Originally Posted by Achipmunk
. . . , but to down shift without a GOOD valid reason goes against my logic. Back in high school . . .
Downshifting to brake is not engine breaking.

"Engine braking is what occurs when a driver removes their foot from the accelerator to allow the vehicle to slow down due to the compression and friction from moving parts of the engine slowing the vehicle."

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Engine_braking#Petrol_.28gasoline.29_engines

You simply take you foot off the brake and let the engine slow down the vehicle.

Some people downshift to engine brake (shift down and let off the gas and release/engage the clutch). I did this once in a VW on snow - the Squareback did three pirouettes (and checked to see if I wet my pants).

Tim
1954Advance-Design.com
1954 3106 Carryall Suburban
1954 3104 5-window pickup w/Hydra-Matic
The 216 and early 235 engines are not "splash oilers" -- this is a splash oiler.