2001 Chevrolet Corvette Owner's Manual - Page 96

Downshifting (Manual Transmission) Do not downshift into the gear shown below at a speed greater than shown in the table: FIRST (1) ...50 mph (80 km/h) SECOND (2) ...74 mph (119 km/h) THIRD (3) ...101 mph (163 km/h) FOURTH (4) ...130 mph (209 km/h) NOTICE: If you skip more than one gear when you downshift, or if you race the engine when you downshift, you can damage the clutch, driveshaft or transmission. The six-speed transmission has a spring that centers the gearshift lever near THIRD (3) and FOURTH (4). This spring helps you know which gear you are in when you are shifting. Be careful when shifting from FIRST (1) to SECOND (2) or downshifting from SIXTH (6) to FIFTH (5). The spring will try to pull the gearshift lever toward FOURTH (4) and THIRD (3). Make sure you move the lever into SECOND (2) or FIFTH (5). If you let the gearshift lever move in the direction of the pulling, you may end up shifting from FIRST (1) to FOURTH (4) or from SIXTH (6) to THIRD (3). 2-34