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So you're saying over-revving the engine by downshifting isn't actually straining the clutch, it's only like if you stay on the gas while upshifting?
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Justjohn, maybe you'd like the way my brain figures this out. Basically, when downshifting to engine brake, there is almost no wear on the clutch because the momentum of the car (lots of mass / energy) is being used to push the engine (much less mass) up to speed. Conversely, when using the engine to bring the entire automobile up to speed i.e. accelerating, the engine (very little mass) must accelerate the car (lots of mass) and so the clutch must be used and slipped in order to get the car moving without killing the engine.
Basically, it's a lot easier on the clutch to downshift (like while doing engine braking) than it is to upshift for acceleration from zero. I don't think one would need to worry about clutch wear if he is downshifting to engine brake.
I sure hope that makes some sense. I'm no physicist, that's for sure.
JMac