Automatic with an H-pattern shifter?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 238
Likes: 1
Automatic with an H-pattern shifter?
Bear with me here, because I know little about automatics. Is it possible to install a shifter and linkage that allows an H shift pattern? I'm asking because I understand that Jim Hall's Chaparrals had 3 speed semi-automatics with H-pattern shifters. When downshifting from third to second, the driver braked, slipped the transmission into neutral, blipped the throttle, and then selected second. It seems like a great set up because it avoids the necessity of having to shift sequentially. Here's what I mean: When downshifting a manual transmission from fourth to second on the street or at road racing school, I frequently skip third. If I do it properly, the downshift is very smooth. This is a common technique that was used by champions such as Jackie Stewart. I know that downshifting sequentially with an automatic is easy, but it would be nice to have the option of skipping gears when appropriate. In addition, with the ability to blip the throttle before selecting the lower gear, even an automatic can be used more smoothly.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,144
Likes: 18
From: Panhandle FL
In short......... Its not gonna happen. It has nothing to do with the shifter. That just works a cable that controls the "sequential shift" of the auto. One rod controls P R N D yada yada yada. The new triptronic is all electronic thats why they have a little more control.
You need a ZF 6 speed
any gear you want, any time you want. 82mph at 2000 rpm. 
You need a ZF 6 speed
any gear you want, any time you want. 82mph at 2000 rpm.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 238
Likes: 1
Speed750,
Thanks for the reply. I guess I'm not surprised by what you wrote. I prefer manuals, but an automatic with an H pattern would have nice advantages, as I think the Chaparrals proved.
DSKRALL
Thanks for the reply. I guess I'm not surprised by what you wrote. I prefer manuals, but an automatic with an H pattern would have nice advantages, as I think the Chaparrals proved.
DSKRALL
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,137
Likes: 5
From: Howard PA
This would probably be doable with an electronic automatic; 700R4E 480LE and so on. Use a six speed shifter with a home made gate plate and some micro switches. I think I could do it but I have no reason to try.
What's wrong with a good ratchet shift?
What's wrong with a good ratchet shift?
