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.