What's Best? Downshifting or coasting in neutral and using brakes?

[jimberg]

Hey guys, my project is done so I may now participate once again.

I guess the easy answer that I would give is to not ever put your car in neutral because of the difficulty of having to shift back into gear in the case of an emergency as Chris suggested.

As far as it adding more wear on the clutch, I would say that it doesn't since you HAVE to shift into another gear at some point when slowing down, so why not do it to engine brake.

As far as stresses on the engine go, engine braking in a Mustang couldn't possibly be more stressful than the amount of torque we apply when accelerating. Think about how long it would take to stop by only downshifting from 120 mph vs accelerating to 120 mph.

The problem with engine braking is that the person directly behind you doesn't see brake lights. The benefit is that the cop in front of you doesn't see your nose dive AND the people farther behind you don't see brake lights. I can't stand it when people are constantly tapping their brakes in heavy traffic. It only adds to the congestion.

I don't think I would ever just engine brake coming to a stop. I usually just brake, press in the clutch, and downshift based on what speed I'm traveling at. I always like to be in a gear that I can accelerate. I never shift to first unless I'm at a complete stop.

Mr. 5.0. is absolutely correct that you shouldn't just downshift without matching engine speed.

For automatic tranny people, it is best to leave your tranny in gear and not shift to neutral when sitting at a light.

There, have at me.