I do a lot of engine braking to slow me down without wearing out the pads. The RS does jutter while engaging, but it does it's job. I've heard the RS's tranny can handle it. Is there any downsides on this function? 
Is it safe?
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G
Guest
·It uses slightly more gas. And if it's shuddering/juttering, you should rev-match. Otherwise you're grinding away at your clutch - like riding the clutch excessively during takeoff.
Just keep in mind which is cheaper to replace once it is worn out... the clutch or the brake pads. I try to be nice to my clutch.
Say, I'm traveling at 55 mph on the freeway and wanna slow down the short off ramp to a stop. Instead of using excessive force on the brakes, I drop the clutch to 3rd gear to assist my braking of the pads... bad idea, huh? I know that gas is used since the rpms shoot up to the 3000 rpm range, but I guess the clutch is also used. It all comes to make sense, but both my clutch and pads are still in good condition even after driving it past the 40000+ mile mark. Hmmm,
G
Guest
·What it sounds like you're doing isn't exactly engine braking - it's more like compression braking. Or something. When I drove my 'rent's Miata in high school I'd hit 3rd coming off the freeway and quickly let out the clutch - like you're doing from what I've read - and it would actually compression lock the tires. That is, it would prevent the tires from spinning as fast as the car was moving, making them squeal and making the car slow quickly. I didn't do that very often, because it seemed really hard on stuff (2 sets of tires and a clutch in 40k miles?? on a 2000lb car?)
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