Paddle shifter article in the new STREET RODDER mag.

[Musclerodz]

Interesting article. I did not know another company was making paddle shifters. Raytek I think it was? Anyways, their's also allowed it to work in conjuction with non-computer trannys by using that new push button shifter. Article covered both units and they seemed impressed by both units. I think that is something you need to hit on as well Steve.

Mike

[hectore3]

I read the article also. This could be an option for us with non-computer transmissions. And hope for us who don't want to make the jump to a 4L80E or the new 6L80E

[Steve Chryssos]

Don't do it. The transmission computer is the heart of the system--not the paddle shifter. The paddle shifter is just an input device like a keyboard or mouse. Electronically actuated shift solenoids and line pressure solenoids are the only way to ensure quick, predictable and repeatable shifts. With an electronic trans, shifts will always happen in .5 sec or less. With a pre-electronic trans, you will tap a paddle and the shift may or may not occur in a timely manner depending on the mechanical, non-adjustable shift programming in the transmission. It could take up to 3 seconds. It looks like this:
Pre-Electronic Trans:
1) Tap paddle to send signal
2) Move mechanical arm on side of the trans
3) Move fluid thru valve body circuitry and rely on vacuum, counterweights, springs and other doo-kickeys (aka slushbox)
What happens if that mechanical arm jams or fails? Connecting an electronic paddle shifter to a pre-electronic trans is like trying to plug a Logitech mouse into a typewriter.

Electronic Trans:
1) Tap paddle to send signal
2) Electronically hit solenoids based on 100% electronic parameters such as TPS, rpm and vehicle speed sensors.
That's it. The computer processes data in milliseconds. There are no mechanical parts to jam or fail.

Furthermore, the computer software has crucial reliability and safety functions that prevent shifting under the wrong circumstances. One example: When coming to a full stop, the TCI controller will automatically reset the trans to 1st gear. This way you don't burn your trans up by leaving in high gear. I sincerely hope that the other thing has some sort of downshift prevention. Otherwise, you could downshift too far at 100mph. Very bad. Without some sort of TPS/VSS/RPM input, I don't see how that design can prevent that from happening. Blown engines, blown transmission and dead customers are bad for business.
There are countless reasons why the OE's apply manumatic technology to electronic transmissions ONLY. Likewise, we (Twist Machine, LLC) absolutely, positively refuse to build a linear actuator motored paddle shifter. It's ineffective and potentially dangerous.

It may be tempting -- but don't do it.

[Musclerodz]

I just thought it was interesting to note, whether the theory was valid or not. They also have a unit for elctronic trannies and noticed on American Hot Rod last night they had installed one in the 56 Chevy vert they finished. I don't know anything about them and would rather buy from someone I know and trust, like Steve.

Mike

[Steve Chryssos]

Thank you. I may sound biased or defensive, but believe me, that article and the American Hot Rod episode has sent my web traffic skywards and already yielded sales. Competitor or not, I'm pleased as punch. These things tend to expand the overall marketplace. And when you google "Paddle Shifter", you find Twist Machine. I have no reason to be defensive. I just want to educate others. I suspect that the follower will soon discover what we and the OE market already know:

Paddle Shifter + Sensors + Solenoids + Software = Manumatic

[trapin]

Steve...

So are you saying that what they're running in that '56 (paddle shifter with push button trans) is dangerous? I was surprised to see that because I thought not long ago you had told me that combining a push button shifter with a paddle shifter was a dangerous combination. Boyd's taking an awful big risk if that's the case. I would think he would be liable if anything happened. Unless the guy signed a release or something.

[BRIAN]

They have had that push button deal out for years. I would guess it is for manually selecting gears on a non computer tranny and not for accurate instant up and down shifts. Do not see how it would be any more dangerous than playing with any automatic shifter??

I beleive that the Retrotek is owned by a guy named Ken from Long Island. I had talked to him years ago about his EFI conversions. He was really good guy and knew his stuff.


A little competition usually brings the better product into the spotlight or at least the better product for the application. Good luck to both of you guys. Great idea!!!!!

[race-rodz]

even with the paddle shifter, you still need to "select" gears, the paddle shifter is only for up/down shifts in forward gears. so the push button deal is there for the manual selcetion of gear, instead of a typical shifter.

and im sure the trans in the 56 on american hot rod was an elec trans, and i think the paddle shifter was for manu-matic action.

[Steve Chryssos]

Originally Posted by race-rodz

even with the paddle shifter, you still need to "select" gears, the paddle shifter is only for up/down shifts in forward gears. so the push button deal is there for the manual selcetion of gear, instead of a typical shifter.
and im sure the trans in the 56 on american hot rod was an elec trans, and i think the paddle shifter was for manu-matic action.

Correct. NOTHING wrong with using a linear actuator to move the detent from Park to Reverse to Drive. So the pushbutton deal is fine for basic gear selection. Now performance up and down shifting is another thing altogether. Here, rapidly moving between forward gears is best left to a fully electronic solution. Plugging a paddle shifter into a linear actuator on a pre-electronic trans will yield the exact same sloppy, untimely response as grabbing a mechanical floor or column shifter. But with a paddle shifter, the driver EXPECTS gear changes to happen quickly. Electrons are the way to go.

And unless there is some sort of downshift prevention, paddle shifting into 1st at high rpm could lead to over-revving engine or trans failure which in turn could lead to locked wheels--regardless of the shift mechanism. With a paddle shifter, making that mistake is just that much easier. Electronic trans controllers won't let that happen. I stated that I hope that semi-electronic solution has some sort of downshift prevention since the system is not connected to electronic engine and VSS (wheel speed) sensors.

[Steve Chryssos]

Originally Posted by BRIAN

I beleive that the Retrotek is owned by a guy named Ken from Long Island. I had talked to him years ago about his EFI conversions. He was really good guy and knew his stuff.


A little competition usually brings the better product into the spotlight or at least the better product for the application. Good luck to both of you guys. Great idea!!!!!

Yup. I don't know his last name, but Ken called me about a year ago looking to buy our electronics.