Block changing
Discussion
Was there a time when car instructors routinely taught 'down through the gears' instead of block changing?
I've heard about middle aged drivers being discombobulated during advanced training when concept of block changing was introduced, but I learnt in the late 70s and I don't remember ever being expected to go down through the gears.
I've heard about middle aged drivers being discombobulated during advanced training when concept of block changing was introduced, but I learnt in the late 70s and I don't remember ever being expected to go down through the gears.
Mopar440 said:
Why do they call it "block" changing? Where's the block?
Because you change several gears in one block. At least - that's what I've been told.I block change all the time. 2 to 4. 4 to 2. 4 to 1 sometimes!
There are a couple of corners where it can be used on track. At Thruxton when you are coming out of the super-fast section (through Church) and heading for the chicane by the grandstand I change from 5th to 3rd (with a whacking throttle blip). Brilliant fun.
Don said:
Mopar440 said:
Why do they call it "block" changing? Where's the block?
Because you change several gears in one block. At least - that's what I've been told.I block change all the time. 2 to 4. 4 to 2. 4 to 1 sometimes!
There are a couple of corners where it can be used on track. At Thruxton when you are coming out of the super-fast section (through Church) and heading for the chicane by the grandstand I change from 5th to 3rd (with a whacking throttle blip). Brilliant fun.
davepoth said:
Such a big shift has to be a bit iffy for stability and reliability, surely? It wouldn't take too much (for me!) to mess it up...
Well you certainly need to match engine revs to road speed with heel and toe. In my car I went about learning the rev differences between each gear when I first got it so I know exactly how much blip to give the throttle.Yes you could get it wrong - and that could be bad - so don't get it wrong!
Ed Moses said:
I agree, when I passed my test in 1995 using the gears was the way.
Regards,
Ed
when i learnt for cat b in 94/95 block changing was the way that was taught both up where appropriate and as standard coming back down the box.Regards,
Ed
when i first did midas in 98 i was told that block changing down was acceptable in D1 vehicles and if you got one of the then new higher powered D1 vehicxles blocks up were also acceptable ( rather hard to put into practice in the vehicle used for the training though a aspriated Mk1 Master)
davepoth said:
Don said:
Mopar440 said:
Why do they call it "block" changing? Where's the block?
Because you change several gears in one block. At least - that's what I've been told.I block change all the time. 2 to 4. 4 to 2. 4 to 1 sometimes!
There are a couple of corners where it can be used on track. At Thruxton when you are coming out of the super-fast section (through Church) and heading for the chicane by the grandstand I change from 5th to 3rd (with a whacking throttle blip). Brilliant fun.
R0G said:
I often do 4 to 1 and its dead easy
40 mph road in 4th then needing 1st for a set of red lights = slow on brakes from 40 to 10 then engage 1st about 6 car lengths from lights and roll up towards lights in 1st with no accelerator use - hoping lights will change before I have to stop
You're limiting your options with this approach by taking 1st.40 mph road in 4th then needing 1st for a set of red lights = slow on brakes from 40 to 10 then engage 1st about 6 car lengths from lights and roll up towards lights in 1st with no accelerator use - hoping lights will change before I have to stop
It's better to roll towards the lights in 4th, press the clutch when the revs drop to tickover speed, then either come to a stop, or if the lights change, come off the brakes and take the most appropriate gear, which might be 1st, 2nd or 3rd.
Remember - gear choice is entirely dependent on your speed, so if you commit to a gear too early, you might need to change gear again (I know - the horror!).
R_U_LOCAL said:
You're limiting your options with this approach by taking 1st.
It's better to roll towards the lights in 4th, press the clutch when the revs drop to tickover speed, then either come to a stop, or if the lights change, come off the brakes and take the most appropriate gear, which might be 1st, 2nd or 3rd.
Remember - gear choice is entirely dependent on your speed, so if you commit to a gear too early, you might need to change gear again (I know - the horror!).
Not limiting options but making a choice to slowly roll up to them or the queue - try itIt's better to roll towards the lights in 4th, press the clutch when the revs drop to tickover speed, then either come to a stop, or if the lights change, come off the brakes and take the most appropriate gear, which might be 1st, 2nd or 3rd.
Remember - gear choice is entirely dependent on your speed, so if you commit to a gear too early, you might need to change gear again (I know - the horror!).
mph1977 said:
I agree with reg
So do I, but the important thing is to roll slowly over the induction loops to trip the lights in your favour. If they are being a bit slow bob up and down in your seat a bit and they will change quicker. If you have kids in the car get them to do it too, try it, it works.7mike said:
mph1977 said:
I agree with reg
So do I, but the important thing is to roll slowly over the induction loops to trip the lights in your favour. If they are being a bit slow bob up and down in your seat a bit and they will change quicker. If you have kids in the car get them to do it too, try it, it works.steel framed bikes will set the induction loops off
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