try the cobb shortshifter

 

Does it tell you when to downshift? If not, this doesn't really help out the OP.

To the OP, I always downshift around 3500rpm when I'm on the highway, but in residential zones, I listen to the sound of my exhaust and try to keep it quiet... which means I'm downshifting around 2200rpm.

 

^^^ Thanks

 

Honestly, there is no certain RPM because you could be downshifting at any speed. So, go by feel. I've been driving a manual since I got my license (now 21). Going by feel, you will notice where to downshift at. Just doing it everyday you'll figure it out.

 

For DD do you guys even need to downshift?

 

Generally not. You might find yourself wanting to engine break more in the winter, specially in Minnesota. But on a daily basis, I generally just pull it out of gear and coast when I'm coming to a stop, or slowing down. Then put it back in to the appropreate gear when I need to get going.

 

I do this as well in some situations, but my preference is to downshift whenever possible. I've been downshifting less than I used to since I've upgraded the clutch, due to the fact that the downshift is more harsh than it was with the OEM clutch. Whether or not you downshift during your normal driving is very much based on your personal preference.

 

That's impossible when you're heel toeing

 

This.

In my case, I downshift more often than I coast out of gear to avoid hearing the Brembos screech!

Most roads here are very flat anyhow so there's not much neutral coasting I can do :\

 

lol@uscbryan