Mean Lookin' Paddle Shifter for a Fiero
 

I built this custom paddle shifter for a Pro-Touring Fiero application.

http://www.westcoastfiero.com/proje...car/engtop1.jpg

Uses a very small very flat 12.2" steering wheel to facilitate driver comfort. We used this opportunity to design a new paddle shape called "Stealth". The paddles are almost entirely hidden from view by the steering wheel rim when viewed head-on (in the driver's position). So we now offer a choice of paddle designs: Shark and Stealth (shown). Aside from the shape, we had to make custom "narrow" paddles to accomodate the small steering wheel.
http://homepage.mac.com/streetfytr/....ISTFIEROSM.jpg

Looks awesome Steve!! Great work. Once I get back in the swing of things on the car..Your phone will be ringing....Hopefully SOON!!!

Very Very Cool. ALMOST makes me want an automatic...almost :D

I LOVE IT!!! Less bling, MORE RACE! An automatic will be in my next car for sure.

Mike

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I like the shape, very nice.

Looks Great Steve.
W.

Thanks guyz.

Jim, I think that it wold be technically possible to use this for a T56. It will require some electric actuators that should do the shifting and some electronics to control it. If I only had more time...

Jan

That is killer Steevo.....I love the paddle design...Nice work :thumbsup:

Jan and Steve

I would run the paddle set up in a heart beat if it could be configured for a 6 speed. That would be Killer.

It's not at all impossible, though "actuator" is a bit oversimplified. Robotics would be a more appropriate term. Entirely possible for a custom installation, but would be very difficult to develop as a production aftermarket kit as every application would require its own algorithm. Ferrari build cars to spec, while every hot rod is different.

The correct algorithm for one hot rod in particular, may result in a blown clutch or engine meltdown when installed in another. Hell. even the Ferrari F1 system is still flawed during low speed, part throttle application where the computer lacks human finesse. It's no wonder that the Porsche Carrera GT is only offered with a traditional manual and the McLaren-Mercedes supercar has a manumatic.

Robotics are the easy part, software development holds the real challenge.

Gosh, I sound so smart.

"Algorithm"...Was that just for my benefit? :P

Uh huh.

How about with GM's new 6L80 transmission? A paddle shifted 6 speed automatic.. :thumbsup:

Steve I like that paddle design a lot. The other style looks cool too, but in a "you better play nice with me or I'll slice your thumbs off!" kinda way...

The "Shark" design looks dangerous but really isn't (Which is the idea) Material is about a 1/4" thick with fully radiused and smoothed edges. But in pictures it looks pointy and razor thin.

I like the rounded "Fiero" version a lot. Maybe just a tiny bit better than the Shark ... :thumbsup:

jp

The shark design looks dangerous the way a new mustang sounds fast..

;)


But seriously.. you would have to try REALLY hard to hurt yourself on the the original shark design.. and if you tried that hard you deserve it :)

Love the new style though!!

Top drawer design! Can it be made for other wheel sizes?

Yes. Most aftermarket wheels are 13.75 to 14" diameter and have somewhere between 35mm and 50mm of offset depending on bolt pattern. So we pretty much have all of the sizes covered by swapping narrow, std and wide paddles. We can pretty much make you whatever you want.

For example, one guy wants flame paddles that extend upward from the wheel at the 10 and 2 position--just peeking out above the rim. Not my cup of tea, but they might look good on a 1200HP 40 Ford.

I'm having fun. :D

I like this design, but I like the original better. Would want one, but prefer my 5 speed manual more. Great product.

Mike

As promised, there are now three paddle designs available. Everyone please check in and let me know which shape you like best--Shark, Sport or Stealth. Thanks.

http://homepage.mac.com/streetfytr/....ISTPADDLES.jpg

Sport for me.

jp

Sport looks killer :thumbsup:

I like the Sport the best. :thumbsup:

Damn.. wish I had this before I finished up the story.. VERY nice.. love the SPORT model!!

:)

Sport = :hail:

Now what is this telling you? I think you have a winner there. :thumbsup:

Very interesting. Let's hear some more.....

Are we getting paid for this little survey? ;)

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ok .. like my car... ill be "different"....im going stealth..i like it ....
next month i should be ordering mine....will i have to mod the paddles or is it ok to mod the paddles because im going to use a factory 70 chevelle(sport wheel) three spoke design steering wheel ? .i have no idea how much distance ill have from rim of wheel to paddles.....I DONT LIKE THESE NEW IMPORT LOOKING FLAT AFTERMARKET STEERING WHEELS.. SORRY.... if ya have one on guys.....
ANYWAY ..STEALTH..... FOR SURE

COOL PRODUCT STEVE

RADRAMBLER

Edit: No. The simple knowlege that we here at Twist Machine are burning the midnight oil should serve as suitable compensation. Oh and you guys are all invited to a party on my private island.

Rad,
Since, the Shrifter replaces aftermarket steering wheel hub adapters, it will take some work to make the paddle shifter fit with a high offset steering wheel.

thanks
 

thanks for the info steve. :thumbsup: ..i kinda figured that i would have to build some extensions to mount to the paddles and it would work ....hey just another way to make it available to more customers ....im not gonna make anything cheesy....ill use aluminum.... ill send pics to ya when i get started on this phase of the project...maybe you ll have a new option???...

thanks again
radrambler

Sign me up for the Sport! I'll be calling to order mine sometime soon. Once I figure out what wheel I'm going to go with - I'll be giving you a call.

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Sport for me.

Awww man.... And all I wanted was a cookie..... :(

I like the Sport version too. Hey Steve any chance of a servo actuated version for non computer transmissions like TH-350,TH-350,700R4 etc. huh huh huh? :unibrow: Marcus

Well crap, guess I'm the only one here that still favors the shark. :thumbsup:

Since this technology is new to the world of hot rodding, I get asked this question a lot. The answer is "Sure--Just connect the paddle shifter to a bi-directional linear actuator motor that is hung off the shift detent on the side of the transmission". After which I always caution that paddle shifting is such an exciting and effortless process, that you will no doubt--at some point--paddle shift your car into "Park" or reverse at 110mph. Very bad. Furthermore, since there is no computer in these transmissions, shifts will be "slushbox" clunky and/or unpredictable--just as they are when grabbing your floor shifter.

I liken a paddle shifted TH350 as follows: Connecting a paddle shifter to your TH350 is like trying to connect a "mouse" or video monitor to a 1950's typewriter. Without a computer and (more importantly) software, neither scenario is very effective. It's all about the computer--not the paddle shifter.

Don't do it.

The shark looks best to me and more functional because you schould garb it
better no miss shifts.
Cool pro touring project don't see to many projects based on a fiero.
:) ;)