Nissan 370Z Forum  

Left Foot Braking - Do you do it?

Well, since it IS the track section and I don't recall discussing this here before, lets talk about L eft F oot B raking. I was browsing on YouTube and

Go Back   Nissan 370Z Forum > Nissan 370Z Tech Area > Track / Autocross / Drifting / Dragstrip


Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 02-03-2010, 04:11 PM   #1 (permalink)
Administrator
 
AK370Z's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: NJ
Posts: 9,930
Drives: 09 370Z MB Sports M6
Rep Power: 10
AK370Z has a reputation beyond reputeAK370Z has a reputation beyond reputeAK370Z has a reputation beyond reputeAK370Z has a reputation beyond reputeAK370Z has a reputation beyond reputeAK370Z has a reputation beyond reputeAK370Z has a reputation beyond reputeAK370Z has a reputation beyond reputeAK370Z has a reputation beyond reputeAK370Z has a reputation beyond reputeAK370Z has a reputation beyond repute
Default Left Foot Braking - Do you do it?

Well, since it IS the track section and I don't recall discussing this here before, lets talk about Left Foot Braking.

I was browsing on YouTube and saw the following informational video about left foot braking ....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcSAiRxmm0w

What is left foot braking?
Quote:
Left-foot braking is the technique of using the left foot to operate the brake pedal in an automobile, leaving the right foot dedicated to the throttle pedal.[1] It contrasts with the normal practice of the left foot operating the clutch pedal, and the right foot operating the brake and accelerator pedals.

At its most basic purpose, left-foot braking can be used to decrease the time spent between the right foot moving between the brake and throttle pedals, and can also be used to control load transfer. (from WIKI)
Pretty interesting.. Now here's a video of left foot braking using Lotus Elise

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVDfDTp0Y7g
(If you want, you may FF to 1:00 minute mark because that's when they do the testing)
Btw, watch toward the end of that /\ video where they go from left foot braking to heel and toe to left foot brake AGAIN then accelerate!

It seems like it's pretty popular in WRC as well
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMEqOGejlrw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNWbG3ItyZU


Now, can this be used during Autoxing to shave off time? Here's a discussion

Left foot braking in autocross? - Rennlist Discussion Forums

So, to all track junkies, do you left foot brake in your RWD? Did you notice a faster lap time with left foot braking as oppose to right foot braking?

Discuss ...
__________________
The370Z Signature Pictures ll Want to rock our forum decals on your car? Then click here! ll How to Embed YouTube Videos In a Post
STOP! (Hammertime) ll Become a Premium Member Click HERE ll F.A.Q.
Are You a Nissan Dealer? Click Here to Become A "Supporting Dealer" and Start Listing Your 370Zs In Our Inventory Section
My Monterey Blue Z ll My Exhaust --> My Intake --> G3
Nissan's Official Response Regarding Oil Temp Issue: CLICK HERE
Need a Set of Cheap Winter wheels /Tires? Then Visit The Banner Link Below and Place Your Order. You'll Help Keep The370Z Alive.
AK370Z is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-03-2010, 04:13 PM   #2 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
m4a1mustang's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Northern VA
Posts: 55,385
Drives: on two wheels
Rep Power: 6962
m4a1mustang has a reputation beyond reputem4a1mustang has a reputation beyond reputem4a1mustang has a reputation beyond reputem4a1mustang has a reputation beyond reputem4a1mustang has a reputation beyond reputem4a1mustang has a reputation beyond reputem4a1mustang has a reputation beyond reputem4a1mustang has a reputation beyond reputem4a1mustang has a reputation beyond reputem4a1mustang has a reputation beyond reputem4a1mustang has a reputation beyond repute
Default

I don't.

LFB is a lot easier in race cars with transmissions that don't require clutch operation on shifts.
__________________
- Steve
MAZOC Meet Thread
Zs & Coffee - Saturdays at 10AM in Fairfax, VA and Columbia, MD (Click the banner!)
LIKE us on Facebook!
m4a1mustang is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-03-2010, 04:38 PM   #3 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
vipor's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Euless, TX [ DFW ]
Age: 42
Posts: 13,531
Drives: Nismo 09-0183 QAB
Rep Power: 49
vipor has a reputation beyond reputevipor has a reputation beyond reputevipor has a reputation beyond reputevipor has a reputation beyond reputevipor has a reputation beyond reputevipor has a reputation beyond reputevipor has a reputation beyond reputevipor has a reputation beyond reputevipor has a reputation beyond reputevipor has a reputation beyond reputevipor has a reputation beyond repute
Default

I feel retarded when I try to brake with my left.
__________________

2009 NISMO # 0193 | QAB | Albums! | 05.04.10 (Dynojet) 291.94hp/248.28tq
Oil Cooler (DIY) | Custom Headlights | GTSPEC Braces | F.I. Long Tube Headers
vipor is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-03-2010, 04:54 PM   #4 (permalink)
The370Z.com Sponsor
 
M.Bonanni's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Las Vegas
Posts: 2,575
Drives: Fast
Rep Power: 1321
M.Bonanni has a reputation beyond reputeM.Bonanni has a reputation beyond reputeM.Bonanni has a reputation beyond reputeM.Bonanni has a reputation beyond reputeM.Bonanni has a reputation beyond reputeM.Bonanni has a reputation beyond reputeM.Bonanni has a reputation beyond reputeM.Bonanni has a reputation beyond reputeM.Bonanni has a reputation beyond reputeM.Bonanni has a reputation beyond reputeM.Bonanni has a reputation beyond repute
Send a message via AIM to M.Bonanni
Default

I do it when I don't have to downshift under braking (which is rare at most tracks). It takes a while to get used to, but I used to practice when I used to daily drive a Nissan Titan which was an automatic. When I can do it on the track I prefer to. Every tenth of a second counts in time attack! Its mostly a trick for cars who don't require the use of a clutch to shift (R35 GTR, M3 w/SMG, most professional race cars with sequential transmissions, etc.) Its also good on turbo cars so you can keep the turbos spooled up. Left foot braking does tend to be harder on brakes though depending on how much you do it since there will be a split second where you are on the gas and the brakes at the same time.
__________________
MikeBonanni.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/MikeBonanni
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MBonanni36
Function > Form
M.Bonanni is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-03-2010, 05:22 PM   #5 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
ChrisSlicks's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: North East
Posts: 6,203
Drives: 09 370Z Sport M6
Rep Power: 653
ChrisSlicks has a reputation beyond reputeChrisSlicks has a reputation beyond reputeChrisSlicks has a reputation beyond reputeChrisSlicks has a reputation beyond reputeChrisSlicks has a reputation beyond reputeChrisSlicks has a reputation beyond reputeChrisSlicks has a reputation beyond reputeChrisSlicks has a reputation beyond reputeChrisSlicks has a reputation beyond reputeChrisSlicks has a reputation beyond reputeChrisSlicks has a reputation beyond repute
Default

I left foot brake on automatics but not manuals as my foot tends to get caught on the clutch.

On the Z you can't really push the gas and brake at the same time as it will cut the throttle about 80% anyway.
ChrisSlicks is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-03-2010, 07:10 PM   #6 (permalink)
Enthusiast Member
 
AutoX Z's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Houston, Tx
Posts: 314
Drives: 370Z Base, Sport
Rep Power: 16
AutoX Z will become famous soon enough
Default

^+1

The Z's E-Throttle doesn't let you overlap throttle and brake.
__________________
2013 SCCA Solo National Champion
VVV For Sale VVV
http://www.the370z.com/image.php?type=sigpic&userid=6048&dateline=1251670  864
AutoX Z is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-03-2010, 08:43 PM   #7 (permalink)
Base Member
 
Island_370's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Puerto Rico
Posts: 228
Drives: 09 Nissan 370Z SR M6
Rep Power: 16
Island_370 is on a distinguished road
Default

I almost always left foot brake while on straights to combat pad knock and improve initial bite.
But I have been able to do it for entering a corner....but I need to focus sooooo much on it, I usually blow my turn-in.
__________________
Autobahn Country Club (North and South Tracks), Blackhawk Farms, Grattan, Gingerman, Mid-Ohio, Putnam Park, Road America, Sears Point, Thunderhill, VIR and "The Ring"
Island_370 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-03-2010, 10:02 PM   #8 (permalink)
Enthusiast Member
 
Titan1080's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Mill Creek, Wa
Posts: 495
Drives: 04 Nissan Titan 4x4
Rep Power: 372
Titan1080 has a reputation beyond reputeTitan1080 has a reputation beyond reputeTitan1080 has a reputation beyond reputeTitan1080 has a reputation beyond reputeTitan1080 has a reputation beyond reputeTitan1080 has a reputation beyond reputeTitan1080 has a reputation beyond reputeTitan1080 has a reputation beyond reputeTitan1080 has a reputation beyond reputeTitan1080 has a reputation beyond reputeTitan1080 has a reputation beyond repute
Default

I brake with the left foot in autos like my Titan and when I race karts (well, obviously). I got real comfortable with it after many MANY hours playing Forza 2 and 3 with the force feedback wheel and pedals. I don't bother in the Z since I don't track it (yet...) and prefer to keep my left foot over or near the clutch.

Quote:
Originally Posted by AutoX Z View Post
^+1

The Z's E-Throttle doesn't let you overlap throttle and brake.
There ought to be a workaround like on the Titan's electric throttle, well-known over at Titan Talk as the burnout mod. Guys have been doing brake stands at WOT for years, it's a pretty simple mod to do as well. Of course, the trick is figuring out if the wire is the same color on the Z or not...

Burnout Mod Simplified - Nissan Titan Forum
__________________

2009 370Z w/ Sport
Titan1080 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-03-2010, 10:30 PM   #9 (permalink)
Retired admin
 
frost's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Winterfell
Posts: 106,613
Drives: Your Wife Crazy
Rep Power: 0
frost frost frost frost frost frost frost frost frost frost frost
Default

< left foot braker. Just a habit I developed when I started driving.
frost is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-03-2010, 11:49 PM   #10 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
spearfish25's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Naples, FL
Posts: 4,117
Drives: to work
Rep Power: 1856
spearfish25 has a reputation beyond reputespearfish25 has a reputation beyond reputespearfish25 has a reputation beyond reputespearfish25 has a reputation beyond reputespearfish25 has a reputation beyond reputespearfish25 has a reputation beyond reputespearfish25 has a reputation beyond reputespearfish25 has a reputation beyond reputespearfish25 has a reputation beyond reputespearfish25 has a reputation beyond reputespearfish25 has a reputation beyond repute
Send a message via AIM to spearfish25
Default

Yep, too bad you can't do it in the Z due to the E-throttle. Wonder if there is a way to program that 'feature' out...

I agree that Forza can train you to improve your left foot dexterity. After playing a few hours, I went driving around town and could smoothly brake with my left foot. Never was able to do that without going through the windshield before playing Forza with pedals and left foot braking.
__________________
2013 Cadillac V-Wagon, RIP Z
spearfish25 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-03-2010, 11:57 PM   #11 (permalink)
Xan
A True Z Fanatic
 
Xan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: MA Posts:99999999999999
Posts: 3,301
Drives: 370Z 40th Aniversary
Rep Power: 24
Xan has a reputation beyond reputeXan has a reputation beyond reputeXan has a reputation beyond reputeXan has a reputation beyond reputeXan has a reputation beyond reputeXan has a reputation beyond reputeXan has a reputation beyond reputeXan has a reputation beyond reputeXan has a reputation beyond reputeXan has a reputation beyond reputeXan has a reputation beyond repute
Default

I never used to, as I don't track. But when I started playing GTP I started it and now use it in my car as well. Although it's mostly useless on the street... Only on entering certain corners
Xan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-04-2010, 01:08 AM   #12 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
KillerBee370's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: So Cal baby!
Age: 51
Posts: 5,964
Drives: with passion
Rep Power: 321
KillerBee370 has a reputation beyond reputeKillerBee370 has a reputation beyond reputeKillerBee370 has a reputation beyond reputeKillerBee370 has a reputation beyond reputeKillerBee370 has a reputation beyond reputeKillerBee370 has a reputation beyond reputeKillerBee370 has a reputation beyond reputeKillerBee370 has a reputation beyond reputeKillerBee370 has a reputation beyond reputeKillerBee370 has a reputation beyond reputeKillerBee370 has a reputation beyond repute
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by vipor View Post
I feel retarded when I try to brake with my left.
You look it too pal!!
KillerBee370 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-04-2010, 01:09 AM   #13 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
KillerBee370's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: So Cal baby!
Age: 51
Posts: 5,964
Drives: with passion
Rep Power: 321
KillerBee370 has a reputation beyond reputeKillerBee370 has a reputation beyond reputeKillerBee370 has a reputation beyond reputeKillerBee370 has a reputation beyond reputeKillerBee370 has a reputation beyond reputeKillerBee370 has a reputation beyond reputeKillerBee370 has a reputation beyond reputeKillerBee370 has a reputation beyond reputeKillerBee370 has a reputation beyond reputeKillerBee370 has a reputation beyond reputeKillerBee370 has a reputation beyond repute
Default

I don't do it on the street or at the track. Maybe if I practiced with a sequential shifter, etc. but otherwise no.
KillerBee370 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-04-2010, 01:20 AM   #14 (permalink)
Enthusiast Member
 
feelzpwr91's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: RVA
Posts: 311
Drives: 09 Black370z T M6
Rep Power: 197
feelzpwr91 has a reputation beyond reputefeelzpwr91 has a reputation beyond reputefeelzpwr91 has a reputation beyond reputefeelzpwr91 has a reputation beyond reputefeelzpwr91 has a reputation beyond reputefeelzpwr91 has a reputation beyond reputefeelzpwr91 has a reputation beyond reputefeelzpwr91 has a reputation beyond reputefeelzpwr91 has a reputation beyond reputefeelzpwr91 has a reputation beyond reputefeelzpwr91 has a reputation beyond repute
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by vipor View Post
I feel retarded when I try to brake with my left.
__________________
Rather be driving my Z
feelzpwr91 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-05-2010, 11:50 AM   #15 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
spearfish25's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Naples, FL
Posts: 4,117
Drives: to work
Rep Power: 1856
spearfish25 has a reputation beyond reputespearfish25 has a reputation beyond reputespearfish25 has a reputation beyond reputespearfish25 has a reputation beyond reputespearfish25 has a reputation beyond reputespearfish25 has a reputation beyond reputespearfish25 has a reputation beyond reputespearfish25 has a reputation beyond reputespearfish25 has a reputation beyond reputespearfish25 has a reputation beyond reputespearfish25 has a reputation beyond repute
Send a message via AIM to spearfish25
Default

Just played around with left foot braking on the way back from work. Too bad our cars cut throttle 75-80% when you hit the brake. Definitely can't accelerate out of any corners while braking to distribute torque like in the videos.
__________________
2013 Cadillac V-Wagon, RIP Z
spearfish25 is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks


Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Braking problem - malfunctioning ABS ChrisSlicks Brakes & Suspension 211 01-26-2014 07:29 PM
Update on steering wheel shake while braking Zeto Nissan 370Z General Discussions 2 01-07-2010 10:45 AM
Braking and car moves strangely. kannibul Brakes & Suspension 18 09-28-2009 05:22 AM
Im Looking for fog light that blinks while braking/reversing.. NewYorkJon34 Exterior & Interior 7 09-02-2009 08:02 PM
Any 6 foot+ drivers out there? VT SE-R Nissan 370Z General Discussions 26 08-04-2009 09:15 AM


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:50 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Search Engine Optimization by vBSEO 3.6.0 PL2