Do you use rev matching for track?

[leroychickencurry]

For track/roadcourse driving, do you guys use the rev-matching feature or not?

I feel like having rev-matching allows me to focus more on braking and turning and it wears the clutch less.

However, can manual blipping be faster than rev-matching when doing track driving? Have any of ya'll ran the same track with rev-matching on and off and compared the times? The reason I think it could be faster is because you can add revs as soon as you are clutching in, which could be a few moments sooner than when rev-matching adds revs (when you downshift).

They are both enjoyable to me as rev-matching lets me downshift faster (because I'm not that good at shifting yet) and focus on driving. But doing my own downshift blips can also be satisfying if I get it right. If I am chasing track times, should I keep it on or off?

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[sakman84]

Rev match feature is computer consistent, whereas you are only human consistent. I would not focus on the times so much, its the consistency that is key. The reality is you are likely to make a mistake during a downshift where the computer gets it right every time. The rev match feature is plenty quick, it is not slow about it at all. We are all bound to make a mistake one time or another, that can be as benign as blowing a good lap time or as serious as mechanical damage due to improper downshift, rev match helps mitigate this.

My favorite track out here is Willow Springs, a highspeed unforgiving course. I personally witnessed an older GT 500 cartwheel end over end coming off the last corner. With the rev match on you can focus on the turns and hitting your apexes and braking zones, and to me that leads to a faster lap.

I fell you, hitting a perfect downshift is one of the most satisfying feelings and rewards for driving a manual, but I'd rather get that outside the track environment and enjoy improve the other aspects of my driving during track days.

 

[13GetThere]

Rev match lets me know when I missed a gear. Doh!

 

[boB]

From Car and Driver Lightning Lap 2022; ref Mach 1: "Enthusiasts might scoff at the rev-matching software (which can be turned off), but VIR is so demanding that having just a bit less to do and more foot on the brake pedal makes it a welcome feature. "

In other words, yes. ;)

 

[adeuel]

Here's my take. Lap times don't matter. There's a reason F1 is all paddles now.

I love track downshifting, as mentioned. Very satisfying.
I've never money-shifted an engine, but with enough seat time, it will probably come someday.

I leave the rev-matching on as a backup.
I still heel-toe, but if I'm off, or if I someday grab the wrong gear, it may save me an expensive mistake.

Now, the no-lift-shift feature is a different story. I originally scoffed at it as a street-racers novelty.
It is probably my favorite feature on track.
Definitely doesn't upset the balance of the car nearly as much as a regular shift.
Pretty slick.

 

[767.mph]

Turned that off as soon as I took delivery. Veteran Heel/Toe user here. Plus it’s a skill that has its own level of mastery that makes it engaging to use quickly on track. Just like any other sport and techniques, this is one that makes driving fun and challenging to execute perfectly.

 

[stannypack]

I leave the rev-matching on as a backup.
I still heel-toe, but if I'm off, or if I someday grab the wrong gear, it may save me an expensive mistake.

I'm a noob, how does autorevmatch help "save" you if you money shift?

 

[Ewheels]

Rev match is great for those who are terrible at heel-toe downshifting, like myself. I thought I had the hang of it on the street but after I got a few track days in, I realized how demanding of your attention it is and anything to lighten the load is greatly appreciated.
I tried heel-toe on track for the longest time and could never get it quite right.

I don't have OEM rev match since my car is pre-2019 but I've added an Xineering unit which does essentially the same thing.....soooo glad I added it.

In my opinion, a manual trans with rev match is the greatest transmission combo available. Auto trans are plagued with heat issues, DCT's also have heat issues and are much more expensive, and aftermarket sequentials can cost as much as the car itself.
Manuals generally have no heat issues, are cheap and reliable, easy to work on, and now with rev match, they sort of bridge the gap between a true manual and a DCT.

 

[boB]

I could invest a lot of time to improve my heel/toe but it can only be practiced properly on a track: heavy braking; high speeds; high rpm. If we practice on the street we will not get good at using it under track conditions and we will add to the "Mustang drivers are all crazy" tally.

 

[K4fxd]

Ronnie Sox was the best at no lift shifting.

I learned to shift on farm and road tractors I don't like anything interferring with it.

 

[adeuel]

I'm a noob, how does autorevmatch help "save" you if you money shift?

The rev match function matches the rpms as soon as you touch the gear, but aren't actually engaged, giving you enough time to realize you went from 5-2, instead of 5-4 because you'll hear it rev much higher than you expected.
Try it on your own. As soon as you lightly start to engage the lower gear, the revs increase for whatever gear you're touching. Without even slipping it in or releasing the clutch.

 

[stannypack]

The rev match function matches the rpms as soon as you touch the gear, but aren't actually engaged, giving you enough time to realize you went from 5-2, instead of 5-4 because you'll hear it rev much higher than you expected.
Try it on your own. As soon as you lightly start to engage the lower gear, the revs increase for whatever gear you're touching. Without even slipping it in or releasing the clutch.

Ah that makes sense. And yep it's so nice to use in the city, I only turn it off on the highway.

 

[Howitzer]

In my experience, those who talk down on rev match or really any of the obnoxiously diehard "manual only" people really just put around on the street and have zero performance driving knowledge.

I was one of those "manual only" folks before I started driving on track. After I got a few track days in, I realized how demanding of your attention it is and anything to lighten the load is greatly appreciated.
I tried heel-toe for the longest time and could never get it quite right.

I don't have OEM rev match since my car is pre-2019 but I've added an Xineering unit which does essentially the same thing.....soooo glad I added it.

In my opinion, a manual trans with rev match is the greatest transmission combo available. Auto trans are plagued with heat issues, DCT's also have heat issues and are much more expensive, and aftermarket sequentials can cost as much as the car itself.
Manuals generally have no heat issues, are cheap and reliable, easy to work on, and now with rev match, they sort of bridge the gap between a true manual and a DCT.

Yep - No Mach1 or rev match transmission here, but I use an AutoBlip module (similar in function to the Xineering) and love the "auto blips". I can't heel-toe worth crap and this helps me keep the car stable on downshifts, less wear and tear (from improper downshifts) and I can focus more on my braking.

Now since this thread asked about speed...I can't speak to the rev matching available in the newer cars, but the amount of rev and delay when throttle is applied for the rev, can be changed with these aftermarket modules so you can adjust to how you shift. There's no way I could be faster or more consistent than these (and that's if I could heel-toe well to begin with).

 

[767.mph]

In my experience, those who talk down on rev match or really any of the obnoxiously diehard "manual only" people really just put around on the street and have zero performance driving knowledge.

I tried heel-toe for the longest time and could never get it quite right.

Careful Amigo. This is all personal preference. If you can’t get it and don’t want to work on it, then cool rev-match. But if you want to work on skill that goes with manual driving, then keep working it. This is why I have it off. Once you have worked your skill it will become second nature. Also helps to modify your gas pedal to be closer to brake and it’s fantastic! Ford Perf school currently teaches heel/toe and is strict on this and there is not a rev-match as part of the cars used. (Talking race school, not the Mach-1 day we got).
Try and use both.

Agreed if you want the fastest shift: 10-speed auto. Period (which is why drag racers prefer this)
So it’s all personal preference. Try both. You do you. No judging. Just glad when people actually hit the track!

 

[WV millwright]

When you have a size 14EE foot, heel toe shifting is a little harder. Lol. The room for 2 boats in the floor well is limited. .

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