Custom paddle shifters?

[rodimus prime]

I mocked up some new shifters. The shift buttons simply pop out. I then drilled 3 small holes and screwed the new paddle on top of the button with a layer of epoxy in between. I took it out for a test drive and it works pretty good. If someone designs a real one they would benifit to bend the tops of the paddles in slightly to help clear the wiper and turn signal levers. All in all it works pretty good. Im still disappointed in the overall quality of the stock button, as it seriously is like an xbox button to shift.

Here are some quick pics I snapped

[ArkySS]

The Vette paddles can be pushed or pulled using your thumb either way. Honestly every time I have used paddle shifters it is fun for about 20 minutes.......put it in sport mode and let it eat you pretty much can't outshift it. I do understand transmission breaking is an advantage but straight line you pretty much can't outshift it....

[nemosgt]

Originally Posted by toehead93

I have gotten used to placing my hands at 3-o'clock and 9-o'clock when shifting. The only time it is a pain is on a tight corner. It would be a nice option to have extended paddles for those that prefer 2-o'clock and 10-o'clock hand positions.

The proper position for the hands is three and nine as you are doing.

Down shifting is done before turning the wheel and upshifts should only be done when you are close to straight ahead. Shifting should not be done while in the turn. Try it this way and see if the paddles are not easier to use. Let me know how it works.

Cheers.

[rdono]

Originally Posted by rodimus prime

I mocked up some new shifters. The shift buttons simply pop out. I then drilled 3 small holes and screwed the new paddle on top of the button with a layer of epoxy in between. I took it out for a test drive and it works pretty good. If someone designs a real one they would benifit to bend the tops of the paddles in slightly to help clear the wiper and turn signal levers. All in all it works pretty good. Im still disappointed in the overall quality of the stock button, as it seriously is like an xbox button to shift.

Here are some quick pics I snapped

Lets have some more details: like what did you use for buttons and does it actually work well? I would think you had to pivot the levor so that the (factory) button is depressed. Truth be told this design SUCKS, but a redesign of the steering wheel with true paddles would be a home run. Any more info or images would be helpful.

[mlee]

Originally Posted by Wacker

Take a look at the higher end cars(Ferrari). They have great paddle designs.

The paddles need to come from the column not the wheel like the Ferrari.
They are useless on a road track or making turns...

[Angrybird 12]

Originally Posted by rodimus prime

I mocked up some new shifters. The shift buttons simply pop out. I then drilled 3 small holes and screwed the new paddle on top of the button with a layer of epoxy in between. I took it out for a test drive and it works pretty good. If someone designs a real one they would benifit to bend the tops of the paddles in slightly to help clear the wiper and turn signal levers. All in all it works pretty good. Im still disappointed in the overall quality of the stock button, as it seriously is like an xbox button to shift.

Here are some quick pics I snapped

I posted a similar Idea back in November when someone started a thread about how bad the button shifters were.. glad someone actually did it...

Originally Posted by Skyman 08

Suggestion.. For those that think the paddle shifters are too small or hard to operate get you a flat piece of aluminum about 1/8 inch thick, cut it about 4 inches long and curved so it matches the steering wheel curvature... Use 3M automotive tape or Some epoxy and attach them to the existing pads, make sure you have also offset the paddles to a comfortable shifting postition. take a dremel tool and cut off the + and - paddles. Then you will have custom Paddle shifters for the Camaro...

[StlRomAniaN]

bump.

[klatterblast]

Originally Posted by mlee

The paddles need to come from the column not the wheel like the Ferrari.
They are useless on a road track or making turns...

i agree someone needs to design paddles that are stationary mounted on the steering column and also come up with a tranny tune to make it shift instantaniously like now and a stutter rev limiter that does not just shut down the fuel but just limits rpm. when you hit the rev limmiter the way it is now you have completely lost the race and that is aggravating. yes you can use sport mode for perfect shifts but tap shift is a joke there is no need for it the way it is now.

[SA CHEVY]

Originally Posted by klatterblast

i agree someone needs to design paddles that are stationary mounted on the steering column and also come up with a tranny tune to make it shift instantaniously like now and a stutter rev limiter that does not just shut down the fuel but just limits rpm. when you hit the rev limmiter the way it is now you have completely lost the race and that is aggravating. yes you can use sport mode for perfect shifts but tap shift is a joke there is no need for it the way it is now.

The paddle shifters on the Spyders is exactly what I'd like to see on this. I drive it in manual sometimes on my way home and man, turning left at a light sucks! I have my hands tied up between turning the wheel and trying to shift at the same time and it's a mess! If someone mocked up some paddle shifters I'd definitely be in line to purchase!

[Apex Motorsports]

We have been doing some research on this lately and have a pretty good idea of what we would need to do to make it something we would be willing to put our name on and offer it up to the masses. Our big hold up right now is having the time to take it from paper to a physical prototype.

[mcarney]

Originally Posted by Bewenched

Yea I'm waiting on something like this to come out as well. I have fairly small hands and to use the oem paddle shifters I have to basically use my little finger to reach it and keep my hands in the correct position..

I have huge hands and just use my pinky to shift most of the time.

[mcarney]

Originally Posted by nemosgt

The proper position for the hands is three and nine as you are doing.

Down shifting is done before turning the wheel and upshifts should only be done when you are close to straight ahead. Shifting should not be done while in the turn. Try it this way and see if the paddles are not easier to use. Let me know how it works.

Cheers.

[mcarney]

Originally Posted by SA CHEVY

The paddle shifters on the Spyders is exactly what I'd like to see on this. I drive it in manual sometimes on my way home and man, turning left at a light sucks! I have my hands tied up between turning the wheel and trying to shift at the same time and it's a mess! If someone mocked up some paddle shifters I'd definitely be in line to purchase!

Start off in M2 when at a stop light and turning, you don't need to shift until you exit the turn. M2 is plenty power (why it automatically downshifts to m2 when you stop) for normal driving.

[v6sonoma]

I solved this problem by adding a third pedal and relocating the paddles to a rod between me and the passenger. I get a lot of compliments on it.