What is "Manumatic" Technology

[Steve Chryssos]

As some of you know, I have started a company who's first product is a paddle shifter for manumatics. After 90 days of fielding questions, I feel it is beneficial to explain the lowest common denominator: Manumatic Technology. Broken down to its simplest elements, Manumatic technology can be described as follows:
A computer program that allows the driver to emulate the shifting of a manual transmission on an automatic. So it is a program.

In order for this manu-matic technology to exist and function, all of the following criteria must be met:
1) A COMPUTER.
2) MANUMATIC PROGRAM loaded into the computer.
3) An ELECTRONIC transmission.
4) An ELECTRONIC controlled shifter.

So a TH350 does not and cannot meet any of the above criteria. An LS1/4L60E with a factory computer comes close to meeting all of the criteria, but the computer does not contain the programming--nor is their any way to load the program into the factory computer, so an aftermarket transmission computer is still required. Bummer. Don't blame us--blame GM.

Now let's look at availability:
1) COMPUTERS: TCI, Powertrain Control Solutions, BigStuff3, Compushift.
2) MANUMATIC PROGRAMMING: Is loaded into all of the computers listed above.
3) ELECTRONIC Transmission: Actually the PCS controller will run virtually any electronic transmission. The other brands run 4L60E, 4L80E, AOD-E and 4R70W. The key here is that shifting and line pressure are controlled electronically.
4) ELECTRONIC Controlled Shifter: That's us. We bypass the mechanical shifter and detent. Computers, programs and electronic transmission have been adapted to hot rods for years, but our product is the first aftermarket electronic shifter that allows you to use the dormant technology. All that we have built is a glorified switch. You could accomplish the the same function of our product with just a couple of momentary switches and coil cords. Likewise you could buy an electro-mechanical shifter from a junkyard or dealer. But neither alternative will install as cleanly or be as fun to drive as our paddle shifter.

Your feedback and questions about manumatic shifting are anxiously awaited--as we are trying to find better/easier ways to convey this knowledge.

[radrambler]

hey

i HAVE A 4L60E.......wanna sponsor the ride? decal across front windshield IM GAME ....haha..im always good like that .a freebee. hasnt been one on the car yet.i love your product though..keep it coming

thanks for the detailed info ..very cool stuff

radrambler

[Steve Chryssos]

Sorry Rad--No Freebies. There is a standing 5% Lateral-g.net member discount.
Thanks
/Steve

[DCreations]

Steve can you control how soft or harsh the shifting is why you're drive? Any plans for making shifters like the new bmw's?

[907rs]

I was originally going to go the automatic/Gear Vendors route, but then changed my mind and decided on the T56. Now I'm having second thoughts.............

Steevo, any chance you can post up your video again?

[kmracer]

why not have a magi :thumbsupzine feature an article on it.... that would defintly up the awareness of the product...

[Steve1968LS2]

Originally Posted by F70t/a

Steve can you control how soft or harsh the shifting is why you're drive? Any plans for making shifters like the new bmw's?

The TCI T-com allows you to control almost all the functions of the trans. You can have different shift firmness for cruising and for part-throttle and WOT shifts. There is even a provision for performance/economy setting switch.

So the harshness of the shift is dependent on throttle position and RPM.

[61Bubbletop]

Sorry Steve, I was only making that connection to try and link the two, because I know people are interested in changing parameters, and understanding how the algorithms work is the first step in calibrating shifts correctly. I can't wait to read the writeup in June...Congrats!

[Steve Chryssos]

I understand. We are making the same point: It's all about the computer program or algorithm.

Folks ask well why? Why can't I hook it up to my TH350 somehow with a CO2 bottle like Steve Strope did or with a linear actuator motor? It's still just a hydromechanical transmission. All you accomplish under those circumstances is to replace the motion of your arm, the floor shifter and the shifter cable. You are still operating a "dumb" transmission. If you feed a carburetor with an electric fuel pump, can you call it fuel injection? No. You need a computer, sensors and a map (program or algorithm)


T/A,
I've run it at the track and used it at autocross. No road course yet.
In the 1/4 manual mode is better when wheelspin is present. Otherwise the computer sees mph increase and prematurely upshifts. In a perfect world, automatic mode would be better. But when traction is limited or you need to overcome a fuel stumble or some other variable, I'll take a paddle shifted manu-matic over any other option.
When autocrossing, driver's typically just leave their transmissions in 2nd gear. The course is slow and tight enough that shifting is cumbersome and unnecessary. But with paddles located on the steering wheel and ultra quick manumatic shifts, it is possible to paddle shift between 2nd and 3rd gear. Downshifting back into 2nd induces engine braking which can be beneficial on certain corners. I have a separate auto-cross program that I can load. Has a little extra line pressure built in and lower downshift prevention parameters.
/Steve

[radrambler]

steve

your product sounds awesome ...
i may just have to get that...sounds like it makes an automatic alot more fun to drive..and i would like to autcross mine some ..just to drive the sh@# out of it..thats what they are for right?


radrambler