Mean Lookin' Paddle Shifter for a Fiero - Page 2 - Lateral-g Forums

**Steve Chryssos** · #11 04-12-2005, 10:32 AM

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.

**61Bubbletop** · #12 04-12-2005, 11:57 AM

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

**Steve Chryssos** · #13 04-12-2005, 12:36 PM

Uh huh.

**Steve1968LS2** · #14 04-12-2005, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ummgawa

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.

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

rwhite692 · #15 04-12-2005, 02:49 PM

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...

**Steve Chryssos** · #16 04-12-2005, 05:31 PM

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.

**parsonsj** · #17 04-12-2005, 06:04 PM

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

jp

**Steve1968LS2** · #18 04-12-2005, 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by streetfytr68

The "Shark" design [I]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.

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!!

**4mm** · #19 04-12-2005, 10:07 PM

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

**Steve Chryssos** · #20 04-13-2005, 04:18 AM

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.