down shifting

If the clutch is releasing clean, here's what you should be able to do............

In the past, I've ACCIDENTLY shifted from 4th to 1st at highway speed. Now I did get it into gear, and realized before I completely engaged the clutch, so no, I didn't over-rev the engine

So to be crystal clear here's what I'm referring to

Let's say you are running 70-75 with a "normal" geared car, 3.5 or so rear axle. You put in the clutch, you leave the throttle alone, you should be able to stuff it right into 1st

HERE IS WHY you don't want to do that...........with the car going that speed, and even with the clutch "in" (to the floor) that clutch disc is gonna be spinning at a VERY high RPM

Let's "just say" in my old RR, 70 mph was close to 3K RPM in 4th. With a 4 speed, say, 2.47 1st gear, this means the disc will be spinning at 2.47 X 3000, or 7400 RPM

My point, though, is this...........

IF the clutch is releasing "clean"

and IF the gearbox and syncros is in good shape, it SHOULD go into gear. "It might" take a little more "push" on the shift lever to do so, but it should not grind