What is a "heel-toe" downshift?

"Heel-toeing" is the commonly-used term for matching the speed of the engine to that of the transmission when downshifting.

For example, let's assume that you're in 4th gear at 3,500 RPM and going 60 MPH. Now you want to downshift to 3rd gear. 3rd gear at 60 MPH is probably about 4,500 or 5,000 RPM (these numbers are theoretical). Therefore, in order to make the shift as smooth as possible, you need to "blip" the throttle to 5,000+ RPM right before you engage the clutch in 3rd.

Done properly, this minimizes the weight transfer from the rear to the front of the vehicle since the shift is less abrupt, minimizes driveline strain, maximizes rear wheel grip since the tires don't get a sudden speed change, and minimizes wear on the clutch since the clutch and flywheel are spinning at closer to the same speed. Of course, the laws of physics still apply - don't try popping the clutch into 2nd at 90 MPH, even if the engine "will" rev to 15,000.

Heel-toe downshifting is a bit tricky to master, but once you've practiced for a while and got the hang of it, you'll never go back to "ordinary" downshifts. Proper shoes can make all the difference in the world when trying to learn this procedure - purpose-built driving shoes are best. The difficulty of a heel-toe downshift stems from the fact that your right foot is probably busy with the brake pedal at the time of the downshift (you were probably doing 80 MPH in 4th when you started braking and it wasn't until you got down to 60 MPH that you were ready to downshift). Since your left foot is operating the clutch and your right foot is operating the brake - you're out of feet! Therefore, your right foot must do double duty, with part of it used on the brake and part available to "blip" the throttle. This can be envisioned as having your toe on the brake pedal and your heel on the gas, thus the term "heel-toe." However, unless you're inordinately flexible or double-jointed in the ankle, it is more likely that you would use the ball of your foot on the right side of the brake pedal and then use the right arch of your foot on the gas, as you roll your foot downwards and to the right.

The sequence for a proper heel-toe downshift is as follows:

1. Apply the brake with the ball of your right foot.
2. Depress the clutch pedal with your left foot.
3. Place your hand on the gear lever.
4. Rotate your right foot counter-clockwise by pushing your heel away from you, then "blip" the throttle with the right edge of your right foot by rolling your foot down and to the right, while still applying even pressure to the brake pedal.
5. At the same as the throttle blip, move the gear selector into the lower gear.
6. Release the clutch pedal quickly.

• The entire sequence should happen quickly and assertively, but don't force the gearbox, as you may cause damage to your transmission.
• If you wait too long to re-engage the clutch following the "blip" and the gear change, the engine RPMs will drop too far below the target RPM for a smooth shift, and the car will lurch forward. To avoid this, make sure you're revving high enough, and releasing the clutch pedal quickly enough.
• Practice the "blip" portion of the procedure without the braking at first. Simply come off the gas to slow the car down a bit, then put in the clutch pedal, blip the throttle as you downshift, then quickly re-engage the clutch. This will help you learn the right amount of "blip" and help you with the timing. This is also a good procedure to use when you're cruising at low RPMs at want to downshift before accelerating.
• Intially, you will probably have trouble keeping even pressure on the brake pedal. Many drivers end up applying too much pressure to the brake pedal as they "blip." Make sure you practice this when you're not being closely followed.
• Make sure you let out the clutch pedal quickly and completely at the end of the sequence. You can "cheat" by letting it out slowly, but this causes more wear on the clutch and can somewhat cover up the fact that you didn't time the RPMs just right on the downshift.
• Don't feel bad if it takes you a while to get the hang of it. After repeated practice, you'll be downshifting like a pro!

  Contributions to this FAQ by: Jeff Littrell, Steve Jenkins

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