Honda Car Forum

As far as downshifting to let your engine slow the car, I would normally say
don't. Only time I would do it is if I'm going down a long steep hill, and
wanted to use the engine to slow it a bit. Either that or in an emergency.
Otherwise it's a matter of cost. Cheaper to throw on new brake pads than
replacing a clutch.

My .03 cents (penny added due to inflation).
-Dave



"Johnmichael Monteith" <monty@sanitypages.com> wrote in message
news:2AXJb.57050$xX.315350@attbi_s02...
> You would get a wide-range of opinions on the acceleration. My opinion
when
> it comes to Honda's is that use moderation in all things, including
> moderation. They make these cars to go to the redline, so taking
advantage
> of that regularly is not a bad thing. That said, don't abuse it - just
take
> advantage of the full spectrum of the RPM range semi-regularly.
>
> As for down-shifting, the only 'advantage' is on your brakes. If you
never
> down-shift, you probably will wear down the breaks 10-30% faster
> (guestimate). That said, if you are ever going down long stretches of
> down-hill (more than a mile), you should definitely down-shift or the
breaks
> could get dangerously hot and sieze up (this is true on any vehicle).
>
> --Monty
>
>
> "LovingPerson" <saylo1234@aol.com> wrote in message
> news:fed77941.0401040734.f2188ae@posting.google.co m...
> > Thanks TWW and Johnmichael Monte:
> >
> > I suspect that you are correct. I may well end up keeping the
> > Lude and just enjoy it, esp. if I don't find a good 5th gen. for a
> > price and quality that would persuade me to buy one. I am in a great
> > situation. I am not in a hurry to buy a lude. I have no need to buy
> > one. This makes me a strong buyer that won't be taken for a bad deal.
> >
> > It was the same situation with my current lude. I didn't even
> > expect to buy it. I just woke up one morning and went to the lemon
> > lot on base and saw it. The price was unbelievable ($3200!). That
> > was the reason I bought the lude. My next lude would have to be just
> > as a good deal if not better before I'd shell out the money.
> > Otherwise, I am content and totally loving the 4th gen!
> >
> > One thing you both mentioned was to take care of the current '95.
> > I knwo I am due for a timing belt.
> >
> > You also mentioned that the car can take being driven like a
> > sports car, but not abused. I would like to tell you how I drive and
> > you tell me if you think I am driving it hard or I am abusing it. I
> > don't want to abuse it, but at the same time, I want to drive it like
> > it is a sports car. Otherwise, there is no reason to carry the 160
> > horses under the hood.
> >
> > What I do is (not all the time), if I am at the stop light as the
> > first car, I like to punch it and accelerate up to about 45 and keep
> > it there. Sometimes it is done so hard that I the front tire
> > screeches. I've even had the second gear screech the tires as I
> > shifted from first to second (must have been really hard on the
> > pedal). I don't ever red line. I maybe take it to 5000 or 6000.
> > Occassionally maybe 6500. But I always shift gears before redliine.
> > Does that sound ok? I mean I do floor the pedal, but I do not red
> > line.
> >
> > On the freeways, if I want to pass a car, I will floor it (even in
> > fifth gear). I can be going 3500 rmp in fifth and just floor it and
> > wait for the car to come into the power band. I do it this way,
> > because I am lazy and also, I don't know if downshifting would
> > red-line it.
> >
> > The other thing is about slowing down: I currently don't
> > downshift and use the engine to slow down. I just put the car in
> > neutral and use brakes. Should I be using the engine to slow down?
> > What is the verdict? Is it bad for the clutch/engine to use the
> > engine to slow down? One guy actually said that it is really BETTER
> > to use the engine to slow down. Please give me a verdict on this
> > matter. I will do whatever is better for the engine/clutch. I am not
> > opposed to downshifting to slow the car down.
> >
> > thank you all for the inputs in advance.
> >
> > sincerley, HondaPreludeSiMan
> >
> >
> > "Johnmichael Monteith" <monty@sanitypages.com> wrote in message
> news:<DVLJb.215108$8y1.776273@attbi_s52>...
> > > Closest thing is the Acura TSX. Yes, it is four doors (the European
> > > Accord), but it is essentially a four door Prelude. The size is
> similar,
> > > the engine is almost identical, and the speed / handling is remarkably
> > > similar. Basically the two extra doors and an extra gear are the only
> > > differences. When I test drove a TSX I was shocked at how similar it
> was to
> > > the 5th gen type S.
> > >
> > > BTW - the 97 was the first year of the 5th gen ludes.
> > >
> > > Enjoy your 95. The 4th gen is excellent, as well, and I suspect you
> will
> > > get many miles on it.
> > >
> > > --Monty
> > >
> > > Visit the last oasis of sanity in Cyberspace:
> > > www.sanitypages.com
> > >
> > >
> > > "LovingPerson" <saylo1234@aol.com> wrote in message
> > > news:fed77941.0401011210.3fc34866@posting.google.c om...
> > > > Dear all:
> > > >
> > > > I am becoming a big fan of the Prelude since I purchased it
last
> > > > Saturday (about 4 days or 5 days agon). The deal just fell in my
lap
> > > > and I just knew I had to get it.
> > > >
> > > > It is a 95, so it is generation four. I have been reading up
on
> > > > the Preludes. It seems that the 96 and newer are the fifth
generation
> > > > and have a V-tech technology as standard (correct if I am wrong. I
> > > > only saw one web site make this reference that they are standard).
> > > >
> > > > I am sitting here thinking that is just a shame that Honda no
> > > > longer makes the Prelude. What would be an equivalent to the fifth
> > > > generation Ludes? I know it isn't the S-2000. The Lude is a sport
> > > > coup and the S-2000 is a convertible. I don't like convertibles
> > > > because I think that to make them rigid enough in terms of the
chasis
> > > > and the frame, the car has to be more weighty than in a coup.
> > > >
> > > > So, what is the equivalent of the Lude? Is there even such a
> > > > thing? Any input or opinion will be appreciated, as I really love
the
> > > > Lude that I got and want to learn more about them and about the
class
> > > > itself (ie the sports coup class).
> > > >
> > > > sicnerley, LovingPerson.
>
>

On 4 Jan 2004 07:34:10 -0800, saylo1234@aol.com (LovingPerson) wrote:

> The other thing is about slowing down: I currently don't
>downshift and use the engine to slow down. I just put the car in
>neutral and use brakes. Should I be using the engine to slow down?
>What is the verdict? Is it bad for the clutch/engine to use the
>engine to slow down? One guy actually said that it is really BETTER
>to use the engine to slow down. Please give me a verdict on this
>matter. I will do whatever is better for the engine/clutch. I am not
>opposed to downshifting to slow the car down.

When the car is moving, you should always be in gear with the clutch out,
finally dipping the clutch as you come to a standstill. Whether you use
the gear to slow you down or not is a choice. If you coast, either in
neutral or with the clutch in, for a distance more than the length of the
car, it would fail you a driving test in any test worth the name... because
it's considered a dangerous practice.

Personally I use the gear to slow down somewhat - IOW I don't rev the thing
up to near red line on the way down the box but it is good driving practice
to always be in a gear such that you could re-accelerate smoothly from
slowing down, without having to go select a gear.

Rgds, George Macdonald

"Just because they're paranoid doesn't mean you're not psychotic" - Who, me??

The main benefit of engine braking is not about saving brake wear, it's about cooling the pistons and rings.
High vacuum developed during engine braking draws more oil pass the rings. This cool and clean the rings and
piston. One drawback is that you have to add a bit of oil between oil change.

LovingPerson wrote:
The other thing is about slowing down: I currently don't

> downshift and use the engine to slow down. I just put the car in
> neutral and use brakes. Should I be using the engine to slow down?
> What is the verdict? Is it bad for the clutch/engine to use the
> engine to slow down? One guy actually said that it is really BETTER
> to use the engine to slow down. Please give me a verdict on this
> matter. I will do whatever is better for the engine/clutch. I am not
> opposed to downshifting to slow the car down.
>
> thank you all for the inputs in advance.
>
> sincerley, HondaPreludeSiMan

On Mon, 05 Jan 2004 03:05:39 -0800, Sean Dinh <seannydinh@znet.com>
wrote:

>The main benefit of engine braking is not about saving brake wear, it's about cooling the pistons and rings.
>High vacuum developed during engine braking draws more oil pass the rings. This cool and clean the rings and
>piston. One drawback is that you have to add a bit of oil between oil change.

Hmmm. Never heard this before but it sounds plausible. In the
automotive area it is always hard for amateurs to determine which
theories have just been hypothesized and which have been proven
through actual research.

The argument about clutches being more expensive than brake pads is
not really valid IMO. You should be double clutching or at least
matching the revs in neutral when you downshift. Done properly, there
should be virtually no wear on the clutch. Then you are using engine
compression to slow the car. Unlike brake pads, engine compression is
virtually free - or even saves money if you are right about its
benefits for the rings.

>
> "Just because they're paranoid doesn't mean you're not psychotic" - Who, me??


Heheh:

"Just because you are a paranoid doesn't mean that there isn't there
someone following you."

Think about that!



No. Seriously, thanks for the gearing thing. I always felt that
if need be, I can throw the car in gear from neutral in a split
second.

In CA, there is a stretch of the 405 freeway that has a nice down
hill coming out of the Molholland drive/ventura area. When I used to
drive my automatic corrolla, I would always pop it in neutral and
coast down that hill. It was such a steep hill that the car would hit
80 mph just from coasting. I was always on the ready to pop it into
drive if I needed it.

You are correct in one sense: whenever I did the coasting thing, I
never felt comfortable to pass other cars. I tend to stay in my lane
and not move from lane to lane. So, in that sense, maybe you are
right. If something up ahead happened and I needed to jam out of the
present lane, I may need the engine to pull me.

The reason I never passed other cars while I did the coasting thing
is that intuitively, I just didn't feel right. I feel that to pass a
car, you need the engine to pull you.

Thanks for your input. I will be more conscientious about the
gearing. I do need to continue to work on being a safe driver.

sincerely, Loving Perosn.

On Mon, 05 Jan 2004 13:44:12 GMT, gRmEcMgOrVeEw@mindspring.com (Gordon
McGrew) wrote:

>On Mon, 05 Jan 2004 03:05:39 -0800, Sean Dinh <seannydinh@znet.com>
>wrote:
>
>>The main benefit of engine braking is not about saving brake wear, it's about cooling the pistons and rings.
>>High vacuum developed during engine braking draws more oil pass the rings. This cool and clean the rings and
>>piston. One drawback is that you have to add a bit of oil between oil change.
>
>Hmmm. Never heard this before but it sounds plausible. In the
>automotive area it is always hard for amateurs to determine which
>theories have just been hypothesized and which have been proven
>through actual research.

I remember way back<sigh>, VW used to advise, for the air-cooled engines,
that when cruising for long periods at highway speeds (cruising speed was
pretty close to top speed), that it was good to lift slightly off the
throttle from time to time to allow better lubrication of the rings and
valves. This was not especially a break-in advice.

Rgds, George Macdonald

"Just because they're paranoid doesn't mean you're not psychotic" - Who, me??

"LovingPerson" <saylo1234@aol.com> wrote in message
news:fed77941.0401040734.f2188ae@posting.google.co m...
> Thanks TWW and Johnmichael Monte:
>
> I suspect that you are correct. I may well end up keeping the
> Lude and just enjoy it, esp. if I don't find a good 5th gen. for a
> price and quality that would persuade me to buy one. I am in a great
> situation. I am not in a hurry to buy a lude. I have no need to buy
> one. This makes me a strong buyer that won't be taken for a bad deal.
>
> It was the same situation with my current lude. I didn't even
> expect to buy it. I just woke up one morning and went to the lemon
> lot on base and saw it. The price was unbelievable ($3200!). That
> was the reason I bought the lude. My next lude would have to be just
> as a good deal if not better before I'd shell out the money.
> Otherwise, I am content and totally loving the 4th gen!
>
> One thing you both mentioned was to take care of the current '95.
> I knwo I am due for a timing belt.
>
> You also mentioned that the car can take being driven like a
> sports car, but not abused. I would like to tell you how I drive and
> you tell me if you think I am driving it hard or I am abusing it. I
> don't want to abuse it, but at the same time, I want to drive it like
> it is a sports car. Otherwise, there is no reason to carry the 160
> horses under the hood.
>
> What I do is (not all the time), if I am at the stop light as the
> first car, I like to punch it and accelerate up to about 45 and keep
> it there. Sometimes it is done so hard that I the front tire
> screeches. I've even had the second gear screech the tires as I
> shifted from first to second (must have been really hard on the
> pedal). I don't ever red line. I maybe take it to 5000 or 6000.
> Occassionally maybe 6500. But I always shift gears before redliine.
> Does that sound ok? I mean I do floor the pedal, but I do not red
> line.
>
> On the freeways, if I want to pass a car, I will floor it (even in
> fifth gear). I can be going 3500 rmp in fifth and just floor it and
> wait for the car to come into the power band. I do it this way,
> because I am lazy and also, I don't know if downshifting would
> red-line it.

Abuse! Difficult to quantify. Hondas can be routinely driven to redline
with no problems, but that does not mean every stop light. Running the revs
up to 4000 rpm and dropping the clutch on take-off is not a good idea as a
rule around town, for example. Hard on tires, clutches and transmissions.
Slamming on brakes (unless and emergency) also hard on the car. Drive
sanely, but have fun with the car -- run it up and take it around the curves
at speed. That's what its for. Keep the maintenance up as well. If you
are in 5th at 3500, you probably ought to downshift to use your power more
effectively. Downshift smoothly -- rev the engine to ensure a smooth
transition. Always make sure you are in the right gear before you go into a
corner -- bad idea to be in 5th at 20 mph when you ought to be in 2nd. Don't
try to beat the synchros...... etc. etc. I routinely shift mine at around
4500 to 5,000 around town. When I want some acceleration -- I run it to 6
plus. Getting on the freeway -- go for 7k or so. I shift by ear and feel,
but keep a corner of my eye on the tach. Good luck
>
> The other thing is about slowing down: I currently don't
> downshift and use the engine to slow down. I just put the car in
> neutral and use brakes. Should I be using the engine to slow down?
> What is the verdict? Is it bad for the clutch/engine to use the
> engine to slow down? One guy actually said that it is really BETTER
> to use the engine to slow down. Please give me a verdict on this
> matter. I will do whatever is better for the engine/clutch. I am not
> opposed to downshifting to slow the car down.
>
> thank you all for the inputs in advance.
>
> sincerley, HondaPreludeSiMan
>
>
> "Johnmichael Monteith" <monty@sanitypages.com> wrote in message
news:<DVLJb.215108$8y1.776273@attbi_s52>...
> > Closest thing is the Acura TSX. Yes, it is four doors (the European
> > Accord), but it is essentially a four door Prelude. The size is
similar,
> > the engine is almost identical, and the speed / handling is remarkably
> > similar. Basically the two extra doors and an extra gear are the only
> > differences. When I test drove a TSX I was shocked at how similar it
was to
> > the 5th gen type S.
> >
> > BTW - the 97 was the first year of the 5th gen ludes.
> >
> > Enjoy your 95. The 4th gen is excellent, as well, and I suspect you
will
> > get many miles on it.
> >
> > --Monty
> >
> > Visit the last oasis of sanity in Cyberspace:
> > www.sanitypages.com
> >
> >
> > "LovingPerson" <saylo1234@aol.com> wrote in message
> > news:fed77941.0401011210.3fc34866@posting.google.c om...
> > > Dear all:
> > >
> > > I am becoming a big fan of the Prelude since I purchased it last
> > > Saturday (about 4 days or 5 days agon). The deal just fell in my lap
> > > and I just knew I had to get it.
> > >
> > > It is a 95, so it is generation four. I have been reading up on
> > > the Preludes. It seems that the 96 and newer are the fifth generation
> > > and have a V-tech technology as standard (correct if I am wrong. I
> > > only saw one web site make this reference that they are standard).
> > >
> > > I am sitting here thinking that is just a shame that Honda no
> > > longer makes the Prelude. What would be an equivalent to the fifth
> > > generation Ludes? I know it isn't the S-2000. The Lude is a sport
> > > coup and the S-2000 is a convertible. I don't like convertibles
> > > because I think that to make them rigid enough in terms of the chasis
> > > and the frame, the car has to be more weighty than in a coup.
> > >
> > > So, what is the equivalent of the Lude? Is there even such a
> > > thing? Any input or opinion will be appreciated, as I really love the
> > > Lude that I got and want to learn more about them and about the class
> > > itself (ie the sports coup class).
> > >
> > > sicnerley, LovingPerson.

Not to be argumentative, but my experience has been that the cost on
replacing break pads is similar to replacing a clutch. But, if you are
using only breaks to stop, it might be more than the pads you are replacing,
in which case the clutch can be a cheap replacement..

That said, the wear on a clutch in downshifting is less than the wear on
breaks by using only the breaks. My 'authority' on the subject would be the
boys on Car Talk who say you should always down-shift, but especially if it
is any distance. Braking long distances can overheat the breaks and cause
them to wear down extremely quickly, or in rare circumstances, fail
entirely. If you consider them experts, then you should consider
down-shifting.

Note that automatic transmissions always down-shift, they do not go into
neutral when you hit the breaks. They use the engine to slow down the
vehicle as well as the breaks. Manual transmissions should do the same.

--Monty


"David L" <davelieu@REMOVE-MEyahoo.com> wrote in message
news:U8ydnTW8sb6UtWSiRVn-vg@comcast.com...
> As far as downshifting to let your engine slow the car, I would normally
say
> don't. Only time I would do it is if I'm going down a long steep hill,
and
> wanted to use the engine to slow it a bit. Either that or in an
emergency.
> Otherwise it's a matter of cost. Cheaper to throw on new brake pads than
> replacing a clutch.
>
> My .03 cents (penny added due to inflation).
> -Dave
>
>
>
> "Johnmichael Monteith" <monty@sanitypages.com> wrote in message
> news:2AXJb.57050$xX.315350@attbi_s02...
> > You would get a wide-range of opinions on the acceleration. My opinion
> when
> > it comes to Honda's is that use moderation in all things, including
> > moderation. They make these cars to go to the redline, so taking
> advantage
> > of that regularly is not a bad thing. That said, don't abuse it - just
> take
> > advantage of the full spectrum of the RPM range semi-regularly.
> >
> > As for down-shifting, the only 'advantage' is on your brakes. If you
> never
> > down-shift, you probably will wear down the breaks 10-30% faster
> > (guestimate). That said, if you are ever going down long stretches of
> > down-hill (more than a mile), you should definitely down-shift or the
> breaks
> > could get dangerously hot and sieze up (this is true on any vehicle).
> >
> > --Monty
> >
> >
> > "LovingPerson" <saylo1234@aol.com> wrote in message
> > news:fed77941.0401040734.f2188ae@posting.google.co m...
> > > Thanks TWW and Johnmichael Monte:
> > >
> > > I suspect that you are correct. I may well end up keeping the
> > > Lude and just enjoy it, esp. if I don't find a good 5th gen. for a
> > > price and quality that would persuade me to buy one. I am in a great
> > > situation. I am not in a hurry to buy a lude. I have no need to buy
> > > one. This makes me a strong buyer that won't be taken for a bad deal.
> > >
> > > It was the same situation with my current lude. I didn't even
> > > expect to buy it. I just woke up one morning and went to the lemon
> > > lot on base and saw it. The price was unbelievable ($3200!). That
> > > was the reason I bought the lude. My next lude would have to be just
> > > as a good deal if not better before I'd shell out the money.
> > > Otherwise, I am content and totally loving the 4th gen!
> > >
> > > One thing you both mentioned was to take care of the current '95.
> > > I knwo I am due for a timing belt.
> > >
> > > You also mentioned that the car can take being driven like a
> > > sports car, but not abused. I would like to tell you how I drive and
> > > you tell me if you think I am driving it hard or I am abusing it. I
> > > don't want to abuse it, but at the same time, I want to drive it like
> > > it is a sports car. Otherwise, there is no reason to carry the 160
> > > horses under the hood.
> > >
> > > What I do is (not all the time), if I am at the stop light as the
> > > first car, I like to punch it and accelerate up to about 45 and keep
> > > it there. Sometimes it is done so hard that I the front tire
> > > screeches. I've even had the second gear screech the tires as I
> > > shifted from first to second (must have been really hard on the
> > > pedal). I don't ever red line. I maybe take it to 5000 or 6000.
> > > Occassionally maybe 6500. But I always shift gears before redliine.
> > > Does that sound ok? I mean I do floor the pedal, but I do not red
> > > line.
> > >
> > > On the freeways, if I want to pass a car, I will floor it (even in
> > > fifth gear). I can be going 3500 rmp in fifth and just floor it and
> > > wait for the car to come into the power band. I do it this way,
> > > because I am lazy and also, I don't know if downshifting would
> > > red-line it.
> > >
> > > The other thing is about slowing down: I currently don't
> > > downshift and use the engine to slow down. I just put the car in
> > > neutral and use brakes. Should I be using the engine to slow down?
> > > What is the verdict? Is it bad for the clutch/engine to use the
> > > engine to slow down? One guy actually said that it is really BETTER
> > > to use the engine to slow down. Please give me a verdict on this
> > > matter. I will do whatever is better for the engine/clutch. I am not
> > > opposed to downshifting to slow the car down.
> > >
> > > thank you all for the inputs in advance.
> > >
> > > sincerley, HondaPreludeSiMan
> > >
> > >
> > > "Johnmichael Monteith" <monty@sanitypages.com> wrote in message
> > news:<DVLJb.215108$8y1.776273@attbi_s52>...
> > > > Closest thing is the Acura TSX. Yes, it is four doors (the European
> > > > Accord), but it is essentially a four door Prelude. The size is
> > similar,
> > > > the engine is almost identical, and the speed / handling is
remarkably
> > > > similar. Basically the two extra doors and an extra gear are the
only
> > > > differences. When I test drove a TSX I was shocked at how similar
it
> > was to
> > > > the 5th gen type S.
> > > >
> > > > BTW - the 97 was the first year of the 5th gen ludes.
> > > >
> > > > Enjoy your 95. The 4th gen is excellent, as well, and I suspect you
> > will
> > > > get many miles on it.
> > > >
> > > > --Monty
> > > >
> > > > Visit the last oasis of sanity in Cyberspace:
> > > > www.sanitypages.com
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > "LovingPerson" <saylo1234@aol.com> wrote in message
> > > > news:fed77941.0401011210.3fc34866@posting.google.c om...
> > > > > Dear all:
> > > > >
> > > > > I am becoming a big fan of the Prelude since I purchased it
> last
> > > > > Saturday (about 4 days or 5 days agon). The deal just fell in my
> lap
> > > > > and I just knew I had to get it.
> > > > >
> > > > > It is a 95, so it is generation four. I have been reading
up
> on
> > > > > the Preludes. It seems that the 96 and newer are the fifth
> generation
> > > > > and have a V-tech technology as standard (correct if I am wrong.
I
> > > > > only saw one web site make this reference that they are standard).
> > > > >
> > > > > I am sitting here thinking that is just a shame that Honda
no
> > > > > longer makes the Prelude. What would be an equivalent to the
fifth
> > > > > generation Ludes? I know it isn't the S-2000. The Lude is a
sport
> > > > > coup and the S-2000 is a convertible. I don't like convertibles
> > > > > because I think that to make them rigid enough in terms of the
> chasis
> > > > > and the frame, the car has to be more weighty than in a coup.
> > > > >
> > > > > So, what is the equivalent of the Lude? Is there even such
a
> > > > > thing? Any input or opinion will be appreciated, as I really love
> the
> > > > > Lude that I got and want to learn more about them and about the
> class
> > > > > itself (ie the sports coup class).
> > > > >
> > > > > sicnerley, LovingPerson.
> >
> >
>
>

Why I used "break" instead of "brake" is beyond me.. Clearly I need a
break.

--Monty


"Johnmichael Monteith" <monty@sanitypages.com> wrote in message
news:V7JKb.77350$I07.382255@attbi_s53...
> Not to be argumentative, but my experience has been that the cost on
> replacing break pads is similar to replacing a clutch. But, if you are
> using only breaks to stop, it might be more than the pads you are
replacing,
> in which case the clutch can be a cheap replacement..
>
> That said, the wear on a clutch in downshifting is less than the wear on
> breaks by using only the breaks. My 'authority' on the subject would be
the
> boys on Car Talk who say you should always down-shift, but especially if
it
> is any distance. Braking long distances can overheat the breaks and cause
> them to wear down extremely quickly, or in rare circumstances, fail
> entirely. If you consider them experts, then you should consider
> down-shifting.
>
> Note that automatic transmissions always down-shift, they do not go into
> neutral when you hit the breaks. They use the engine to slow down the
> vehicle as well as the breaks. Manual transmissions should do the same.
>
> --Monty
>
>
> "David L" <davelieu@REMOVE-MEyahoo.com> wrote in message
> news:U8ydnTW8sb6UtWSiRVn-vg@comcast.com...
> > As far as downshifting to let your engine slow the car, I would normally
> say
> > don't. Only time I would do it is if I'm going down a long steep hill,
> and
> > wanted to use the engine to slow it a bit. Either that or in an
> emergency.
> > Otherwise it's a matter of cost. Cheaper to throw on new brake pads
than
> > replacing a clutch.
> >
> > My .03 cents (penny added due to inflation).
> > -Dave
> >
> >
> >
> > "Johnmichael Monteith" <monty@sanitypages.com> wrote in message
> > news:2AXJb.57050$xX.315350@attbi_s02...
> > > You would get a wide-range of opinions on the acceleration. My
opinion
> > when
> > > it comes to Honda's is that use moderation in all things, including
> > > moderation. They make these cars to go to the redline, so taking
> > advantage
> > > of that regularly is not a bad thing. That said, don't abuse it -
just
> > take
> > > advantage of the full spectrum of the RPM range semi-regularly.
> > >
> > > As for down-shifting, the only 'advantage' is on your brakes. If you
> > never
> > > down-shift, you probably will wear down the breaks 10-30% faster
> > > (guestimate). That said, if you are ever going down long stretches of
> > > down-hill (more than a mile), you should definitely down-shift or the
> > breaks
> > > could get dangerously hot and sieze up (this is true on any vehicle).
> > >
> > > --Monty
> > >
> > >
> > > "LovingPerson" <saylo1234@aol.com> wrote in message
> > > news:fed77941.0401040734.f2188ae@posting.google.co m...
> > > > Thanks TWW and Johnmichael Monte:
> > > >
> > > > I suspect that you are correct. I may well end up keeping the
> > > > Lude and just enjoy it, esp. if I don't find a good 5th gen. for a
> > > > price and quality that would persuade me to buy one. I am in a
great
> > > > situation. I am not in a hurry to buy a lude. I have no need to
buy
> > > > one. This makes me a strong buyer that won't be taken for a bad
deal.
> > > >
> > > > It was the same situation with my current lude. I didn't even
> > > > expect to buy it. I just woke up one morning and went to the lemon
> > > > lot on base and saw it. The price was unbelievable ($3200!). That
> > > > was the reason I bought the lude. My next lude would have to be
just
> > > > as a good deal if not better before I'd shell out the money.
> > > > Otherwise, I am content and totally loving the 4th gen!
> > > >
> > > > One thing you both mentioned was to take care of the current
'95.
> > > > I knwo I am due for a timing belt.
> > > >
> > > > You also mentioned that the car can take being driven like a
> > > > sports car, but not abused. I would like to tell you how I drive
and
> > > > you tell me if you think I am driving it hard or I am abusing it. I
> > > > don't want to abuse it, but at the same time, I want to drive it
like
> > > > it is a sports car. Otherwise, there is no reason to carry the 160
> > > > horses under the hood.
> > > >
> > > > What I do is (not all the time), if I am at the stop light as
the
> > > > first car, I like to punch it and accelerate up to about 45 and keep
> > > > it there. Sometimes it is done so hard that I the front tire
> > > > screeches. I've even had the second gear screech the tires as I
> > > > shifted from first to second (must have been really hard on the
> > > > pedal). I don't ever red line. I maybe take it to 5000 or 6000.
> > > > Occassionally maybe 6500. But I always shift gears before redliine.
> > > > Does that sound ok? I mean I do floor the pedal, but I do not red
> > > > line.
> > > >
> > > > On the freeways, if I want to pass a car, I will floor it (even
in
> > > > fifth gear). I can be going 3500 rmp in fifth and just floor it and
> > > > wait for the car to come into the power band. I do it this way,
> > > > because I am lazy and also, I don't know if downshifting would
> > > > red-line it.
> > > >
> > > > The other thing is about slowing down: I currently don't
> > > > downshift and use the engine to slow down. I just put the car in
> > > > neutral and use brakes. Should I be using the engine to slow down?
> > > > What is the verdict? Is it bad for the clutch/engine to use the
> > > > engine to slow down? One guy actually said that it is really BETTER
> > > > to use the engine to slow down. Please give me a verdict on this
> > > > matter. I will do whatever is better for the engine/clutch. I am
not
> > > > opposed to downshifting to slow the car down.
> > > >
> > > > thank you all for the inputs in advance.
> > > >
> > > > sincerley, HondaPreludeSiMan
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > "Johnmichael Monteith" <monty@sanitypages.com> wrote in message
> > > news:<DVLJb.215108$8y1.776273@attbi_s52>...
> > > > > Closest thing is the Acura TSX. Yes, it is four doors (the
European
> > > > > Accord), but it is essentially a four door Prelude. The size is
> > > similar,
> > > > > the engine is almost identical, and the speed / handling is
> remarkably
> > > > > similar. Basically the two extra doors and an extra gear are the
> only
> > > > > differences. When I test drove a TSX I was shocked at how similar
> it
> > > was to
> > > > > the 5th gen type S.
> > > > >
> > > > > BTW - the 97 was the first year of the 5th gen ludes.
> > > > >
> > > > > Enjoy your 95. The 4th gen is excellent, as well, and I suspect
you
> > > will
> > > > > get many miles on it.
> > > > >
> > > > > --Monty
> > > > >
> > > > > Visit the last oasis of sanity in Cyberspace:
> > > > > www.sanitypages.com
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > "LovingPerson" <saylo1234@aol.com> wrote in message
> > > > > news:fed77941.0401011210.3fc34866@posting.google.c om...
> > > > > > Dear all:
> > > > > >
> > > > > > I am becoming a big fan of the Prelude since I purchased
it
> > last
> > > > > > Saturday (about 4 days or 5 days agon). The deal just fell in
my
> > lap
> > > > > > and I just knew I had to get it.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > It is a 95, so it is generation four. I have been reading
> up
> > on
> > > > > > the Preludes. It seems that the 96 and newer are the fifth
> > generation
> > > > > > and have a V-tech technology as standard (correct if I am wrong.
> I
> > > > > > only saw one web site make this reference that they are
standard).
> > > > > >
> > > > > > I am sitting here thinking that is just a shame that Honda
> no
> > > > > > longer makes the Prelude. What would be an equivalent to the
> fifth
> > > > > > generation Ludes? I know it isn't the S-2000. The Lude is a
> sport
> > > > > > coup and the S-2000 is a convertible. I don't like convertibles
> > > > > > because I think that to make them rigid enough in terms of the
> > chasis
> > > > > > and the frame, the car has to be more weighty than in a coup.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > So, what is the equivalent of the Lude? Is there even
such
> a
> > > > > > thing? Any input or opinion will be appreciated, as I really
love
> > the
> > > > > > Lude that I got and want to learn more about them and about the
> > class
> > > > > > itself (ie the sports coup class).
> > > > > >
> > > > > > sicnerley, LovingPerson.
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>

Hmm.... I didn't hear that one. I normally replace the pads myself using
Honda pads so no labor costs involved. However, when I had my clutch
replaced several years ago it was $$$$.... New clutch with labor on a FWD
is not normally cheap - then you need the alignment afterwards.

When stopping I usually let the engine slow the car *without* downshifting,
and then using the brakes. IOW, if I'm going 60 and come upon much slower
traffic ahead, I'll normally ease off of the gas but keep it in gear. Once
I'm upon the traffic I'll use my brakes if needed, and *then* downshift to
the appropriate gear.

You're right about braking long distances. On the other hand, wouldn't
jamming on the brakes at the last second also cause premature wear?

Another thing I've always wondered - why do some people like to constantly
tap the brakes when going *uphill* - with no cars in front of them and no
one tailing them????

-Dave


"Johnmichael Monteith" <monty@sanitypages.com> wrote in message
news:V7JKb.77350$I07.382255@attbi_s53...
> Not to be argumentative, but my experience has been that the cost on
> replacing break pads is similar to replacing a clutch. But, if you are
> using only breaks to stop, it might be more than the pads you are
replacing,
> in which case the clutch can be a cheap replacement..
>
> That said, the wear on a clutch in downshifting is less than the wear on
> breaks by using only the breaks. My 'authority' on the subject would be
the
> boys on Car Talk who say you should always down-shift, but especially if
it
> is any distance. Braking long distances can overheat the breaks and cause
> them to wear down extremely quickly, or in rare circumstances, fail
> entirely. If you consider them experts, then you should consider
> down-shifting.
>
> Note that automatic transmissions always down-shift, they do not go into
> neutral when you hit the breaks. They use the engine to slow down the
> vehicle as well as the breaks. Manual transmissions should do the same.
>
> --Monty
>
>
> "David L" <davelieu@REMOVE-MEyahoo.com> wrote in message
> news:U8ydnTW8sb6UtWSiRVn-vg@comcast.com...
> > As far as downshifting to let your engine slow the car, I would normally
> say
> > don't. Only time I would do it is if I'm going down a long steep hill,
> and
> > wanted to use the engine to slow it a bit. Either that or in an
> emergency.
> > Otherwise it's a matter of cost. Cheaper to throw on new brake pads
than
> > replacing a clutch.
> >
> > My .03 cents (penny added due to inflation).
> > -Dave
> >
> >
> >
> > "Johnmichael Monteith" <monty@sanitypages.com> wrote in message
> > news:2AXJb.57050$xX.315350@attbi_s02...
> > > You would get a wide-range of opinions on the acceleration. My
opinion
> > when
> > > it comes to Honda's is that use moderation in all things, including
> > > moderation. They make these cars to go to the redline, so taking
> > advantage
> > > of that regularly is not a bad thing. That said, don't abuse it -
just
> > take
> > > advantage of the full spectrum of the RPM range semi-regularly.
> > >
> > > As for down-shifting, the only 'advantage' is on your brakes. If you
> > never
> > > down-shift, you probably will wear down the breaks 10-30% faster
> > > (guestimate). That said, if you are ever going down long stretches of
> > > down-hill (more than a mile), you should definitely down-shift or the
> > breaks
> > > could get dangerously hot and sieze up (this is true on any vehicle).
> > >
> > > --Monty