about 2 seconds (on Nürburgring Nordschleife).
 
I brake, bleep and shift down all at the same time when entering my braking zone. I'll keep my foot on the brake while shifting and bleeping through the braking zone until I hit my turn in point. This form of braking will take you some time to master but it's worth it.
 
Zuel
I brake, bleep and shift down all at the same time when entering my braking zone. I'll keep my foot on the brake while shifting and bleeping through the braking zone until I hit my turn in point. This form of braking will take you some time to master but it's worth it.
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Bleeping?
 
Bleeping is tapping the throttle to get the RPM's just high enough to engine brake. It's matching car speed with engine speed. Engine braking and braking will slow you down greatly.
 
Well heres my progress.
So ive been praticing for roughly 3/4 hour now on MT with the nxs type r 02 on deep forest and here im getting 1.17.xxx consistently with my lap times.

Are the lap times alright for beginner MT driver, because i really wouldnt know since im only lvl 7 A-spec
 
Zuel
Bleeping is tapping the throttle to get the RPM's just high enough to engine brake. It's matching car speed with engine speed. Engine braking and braking will slow you down greatly.
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Hm, I've done that, I didn't know it had a name though.
 
Yes your on the right track just keep at it.
 
Keep on practicing on Time Trials using Manual. AFter sometime, You'll get the feel and reflex when racing against opponents online or AI.
My usual problems with MT is over-reving 2nd gear. I lose a couple of seconds coz of that.
 
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