I was driving at around 50mph and suddenly realized that I have to make a
left turn at the traffic light, so I quickly shift to neutral, step on brake and
wait for the light.
If I remember correctly, I shift to neutral without clutching in!!!
Is it possible?

 

A lot of clutch questions today.

Yes you can move from a high gear to neutral if the engine speed (RPM) is low and matched to the trans speed. Often called floating the transmission. I'm not saying it's good practice but is possible.

 

when im approaching a stop sometimes, i just tap the gas a little while
gently moving the shifter towards N w/o using the clutch.

there's nothing harmful about it at those speeds.

also, i can get the car back in gear without the clutch sometimes while
crawling. it's easier just to use the clutch.

 

Not only can you pull the transmission into nuetral, you can also up and downshift without using the clutch pedal - you just have to time it right and have the revs matched. However, shifting without the clutch in a regular street car is obviously not a good idea.

It's just how you drive some cars, though. My friend used to autocross a Formula Ford, and he only used the clutch once per run - right off the starting line.

 

satay-ayam's right. You can shift without a clutch if you get the revs right.

When pulling out of gear without the clutch, you need to pull right when you let off the throttle. Otherwise, it'll grind a bit. When you get it right, you won't even feel it slip out of gear. If your already slowing down and revs are low, you can give it a little throttle while you pull out of gear. In this case, I tend to just push the clutch in.

 

A Formula Ford box is way different from a Getrag 6 speed box. There is a reason they put synchronizers in the Getrag. Do what you like, but tranny's are very expensive pieces. I'm using my syncros as God & Gerag intended.

 

Duh . Did I not say that it wasn't a good idea to shift a Mini without the clutch? I just said it was possible. I don't drive my own car like that, and wouldn't suggest that anyone else drive thier mini like that either But as you say, do what you like with your own car.

 

If you have the revs matched up correctly the synchros do nothing... clutch or no clutch.