Is downshifting at high RPM Bad?

Updated: 09 Dec 2024

My buddy and I got into an argument where he says that downshifting into high RPM’s is bad for your engine (yeah not the synchros not the clutch/crankshaft when overreving, it’s the engine!)
The following happened: traffic light turned red and I shifted into 2nd gear car’s engine (golf 5 1.9 TDi) went up to 3k RPM. And he was all like oh my god what are you doing? That’s Bad for the engine revving it so high (and so fast). I told him that it’s okay to rev up when the engine is warm and it has no difference if you rev it up quickly or slowly.

What is your guys/girls opinion on this?

Comments

Well, 3K is still safe zone. Worrisome would be 5k, or 4k.

Yeah exactly my opinion

I forgot that the crankshaft is part of the engine lol

Except for high reving honda engines, my 1.5 revs up to 8k. But 5k is all i need in daily driving, not talking about the track though.

I still sometimes rev it till the limiter (once in a week?) but who would downshift to RPM’s over the limiter?

For a diesel 3k rpm is high. Experience…. Seen one idiot down shift a Civic Type R during high revs and the pistons blew through the hood.

When shifting down, revs increase so use common sense when engine braking.

I shifted at 2k or so so the RPM’s went up to 3k (limiter is at 5k) i usually never downshift that early but i gave it a try lol

That engine redlines at 4.5k

Always rev match when down shifting. 3k won’t hurt the engine. I drive a 2001 mk4. It red lines at 6.5k, so in theory as long as you’re not over the rev limiter, and the engine is warm, you’re golden. Limits are put where they are for a reason.

Exactlyyy couldn’t have said it any better myself. Rev matching is a must (He also says heel and toeing is wrong lol)

Uhmmm 3k rpm? Isnt like the redzone 5500 6k?

5k^^

The engine can handle it easy. If done dry(no revmatching), your clutch might suffer a bit.

I always rev match not doing it probably hurts me more than the car :D

Your friend Is an idiot. (No offense.)

Well he doesn’t know a lot about cars i want to teach him the things i know but he won’t listen :D

You’re right

Okay….

Even if I show him this thread he won’t listen he asks other people (who also don’t know a lot more than him) and won’t accept it. Well it’s his own car he’s damaging not my car.

You should be trying to rev match, and you are putting extra strain on the entire driveline. But theoretically if you don’t go over the redline your fine.