Mean Lookin' Paddle Shifter for a Fiero

[Steve Chryssos]

I built this custom paddle shifter for a Pro-Touring Fiero application.

http://www.westcoastfiero.com/proje...car/engtop1.jpg

Uses a very small very flat 12.2" steering wheel to facilitate driver comfort. We used this opportunity to design a new paddle shape called "Stealth". The paddles are almost entirely hidden from view by the steering wheel rim when viewed head-on (in the driver's position). So we now offer a choice of paddle designs: Shark and Stealth (shown). Aside from the shape, we had to make custom "narrow" paddles to accomodate the small steering wheel.
http://homepage.mac.com/streetfytr/.Pictures/Posting/TWISTFIEROSM.jpg

[Ricochet]

Looks awesome Steve!! Great work. Once I get back in the swing of things on the car..Your phone will be ringing....Hopefully SOON!!!

[Ummgawa]

Very Very Cool. ALMOST makes me want an automatic...almost :D

[Musclerodz]

I LOVE IT!!! Less bling, MORE RACE! An automatic will be in my next car for sure.

Mike

[Stuart Adams]

I like the shape, very nice.

[67Sally]

Looks Great Steve.
W.

[Steve Chryssos]

Thanks guyz.

[jannes_z-28]

Very Very Cool. ALMOST makes me want an automatic...almost :D

Jim, I think that it wold be technically possible to use this for a T56. It will require some electric actuators that should do the shifting and some electronics to control it. If I only had more time...

Jan

[61Bubbletop]

That is killer Steevo.....I love the paddle design...Nice work :thumbsup:

[Ummgawa]

Jan and Steve

I would run the paddle set up in a heart beat if it could be configured for a 6 speed. That would be Killer.

[Steve Chryssos]

It's not at all impossible, though "actuator" is a bit oversimplified. Robotics would be a more appropriate term. Entirely possible for a custom installation, but would be very difficult to develop as a production aftermarket kit as every application would require its own algorithm. Ferrari build cars to spec, while every hot rod is different.

The correct algorithm for one hot rod in particular, may result in a blown clutch or engine meltdown when installed in another. Hell. even the Ferrari F1 system is still flawed during low speed, part throttle application where the computer lacks human finesse. It's no wonder that the Porsche Carrera GT is only offered with a traditional manual and the McLaren-Mercedes supercar has a manumatic.

Robotics are the easy part, software development holds the real challenge.

Gosh, I sound so smart.

[61Bubbletop]

"Algorithm"...Was that just for my benefit? :P

[Steve Chryssos]

Uh huh.

[Steve1968LS2]

Jan and Steve

I would run the paddle set up in a heart beat if it could be configured for a 6 speed. That would be Killer.

How about with GM's new 6L80 transmission? A paddle shifted 6 speed automatic.. :thumbsup:

[rwhite692]

Steve I like that paddle design a lot. The other style looks cool too, but in a "you better play nice with me or I'll slice your thumbs off!" kinda way...

[Steve Chryssos]

The "Shark" design looks dangerous but really isn't (Which is the idea) Material is about a 1/4" thick with fully radiused and smoothed edges. But in pictures it looks pointy and razor thin.

[parsonsj]

I like the rounded "Fiero" version a lot. Maybe just a tiny bit better than the Shark ... :thumbsup:

jp

[Steve1968LS2]

The "Shark" design [I]looks[/] dangerous but really isn't (Which is the idea) Material is about a 1/4" thick with fully radiused and smoothed edges. But in pictures it looks pointy and razor thin.

The shark design looks dangerous the way a new mustang sounds fast..

;)


But seriously.. you would have to try REALLY hard to hurt yourself on the the original shark design.. and if you tried that hard you deserve it :)

Love the new style though!!

[4mm]

Top drawer design! Can it be made for other wheel sizes?

[Steve Chryssos]

Yes. Most aftermarket wheels are 13.75 to 14" diameter and have somewhere between 35mm and 50mm of offset depending on bolt pattern. So we pretty much have all of the sizes covered by swapping narrow, std and wide paddles. We can pretty much make you whatever you want.

For example, one guy wants flame paddles that extend upward from the wheel at the 10 and 2 position--just peeking out above the rim. Not my cup of tea, but they might look good on a 1200HP 40 Ford.

I'm having fun. :D

[mdprovee]

I like this design, but I like the original better. Would want one, but prefer my 5 speed manual more. Great product.

Mike

[Steve Chryssos]

As promised, there are now three paddle designs available. Everyone please check in and let me know which shape you like best--Shark, Sport or Stealth. Thanks.

http://homepage.mac.com/streetfytr/.Pictures/Posting/TWISTPADDLES.jpg

[parsonsj]

Sport for me.

jp

[DCreations]

Sport looks killer :thumbsup:

[XcYZ]

I like the Sport the best. :thumbsup:

[Steve1968LS2]

As promised, there are now three paddle designs available. Everyone please check in and let me know which shape you like best--Shark, Sport or Stealth. Thanks.

http://homepage.mac.com/streetfytr/.Pictures/Posting/TWISTPADDLES.jpg

Damn.. wish I had this before I finished up the story.. VERY nice.. love the SPORT model!!

:)

[zbugger]

Sport = :hail:

Now what is this telling you? I think you have a winner there. :thumbsup:

[Steve Chryssos]

Very interesting. Let's hear some more.....

[zbugger]

Are we getting paid for this little survey? ;)

[radrambler]

Very interesting. Let's hear some more.....

ok .. like my car... ill be "different"....im going stealth..i like it ....
next month i should be ordering mine....will i have to mod the paddles or is it ok to mod the paddles because im going to use a factory 70 chevelle(sport wheel) three spoke design steering wheel ? .i have no idea how much distance ill have from rim of wheel to paddles.....I DONT LIKE THESE NEW IMPORT LOOKING FLAT AFTERMARKET STEERING WHEELS.. SORRY.... if ya have one on guys.....
ANYWAY ..STEALTH..... FOR SURE

COOL PRODUCT STEVE

RADRAMBLER

[Steve Chryssos]

Edit: Are we getting paid for this little survey?

No. The simple knowlege that we here at Twist Machine are burning the midnight oil should serve as suitable compensation. Oh and you guys are all invited to a party on my private island.

[Steve Chryssos]

Rad,
Since, the Shrifter replaces aftermarket steering wheel hub adapters, it will take some work to make the paddle shifter fit with a high offset steering wheel.

[radrambler]

Rad,
Since, the Shrifter replaces aftermarket steering wheel hub adapters, it will take some work to make the paddle shifter fit with a high offset steering wheel.

thanks for the info steve. :thumbsup: ..i kinda figured that i would have to build some extensions to mount to the paddles and it would work ....hey just another way to make it available to more customers ....im not gonna make anything cheesy....ill use aluminum.... ill send pics to ya when i get started on this phase of the project...maybe you ll have a new option???...

thanks again
radrambler

[Ricochet]

Sign me up for the Sport! I'll be calling to order mine sometime soon. Once I figure out what wheel I'm going to go with - I'll be giving you a call.

[Stuart Adams]

Sport for me.

[zbugger]

Edit:

No. The simple knowlege that we here at Twist Machine are burning the midnight oil should serve as suitable compensation. Oh and you guys are all invited to a party on my private island.
Awww man.... And all I wanted was a cookie..... :(

[Marcus SC&C]

I like the Sport version too. Hey Steve any chance of a servo actuated version for non computer transmissions like TH-350,TH-350,700R4 etc. huh huh huh? :unibrow: Marcus

[Keith]

Well crap, guess I'm the only one here that still favors the shark. :thumbsup:

[Steve Chryssos]

I like the Sport version too. Hey Steve any chance of a servo actuated version for non computer transmissions like TH-350,TH-350,700R4 etc. huh huh huh? :unibrow: Marcus

Since this technology is new to the world of hot rodding, I get asked this question a lot. The answer is "Sure--Just connect the paddle shifter to a bi-directional linear actuator motor that is hung off the shift detent on the side of the transmission". After which I always caution that paddle shifting is such an exciting and effortless process, that you will no doubt--at some point--paddle shift your car into "Park" or reverse at 110mph. Very bad. Furthermore, since there is no computer in these transmissions, shifts will be "slushbox" clunky and/or unpredictable--just as they are when grabbing your floor shifter.

I liken a paddle shifted TH350 as follows: Connecting a paddle shifter to your TH350 is like trying to connect a "mouse" or video monitor to a 1950's typewriter. Without a computer and (more importantly) software, neither scenario is very effective. It's all about the computer--not the paddle shifter.

Don't do it.

[Petrolhead]

The shark looks best to me and more functional because you schould garb it
better no miss shifts.
Cool pro touring project don't see to many projects based on a fiero.
:) ;)

[jannes_z-28]

Edit:

No. The simple knowlege that we here at Twist Machine are burning the midnight oil should serve as suitable compensation. Oh and you guys are all invited to a party on my private island.

OK, I'll bring the Swedish Bikini Team

Jan

[Steve Chryssos]

Yes Please.

Okay, Here we go again!! World's first paddle shifted ZR1. Actually, this is probably the world's first manumatic vette--period. Yup, this guy converted his ZR1 to an automatic and installed a paddle shifter with his own paddle design. Sorry if I'm boring you with all of these Shrifter pix--but pretty much every sale is a "first-ever" experience at this point.

But only Jody Bernard will be able to claim that he has the very first Shrifter. Here's the ZR1 pix.

http://homepage.mac.com/streetfytr/.Pictures/Posting/MVC-001S.JPG
http://homepage.mac.com/streetfytr/.Pictures/Posting/MVC-002S.JPG
http://homepage.mac.com/streetfytr/.Pictures/Posting/MVC-003S.JPG
http://homepage.mac.com/streetfytr/.Pictures/Posting/MVC-004S.JPG

[spaztikatik]

which year ZR-1 is that?

[Steve Chryssos]

It is a 1990 ZR1.

[MarkM66]

I'll vote stealth, :D .

[61Bubbletop]

Sport..... :thumbsup:

[DCreations]

Steve,


Do you plan to make any 6 speed ratchet shifter's too? Thats the only thing thats stopping me from doing an automatic. I dont like having to hit a buttom to go into another gear on those b&m shifters with a 6 speed trans.

[Steve Chryssos]

Dave,
Please elaborate. By button, I think you are referring to an NHRA mandated reverse lockout on a mechanical floor shifter. We don't have any immediate plans for building floor shifters.

The beauty of the manumatic paddle shifter is that there is absolutely no chance (Zero!) of shifting into neutral, reverse, or park during performance driving. It only controls the forward gears. So there's no more need for annoying ratchet action or reverse lockout. Yahoo!!

[DCreations]

Steve,

You pretty much answered my question. My friend had an over drive transmission in his cougar and I hated shifting in manual mode with a ratchet shifter. I was just wondering if you had plans for a floor shifter.


thanks for answering my question :thumbsup:

[Hydratech®]

Looks like some really nice goods you're producing there Steevo ! :yes:

[Steve Chryssos]

Thanks Paul. We're working on a new and improved website with updated product pix and numerous cars in the gallery.

And don't forget folks: In a couple of weeks, you can read the ins and outs of manumatic shifting for hot rods (with an install) in the July issue of Popular Hot Rodding.