Paddle shift conversion
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 196
Likes: 53
From: Sun City AZ
Paddle shift conversion
Since I am going to remove my fat padded steering wheel off of my 93 for an old school classic wood rimmed one, I was thinking of looking into doing a paddle shift conversion ,but could not find any/much information out there for our C4s. I have read that the 4L60e trans is capable of running as such, but not much additional data. A company called Shift machine makes a nice appearing unit that should fit our column...Anyone out there done this conversion...or helpful information in that direction?
Thanks
Thanks
Emerging Vendor
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 411
Likes: 138
From: Summerfield, Florida
2023 C4 of the Year Finalist- Modified
Paddle shift conversion
I have done this back in 2004 to my 1990 ZR-1 with a 4l6OE. The company I used was TCI , there are others like compushift sport, and company called twist machine. I don't know if they are still in business.
I stopped using Paddle system as I changed to a 4l8OE transmission. Compshfit sport controller allows me to program my shifts at what ever rpm i want. Right now I have mine set to shift at wide open throttle to 6800 rpm ( fuel cuts off at 7150 rpm) If I set the shift point higher the car hits fuel cut off, because I'am at full throttle when drag racing.
Just type in search "Paddle **** transmission controllers"
hope this helps
John
1990 white/black ZR-1 with a 4l8OE transmission
Auto since 2004
I stopped using Paddle system as I changed to a 4l8OE transmission. Compshfit sport controller allows me to program my shifts at what ever rpm i want. Right now I have mine set to shift at wide open throttle to 6800 rpm ( fuel cuts off at 7150 rpm) If I set the shift point higher the car hits fuel cut off, because I'am at full throttle when drag racing.
Just type in search "Paddle **** transmission controllers"
hope this helps
John
1990 white/black ZR-1 with a 4l8OE transmission
Auto since 2004
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 196
Likes: 53
From: Sun City AZ
That helps a lot, thanks John.
My 04 BMW M3 had them although it was actually a manual with electric/hydraulic paddle mechanism..I liked it a lot, I think it gave me better control when needed.
Fred
My 04 BMW M3 had them although it was actually a manual with electric/hydraulic paddle mechanism..I liked it a lot, I think it gave me better control when needed.
Fred
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 54
Likes: 5
This post is more out of personal curiosity than anything by the way. Are you drag racing the car? Other than that I don't see what paddle shifts would offer over traditional manual or automatic controls. If you want fine control over your gear shifts (as I do) then get a manual transmission with all the benefits that offers over an automatic; but if you want the ease of use of the car shifting automatically with an automatic transmission, then why the need for paddles? I get it for drag racing with a built-up beefy automatic transmission where every fraction of a second is precious, but if it's a daily driver I don't really see the point of the paddles conversion.
Not meaning this to be negative at all, I am merely genuinely curious why you are wanting to convert your car to a paddle shift.
Anecdotally, I had paddle shifters in my 2018 Mustang GT Premium Performance Pack and I found myself almost never using them.
Not meaning this to be negative at all, I am merely genuinely curious why you are wanting to convert your car to a paddle shift.
Anecdotally, I had paddle shifters in my 2018 Mustang GT Premium Performance Pack and I found myself almost never using them.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 14,659
Likes: 749
From: NEwhere Ohio
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 196
Likes: 53
From: Sun City AZ
This post is more out of personal curiosity than anything by the way. Are you drag racing the car? Other than that I don't see what paddle shifts would offer over traditional manual or automatic controls. If you want fine control over your gear shifts (as I do) then get a manual transmission with all the benefits that offers over an automatic; but if you want the ease of use of the car shifting automatically with an automatic transmission, then why the need for paddles? I get it for drag racing with a built-up beefy automatic transmission where every fraction of a second is precious, but if it's a daily driver I don't really see the point of the paddles conversion.
Not meaning this to be negative at all, I am merely genuinely curious why you are wanting to convert your car to a paddle shift.
Anecdotally, I had paddle shifters in my 2018 Mustang GT Premium Performance Pack and I found myself almost never using them.
Not meaning this to be negative at all, I am merely genuinely curious why you are wanting to convert your car to a paddle shift.
Anecdotally, I had paddle shifters in my 2018 Mustang GT Premium Performance Pack and I found myself almost never using them.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 13,942
Likes: 705
From: WI
There are the options mentioned and others too. I used a push button shif noid brand setup for awhile. The paddles that install behind the wheel are pricey for what they are. Another option that I was looking at is the mega squirt trans product. Some of these products will work with the 4L60 and others only with the E. http://www.msgpio.com/manuals/mshift/4L60e.html full manual mode with your choice of button type.
