Engine braking/Downshifting vs Braking

[rixabix]

So for a while now I've been braking fairly regular as an attempt to use the brakes to shift weight forward to make turn-ins easier (something I picked up from the DiRT for beginners video).

But today I looked up engine braking and downshifting and been trying it out and it works very well I can slow down enough but still maintain a good speed to get round corners and use it tighten up if I need too.

Only thing really is it okay to just up off the throttle and downshift then put the throttle back down? I know the whole heel-toe braking method but does that apply to engine braking?

Or should I be using a mix of engine braking and normal braking depending on the situation, its all very new and fun.

[Dufoe]

Give the handbrake a try on hairpin turns.

[Slocan]

It may depends on the cars. I used the engine brake a lot in particular with the Group B cars. It felt fun, and efficient. I'm not all that fast, so it may not be the best technique to use, but I liked it. However, it didn't work as well with Group A cars, where I use left-foot braking a lot more.

[MattStone]

Originally posted by Nyxy:

Or should I be using a mix of engine braking and normal braking depending on the situation, its all very new and fun.

Depends on the car, the corner, the camber, your suspension settings, the attitude of the car as you approach the corner, the surface and the speed you are approaching the corner.

So many factors but every car has it's own characteristics.
Ultimately you figure it out by experimenting

[kobeshow]

I have another question, anyone ever tried to damage the gearbox by being too agressive with the downshifting ?
I was always wondering if there is some negative effect "simulated". I remember reading somewhere here that going max RPM in 1st the whole stage doesn't do any extra damage, so I'm wondering if there is any negative effects from downshifting.
Related question: anyone ever noticed negative effects with a damaged gearbox, or anything else for that matter (missing tires/wheels can obviously be felt quite well)?

[a basic bitch]

If engine braking alone is always enough, you're not going fast enough.

[MattStone]

Originally posted by a basic ♥♥♥♥♥:

If engine braking alone is always enough, you're not going fast enough.

Ha ha...that's true enough lol

[rixabix]

Originally posted by a basic ♥♥♥♥♥:

If engine braking alone is always enough, you're not going fast enough.

Love it :D will keep that in mind

[Vellari]

Quite. You are slowing down to (sharp) corners way too early if engine braking is enough.