Manual Transmission Cars with Rev Matching
What is Rev Matching?
Rev matching is a technique used when downshifting in a manual transmission car. It involves matching the engine speed to the speed of the transmission, which helps to reduce driveline shock and make for a smoother downshift.
How Does Rev Matching Work?
When you downshift, the engine speed is typically higher than the speed of the transmission. This can cause the driveline to jerk as the transmission tries to catch up to the engine. Rev matching involves blipping the throttle (pressing the gas pedal quickly and then releasing it) to increase the engine speed and match it to the speed of the transmission. This makes for a smoother downshift.
Benefits of Rev Matching
- Smoother downshifts: Rev matching helps to reduce driveline shock and make for smoother downshifts.
- Reduced wear and tear: By reducing driveline shock, rev matching can help to extend the life of your transmission and other driveline components.
- Improved performance: Rev matching can help to improve acceleration and handling by reducing driveline lag.
How to Rev Match
Rev matching is a skill that takes practice to master. Here are some tips on how to do it:
- Start by practicing in a safe environment: Find an empty parking lot or quiet road where you can practice without having to worry about other traffic.
- Get a feel for your car: Every car is different, so it’s important to get a feel for how your car responds to rev matching.
- Start with slow downshifts: Once you have a feel for your car, start practicing with slow downshifts. This will help you to get the timing right.
- Increase the speed of your downshifts gradually: As you get more comfortable with rev matching, you can start to increase the speed of your downshifts.
Cars with Rev Matching
Some cars come with rev matching systems that can help to make downshifting smoother. These systems typically use sensors to detect when the driver is downshifting and automatically adjust the engine speed to match the speed of the transmission.
Here are some examples of cars with rev matching systems:
- Mazda MX-5 Miata
- Toyota 86
- Subaru BRZ
- Nissan 370Z
- Ford Mustang
Conclusion
Rev matching is a valuable skill that can help to improve the driving experience in a manual transmission car. It can make downshifts smoother, reduce wear and tear, and improve performance. If you’re looking for a car with rev matching, there are a number of great options on the market.