Paddle shifter help

[cbernhardt]

I am working on a ’59 Corvette that has a 4L80E with a TCI controller. The controller has a “switch shift” capability that I would like to implement with paddle shifters. I would like to mount the paddles on the steering column hub behind the steering wheel (the silver colored piece directly in front of the tachometer in the picture below). This hub is fixed to the steering column and does not rotate. I do not think I can use any of the paddle shifters that mount directly behind the steering wheel because of space limitations and the fact that the steering column shaft must be retained.

Does anyone know of a paddle shifter “kit” that has just the paddles and switches that might be used in this application?
60297

[Steve Chryssos]

Our paddle shifter would add little or no depth as it would replace the black hub shown in the photo. Then we just build you a custom steering wheel adapter to match the bolt patter of that wheel -- assuming you are trying to keep that wheel. We are really the only company that goes to the trouble of building custom steering wheel adapters. What are your plans for a steering wheel?

[cbernhardt]

Thanks for your reply.
My plan is to use the original steering wheel, which brings some other questions.

1. The steering wheel is 17" in diameter. Does your paddle shifter have adjustable paddles that would extend out far enough.

2. In the picture in my first post you can see that the steering wheel is attached to the hub with rivets. There are 6 rivets on a 2-7/8" diameter pattern. The horn button normally covers these rivets. The horn contact ring is held with three screws (you can see two of them in the picture) and the horn button is held inside this ring. Would I be able to use the original horn button and contact ring?

3. The original steering wheel hub is 1-3/4" deep. Would your adapter be any thicker?

Charles

[Steve Chryssos]

17 Inch? Man that's big. Extra wide paddles can be made, though it is not a regular service. Also, that wheel design will leave much of the paddle shifter exposed. Have you considered an alternative 15" with a similar vibe? Might cost the same as custom paddles and will save 1/2 inch. As for depth, we are at 2.25" but might be able to drop over your column a bit. What is O.D of the column? If we move forward, I might send you out a bare hub to test fit in conjunction with the right Grant Installation Kit 4159, I think.

[cbernhardt]

The car does not have power steering, hence the 17" wheel. I built a 14.5" wheel for my wife's '62 Corvette in the same 3 spoke style as the original wheel, but her car has power steering and it's really a load to steer with the engine off.

I appreciate your suggestions, but I think I will try to come up with something that attaches to the fixed hub and uses momentary contact switches rather than the RF signal. Your website states that the shift time is 0.125 sec. With 2 shifts in the 1/4 mile that could be 0.25 seconds more elapsed time.

Thanks,
Charles

[Steve Chryssos]

No problem. Good luck with the project.

...and if it helps, time doesn't come to a complete standstill during each 125 millisecond burst. To the contrary, the engine still accelerates, the car still accelerates, and power is still transferred.

[Turbo67camaro]

I would think that the fastest 1/4 mile times would be accomplished by setting your shift points in the computer, and letting the computer do all the shifting.

A paddle shifter is more useful on a road course or street driving imo.

[Steve Chryssos]

Assuming perfect traction and a perfect running engine, that would be the case. But any loss of traction --which is common -- confuses the VSS. For example, during wheelspin, the computer might "see" 50 mph when the car is actually only doing 10 mph. The result would be premature shifts. Furthermore, the driver, trying to compensate for wheelspin, might lift off the throttle. The computer would see a reduction in TPS and cause yet another upshift.

Using the same example in paddle shift mode, the human might short shift the 1-2 to eliminate the wheelspin, then run out 2nd and 3rd regardless of TPS or VSS. Computer good. Human better.

[critter]

Just a shout out to say Steve built my paddles for my 1974 Trans Am and I couldn't be happier. I have the TCI controller for an 80e as well. Mine is the red box, not the newer version for the six speed tranny. If you do go with this, talk to Steve. He's worth the money.