I have a TT Z06 with RPM Stg VI 4L65E auto conversion

really like to do a paddle shift for it

I've run into several stumbling blocks

1. haven't seen any nice paddle shifters for the C5 steering wheel, only "buttons" that clip on and don't look right. I did see a floor shifter option that allows up or down a gear using the console shift handle, which would be ok, but I'd really prefer the paddles on the steering wheel so I can keep both hands there. anything out there that fits the c5 steering wheel, or is it possible to just install a C6 steering column and wheel with the factory paddles I think the airbag and wiring might be a big problem there. maybe if I could just "steal the wheel" and adapt it. anyone try that?

2. I've looked into the TCI tranny controller, and it looks like the only viable solution, but it takes some $$$, programming and the "off paddle" operation may not be as good as factory PCM as it would take a bit of programing expertise that I don't have. it would be really cool if there was something out there that could "paddle shift" with using the factory PCM, anything out there or in the pipeline?

3. Like to also have a "lockup button" so I can control when the converter locks

if anyone has been successful with this on a C5, please chime in. I'll give Rodney a call soon too to see if he has anything cooked up.

I've been driving a rental car (09 Bu with a lame ecotec 4) but the paddle shift is pretty fun and has me lusting after something like that on the c5.

thanks!

 

I would like to know as well I think it would be a reall cool mod!

The Big Dog

 

I drove a C6 with paddle shifter and loved it. I'm sure it's only a matter of time before somebody comes up with a paddle shifter for the C5's

 

Contact Nick Yoskin for the tranny lockup. He's here on the boards.
Dan

 

If this was a "VIABLE" option for the A4 - I too would be interested as it would be fun to drive

But again, it needs to be for the 4L60E (which mine is)

Thanks,Matt

 

TCI just released their new paddle shifter. It must be used in conjunction with their TCI T-Com box though. According to TCI, it upshifts and downshifts virtually immediatly. When its in manual mode, it will not shift until commanded. This means you can shift at redline or at 800rpm's, whichever you choose. They also said shift time is literally in the miliseconds, so theirs no lag time.

We are running one on our C5 4L80E project, so ill be able to give some more info once the car is up and running.

 

Awesome, hurry up and get it done.

 

Awesome Jeff, thanks for the info, and keep us posted. I am insterested also!

 

I would LOVE to get it done. I am soooo sick and tired of watching all of these other corvettes driving while I watch my car on the rack.

If I had half a brain, I'd just put in a 4L60E, and drive it around for the summer.

 

Chuck

 

FYI.. I now have a new RPM 4L65E stage VI+ ( the + is the addional hardened output shaft)!

 

Your winters aren't too bad, not like here in Northeast. Finish her up right and be done with it.

 

Heard through the grape vine that you must use the TCI steering wheel. I talked the the guys at IPS Motorsports in Columbus Oh and they say you can use a custon bracket and your stock steering wheel!

The Big Dog

 

No, you can either use any aftermarket wheel that has a 5 bolt mounting design, or you can use a special bracket for your stock wheel

 

Will this rpm-match on a downshift like a "real" paddle shifter so it doesn't jerk tires loose, or does it basically do the same thing as the stock shift lever?

 

time to drill down and do the homework on the tci

the brackets don't sound too bad but like to see how they mount up and look

the biggest thing I'm interested in is the programming, cost, and "dual mode" operation. from what I understand, you can go paddle shift or let it go automatic, the lockup from nick sounds good

I might try this setup first on an old trans am project I have to work the kinks out. there is no steering wheel issues on the old car

a good paddle shifter would make all the difference

does rodney do this setup? hey rodney, you out there!!

 

The programming is extremely simple. When using the T-com box, its essentially a stand alone tranny controller. This not only allows you to REALLY tweak the tranny setting, but have fingertip controls.

Heres a couple things "I" liked about the T-com box

• Lock/Unlock Converter whenever you want
• Dual program switching
• Infinate adjustability
• Only a couple of wires to install

The dual program allows to to have a small toggle switch under your dash. When you want an aggressive program for the track, you can just switch on the fly. This allows you to have nice and smooth controls on the street, yet let you bang the gears at the track.

I am not aware how downshifting works. Thats a good question to look in to.

The cost is roughly a grand for the T-com controller, harness, AND the billet shifter assembly. Heres the funny part. The harness has the manual shifter mode wires on it. According to the users manual, all you need, is a momentary switch for the up and down shifts. You dont even really NEED the paddle shifter. If you were mechanically inclined, you could actually install 2 small buttons on your factory wheel. This would do the exact same thing as the paddle shift, but you wouldnt have to spend the money on the paddle shift kit.
.

 

what i dont think we will have is rev matching...really makes the paddle shifter fun to drive...does anybody think its possible???im sure the new c6 auto matches revs on downshifts

 

That might be tough the, trans control box would have to integrate intimately with the engine control box so it could 'blip' the throttle on the wireless throttle control. I think as far as the full rev matching capability that would be a show stopper, it would be very hard to get an aftermarket control box to be that perfectly in sync with the factory ECU.

To give some perspective on this according to all the reviews I have read about the new 370Z it's got one of the first 'auto rev matching' features in a production car for a standard single disc manual transmission. Apparently all the car mags are impressed because it actually works very well which they weren't expecting on a single disc standard manual gearbox.

The kicker is that it took Nissan, a very large, very tech oriented company nearly 5 years of R&D they say to get it to work as well as it does. Kind of makes you think it might be hard to do for an aftermarket piece for a normal single disc (non sequential or multidisc trans) manual transmission.

Btw, understanding the difference between single disc standard manual and DSC multiclutch transmissions with dual input shafts is very important.

I always thought that, heck you could probably put some electric servos on the shift rod and the clutch actuator and make a paddle shift trans. I read an article in a magazine (APR/MAY 0-60mag "Explained: Dual Clutch Transmissions" pg 80), about how real dual disc trans works, where they basically hold two gears at once and 'hand off' the power from one to another you can see the trans is actually a completely different animal inside. It's not just having two discs, it's a completely different transmission setup. Very good article but no clue how hard that magazine is to find.

EDIT: I do know the OP comment was about using this with an Auto trans, the first part about syncing with the ECU was about that. The second part was just about paddle shifters in general. Sorry if I wasn't clear enough when I switched focus.

 

thanks very much for the detailed explanation. do you guys have a "baseline" auto shifting program available. I think this mod would really enhance my car. the lockup is a bit too early, and with the multidisk, a bit harsh. but the real problem is the "economy bias" of the factory PCM tranny control. it shifts way too early under part throttle and makes agressive downshifts which are downright dangerous when the boost hits

manaul control for "spirited" driving and slushbox auto for croozin is the best of both worlds. I've seen what the paddle shifters look like, and while a button for the lockup would be fine (somewhere on the paddles) I didn't like the buttons for "up and down" maybe putting them on the floor with a dimmer switch would work well for "hands on wheel" up and down shift

that would be pretty ez to do.