efini_8

As i try to master heel toe on this car, i find that the pedals are positioned in a way that's rather cumbersome for heel and toe. The brake pedal is too far from the gas pedal...

However, as most performance cars (possibly all cars), i find that in this particular rx-8, w/ the brake depressed, it lines perfectly w/ the accelerator so that i can easily blip the throttle...

Now the trouble is that although heel toe on this car should be rather "easy" (for the lack of a better word), i find myself struggling w/ the pedals' shape as the front ***** of my feet rest on the brake, my heel rubs on the side of the console...

What pedals are out so that the gas pedal is slightly wider and the gas pedal has a "(" shape towards the brake so that i can just rest 1/2 my foot on the gas and the other 1/2 on the gas so that i don't actually have to heel toe, and i can blip the throttle w/ my foot resting comfortably on the brake/gas?

Does anyone know which manufacturer produces "convenient" pedals?

Longhornxtreme

I don't know what other cars you've driven... but these pedals are damn near perfect for heel toe even in clumsy tennisshoes....

Look at the stock accelerator... it even has a angled edge to it to facilitate heel toeing...

Buying new pedals won't automatically enable you to heel toe... its a technique that you have to work at to get perfectly smooth...

XDEEDUBBX

the pedals are positioned perfectly...infact. they are very close to that of a MX-5...but on a larger scale of course..

swoope

iTrader: (5)

you need to know it is really ball of foot and side of foot.

beers

TownDrunk

Uh... word. The pedal position is one of the very best I've ever driven for h&t. Like swoope said though... ball and side instead of literal heal and toe. Hope that helps.

efini_8

Thanks guys. I guess i needed some constructive criticism to help me practice a little bit more. Just looking for aids though.

the reason i ask is b/c i drove a pretty well modded PRELUDE w/ a wide brake and pedal, and it was way easier than the rx-8

thanks though. I'll work at it!!

Longhornxtreme

Just try not to rotate your foot as much...

Its also better to give one strong blip on the throttle... don't get too concentrated on the gas that you don't bleed off enough speed... Also be looking to be in the correct gear if possible so that heel toe is not necessary (H an T is kinda overkill in 'safe' public road driving) the improper weight transfer of a bad HnT is ALWAYS worse than spending the extra gas by downshifting earlier and nailing the correct weight transfer...

efini_8

that's good news. From the advice above, i've been practicing (1/4 tank of gas), and i used the big ball of my foot on the brake, and arch area for the gas, and it seems easier. I also find that it's easier as i dont' have to rotate my foot as much.

i'm using the new Addidas goodyear sneakers (which are nice, albeit narrow), but i'm just about getting the hang of it!

NABIL, let me know on the pedal!!

also, gas is ridiculous here... $2.80 for a freaking gal of gas!!!

swoope

iTrader: (5)

yes you are getting it. ball of foot and the side of the arch actually. given enough practice you can do it in flip flops.

flip flops are the official shoe of fla. unless you have to go to a wedding.

it really comes down to practice, practice , practice.

beers

cLLcLe

What about racing shoes from puma? You can feel the pedals great with those :D

I've been practicing the heel-toe downshifting often... and it's been a few weeks and I'm better at it already! Just a little motivation for ya.

efini_8

cool beens. The puma CIRCAT or SPEEDCAT shoes are very much similar to the Addidas goodyear (tuscan) shoes!! But yea, i've been practicing, but i don't enjoy driving in sandals or anything...

given that, swoope, i bet you're a master at it if u can do it in flipflops. I'm practicing, and i can get 6-5, 5-4 is a little tricky) and 4-3 pretty well now.

But yea, i'm using ball of foot and arch!! Thanks for all the help guys... i'm truly enjoying this car!

swoope

iTrader: (5)

i hope to god you are just practicing the 6to5 and the 5 to 4. or are on a track. it works the best at high revs. on the street i only ht in 3 to 2 and 2 to 1. and it is rare that i do that any more.

just not beeting up the stuff like i used to. and yes i can still do it in flops.

if it help any i ground the f out of 2nd for the first time today. damn cup in the cup holder. note to others if going to do a quick run up through the gears at least put the cup in the back spot.

beers

cLLcLe

I think the hardest downshift is 3-2 cuz you gotta rev alot in order not to make your car stumble as you drop the clutch... hehehe.

92MX5

I moved the gas pedal cover about a 1/4" closer to the brake pedal. Takes 5 mins - just remove the pedal cover, and re-attach it using different holes. They're not chamferred, but it works fine. The pedals are now positioned similarly to those in my Miata (I'm using SRP pedals in the MX5)

Be careful if you do try this: the gas and brake are now close enough that it's fairly easy to apply both at once.

Cheers!

Jeff

Nemesis8

iTrader: (3)

Have you seen the Time Attack video at Laguna Seca?

Hymee

iTrader: (1)

If my opinion counts for anything, I think the postioning is fine.

I tend to use my big toe and/or ball of the right foot on the brake, and roll my foot round (counter clockwise) slightly so as to use the outside "rear quarter" edge of my foot on the throttle.

Cheers,
Hymee.

psbjames1970

For a good primer on heel toe try this link
http://www.edmunds.com/ownership/how...2/article.html

restiller

Drove with my new pumas today and my rev matching was worse. These shoes have a narrower footprint, and is it still "heel-and-toeing" if i'm using just the side of my foot? I tried angling my foot in, doing a true heel-and-toe and my heel would hit the floor first.

I'll have to look into that gas pedal cover thing jeff mentioned, but I'm concerned about the longevity/strength of the cover being in a different position.

Randy

ken-x8

There's even a DIY on this.

An alternative (WAY alternative) is to rig a hand throttle. There was a F1 driver in the late 50s, early 60s who had an artificial right leg, below the knee. Could work the gas or the brake, but not both at once. They'd rig up a motorcycle twist grip throttle on top of the gear lever for him.

Ken

myriadshalaks

iTrader: (1)

gross. that's a weird place to get aids.

BlueEyes

The purpose of heel-toe is to match engine and wheel speed. People refer to it as heel-toe out of habbit. If you match engine and wheel speed by using the side of your foot, then you're accomplishing the goal of heel-toe, which is all that matters.

I have large feet (please no pms ladies) and in most cars use the side of my foot and just roll it onto the gas. I would have to have some wierd knee surgery or have been born with extra bones to rotate my heel onto the gas of some cars.

If you're downshifts are smooth, you're doing it right.

DarkBrew

Yes because ball 'n' arch doesn't mean much to most people!

LionZoo

I made a pedal extension for the gas to get the two pedals a bit closer together. It's also located slightly behind the regular gas pedal so that it's easier to use under heavy braking. I love it.

mac11

iTrader: (1)

If you cant heel-toe in this car you suck.

Brettus

iTrader: (2)

I can't do it - thanks for that .
Anyway I think its because my feet angle outwards naturally . I even moved the pedal over but still can't get my arch on the acc.