The World's First and Only Paddle Shifted 240sx

[moyea]

Sounds great!

One question, for the shrifter, how is the wiring run? can you take pictures of where it plugs in? From the picture, it looks like it connects below the shrifter/steering column?

My main concern is that I have a quick release.

My install will be hub->quick release->spacer->shrifter->wheel.

I "need" the quick release, so I just wanted to be sure the shrifter can be unplugged easily before I unlock the wheel.

THANKS!

I would call Steve @ Twist Machine and see if that set-up is possible. Since the Shrifter uses and RF signal, there is no concern about wiring on the steering column.

Here is that same pic with the wires labeled.

That little white bulb is a LED light that indicates that a paddle is being used and RF signals are being sent. The receiver has its own LED lights to let you know that its receiving. It also makes an audible click.

This is awesome. I would love to do this to my 300zx TT auto, with one exception. I want the stock wheel to be retained. I already have a HKS ALC to up the line pressure. With just that installed I can chirp the tires during shifts. Plus no loss of boost when changing gears.

You have to use an aftermarket wheel in order to use the Shrifter. But there is another way to facilitate this feature with the PCS TCU........ if you know how.

I'm trying to put together a compendium of A/T mods and tips. Could you make a write up about your HKS ALC and add it to the Automatic Transmissions Ultimate Guide post. The guide is for everyone to add their own experiences to the public knowledge base. Thanks!

[onosqv]

That little white bulb is a LED light that indicates that a paddle is being used and RF signals are being sent. The receiver has its own LED lights to let you know that its receiving. It also makes an audible click.

I'll call them up when I buy it, hee hee, it's just so much easier asking you since you installed it.

So how is that unit powered? Those wires must be connecting somewhere to power the rf unit.

If there are no wires running around the steering column, my setup should work perfectly .

[BOOMSHAKALAKA]

Sick! I always wondered if somebody would do something like that. Very mean to one's wallet but I must say...that is very very neat. Clean install...very unique.

Nice job man

[moyea]

Yeah, I would imagine it would be easy to have a quick release.

The RF receiver must have a switched 12v.

The toggle switch must have a switched 12v. and ground.

The paddle shifter RF transmitter must run on pixie dust because I didn't have to run power to it. I think I recall Steve mentioning something about a lithium battery.

I'll ask him and get back to you.

[onosqv]

Yeah, I would imagine it would be easy to have a quick release.

The RF receiver must have a switched 12v.

The toggle switch must have a switched 12v. and ground.

The paddle shifter RF transmitter must run on pixie dust because I didn't have to run power to it. I think I recall Steve mentioning something about a lithium battery.

I'll ask him and get back to you.

ROFL, pixie dust, NICE!!!! Now if I can do that w/ my amps and such, we're in business!!!

[Red coupe]

Needs more rally style paddle (a ring same side as the wheel that you push forward or pull back)

Very cool though

[moyea]

brokeAs240sx

Here is what Steve told me:

"The Tx is powered by a single “S” battery. Actually, the battery in my car has yet to burn out—going on three years. But no one will believe that so I tell them 18 months. Just think how long the battery lasts in your garage remote or auto key fob. Same deal—they last. A single screw holds on the transmitter cover. Check out the battery. When reinstalling the cover do not overtighten it."

The screw and cover he is talking about is located at the bottom of the Shrifter HUB assembly, as pictured earlier, It is where the white LED bulb is located.

[steaminhotryce]

SWEEEEEEEEET!!

[Dano]

Wow, that's pretty sweet and that's a great writeup! Awesome job!

-Dan

[Poor_S13_Driver]

I think its an awesome option for people to have in the 240sx community. I have personally driven my friends GTI with the triptronic paddle shifters, and i must say it was very seamless as it went on with its job. One thing i do like is that if he so wills it he can leave it in first, or any gear for that matter, redline it and blow up is motor.. ther NO electro gadgets that shift when you get to close to or in red-line, so YOU have control over it. I like having full control over the things I drive, that is why i prefer a stick. Wheter it be in my sports car or my 8500 pound trail truck It was still fun to thrash it around a bit though

[kclo4]

Nifty, seems fun for grip driving but I gosta have my clutch, not enough power, haha.

[217zenki]

Cool idea... But auto 240sx's are slower then piss.

[95.240AZN378]

Im pretty shure someone probably answered the question but ... how much did you pay for all of it exactly??? this is quite possibly the coolest thing I've ever seen on a 240

[aaronsnocker1]

he did read the rest of the post.

[PowerGrid06]

this is fun to experiment but it is not for me. there is nothing better then a shifter and a clutch, dont matter if its daly driving or track.

[Invalid Zero]

If it still has a torque converter, I still don't care.

[95.240AZN378]

he did read the rest of the post.

I dont see where the exact price of it is ... jsut that its about how much it would cost for a 5 sp swap

[Jjaeger240]

Wow, really impressive and amazing. My only question is, is there a gauge somewhere that tells you what gear you've shifted into? Although not necessary, it would be a nice little feature.

[moyea]

Automatic Transmission Controller (TCU)- TCU Wire Harness Custom Terminated $850.00 Shrifter paddle shifting kit- Shrifter Polished Finish Unpolished (Machined Finish)- Shrifter Steering Wheel Adaptor 5 Bolt Adaptor Ring (Grant) $571.95 Sub-Total: $1,421.95 OUCH!!!

But I didn't pay that much and that's not including my other transmission goodies. And their are ways to reduce this cost significantly, if you know how. Also, remember this is a one time investment. What I mean is the TCU is universal and can be used with any electronically controlled A/T. The Shrifter is pretty much universal too. So, what that means, even if you decide to sell your A/T 240sx and buy an A/T 350z, you can reinstall these parts on the new car. Or you could buy an M/T 350 and stop crying. Like I said in my other write-up, performance A/Ts are not cheap projects. If your not willing to dish out the cash then dont start or go M/T. And I assure you this car has no idea that because its an A/T its supposed to be slow. Everytime I best an M/T I keep telling it, " Now, now. You know you're supposed to let the manuals win".

Seriously, I dont want to debate which is the better transmission.

Wow, really impressive and amazing. My only question is, is there a gauge somewhere that tells you what gear you've shifted into? Although not necessary, it would be a nice little feature.

The PCS TCU has inputs for a sequential shift light, gear indicator, and a whole lot extra. The inputs can be set in the computer which make the install a whole lot easier. I agree that it would be a sweet set-up to have one; but, I'm so familiar with this car that I can tell what gear and rpm it is in. If I did get one it would be something like this: http://www.race-sport.net/revlite.html

Stay tuned for my review of the car's Auto-X debut, whom had one the best times of any of the other 240's there, which is not saying much since we all sucked. Even faster then the SR powered M/Ts. I'm just waiting on my pictures and timeslips.

Quick question for everyone: What event should I test the products at next? Drift? Drag? Rally (Hell NO!)?

[gbaz77]

just wanted to give my respects to you. this is really cool. its gotta be a great feeling to be the first 240 like that.

[95.240AZN378]

just wanted to give my respects to you. this is really cool. its gotta be a great feeling to be the first 240 like that.

has to be an awsome feeling to be the first ...

[moyea]

just wanted to give my respects to you. this is really cool. its gotta be a great feeling to be the first 240 like that.

Thank you. I feel like this sometimes:

But then every now-and-then, I get a nice post like this one. Thanks.

[moyea]

Autocross Testing: Dodging cones at Event# 8 Marina, CA

First off, there will be no pictures for this review. I used a regular camera to take pictures of the event and somehow they got exposed. I was very upset with the photo store.

If anybody has pictures of my car at the event please email me: I was the gray 240 with the 81ST sprayed on the car, very sloppily I might add.

After testing the car on the open track, I was fairly unimpressed with the autocross. The lack of speed and course design didn’t give the car, or the Shrifter, the opportunity to strut its stuff; thus, this review will be as brief as the event itself.

During the first run I took it easy. I tried to apply what I learned on the open track to the Auto-X, big mistake. The course was too narrow and erratic to establish a good racing line so I soon realized my driving technique would have to adapt. Enter the drift. With the course being zoned on concrete rather than asphalt I could not maximize the grip of the tires thus I capitalized on the slip. Nothing crazy mind you. I wasn’t burning smoke all over the course, even though some people were, I just swung the rear out and let it carry me through the tight, technical turns. As far as the Shrifter is concerned, I barely got to use it! Once I shifted the car out of 1st, it remained in 2nd thru the remainder of the course. Whenever I thought the shift to 3rd was necessary, I was already braking again. Despite what Twist Machine claims about sharp turns being an issue with the Shrifter, I had no problems. The Shrifter never hit my hands nor did it interfere with the operation of the car. Once again, it was great advantage to be able to keep both hands on the wheel, especially at the 180 turns.

Overall, the Auto-X was fun and I met some nice folks. The car and Shrifter performed very well posting some of the best times amongst the 240’s that attended. Like I stated before, that’s not saying much. Even though I still recommend the Shrifter for anyone’s A/T project if you’re building a dedicated Auto-X machine you may not see the true potential of having a paddle shifter. Then again, on the right car who knows?!

P.O.I.s

• I posted the best official time amongst the 240’s that attended but the worst time in my class. (68.294)

• ST class consisted of me and two Lightning trucks (supercharged Triton V8).

• Overall best time was posted by a Datsun 1200 (52.000)

• I was literally the first person there.

• Should have brought my digital camera

• Marina Auto-X is in danger of shutting down due to low turn-outs. Support your local autocrosses!




Modified by moyea at 4:05 AM 8/31/2006

[SuLoS]

that is really cool, i have driven ferrari's and bmw's with padels and they are driving experiences to remember. they do feel strange tho, a good kind of strange

i do however have to agree with naed, while this is cool there is no way that it will out perform an M/T. talking about reaction time my short throw shifter allows me to shift faster than the ferrari and bmw's i have driven. you can hear when it they are shifting and how long it takes...

M/T for the win but PROPS for providing an alternative. not many people try something new and that is a first.

[moyea]

Finally got the results from the Auto-X so I edited the review posted above. I don't think autocross is something I'll get into with this vehicle but it was fun.

[moyea]

Autocross Testing Part 2: Winter Series Colorado Springs, CO

First off, it was a perilous journey just to get down to the event. I've recently moved back to Colorado and where I live is way up in the mountains with a 5 mile dirt road to the house. This car has unofficially become a rally car. The day of this event was after the first blizzard of the year; so, as you can imagine I had to get towed after several attempts to get out of my driveway.

The review of Twist Machine’s Shrifter is still the same as the previous autocross event. I just felt that the Auto-X testing was incomplete without some pictures. Despite having some mechanical problems with the car, the Shrifter preformed without fail as usual. There was no interference with the paddles in the sharp turns. Even though this course had longer straight-aways, Autocross barely offers the opportunity to use the paddle shifter but it is still a great advantage to have both hands on the wheel.

I couldn’t think of a good way to end this post so I’ll just end it with some pictures. With possible rebuilds and upgrades during the off seasons, I hope to up the ante next year.

P.O.I.s

• I posted almost the same times as the Marina Auto-X. In a class by myself (no pun intended).

• Tested my newly installed 30mm brake setup and custom exhaust system, possible leak at master cylinder.

• Suspected fuel starvation (fuel pump).

• I was recently emailed by my sponsor and I am no longer the only paddle shifted 240sx. We are growing.

[s13redtaz]

wow...

[spider_slayer]

this would be a cool project if i didn't already have a spd.

but now everyone else that wants to do the 5spd conversion has an option.

[moyea]

Even though its been awhile, I had to post this little blurb about the Twist Machine Shrifter and my 240sx that appeared in Nissan Sport magazine (Winter 2007 Issue 2).

It was listed in the DIY Tech section under 240sx Q&A. Not a lot is mentioned but I am thankful for any exposure. Special thanks to Dave Ochenreider for squeezing me in the magazine.

[IMG][/IMG]

[IMG][/IMG]

[moyea]

Even though I wanted unveil this project when it was fully operational I need the help of my fellow NICOnauts. So here it is:



The first paddle shifted 240sx is now SR POWERED! And boy is it powered. When that boost comes on, the car takes off like a bat out of hell. I suspect the engine has some modifications done to it as there was evidence suggesting this as it was being worked on. It also needs some tuning for this altitude and some more parts added. The paddle shifting does work but not to its full extent. Shifts are sloppy and variable because I’m missing some critical inputs. This is where the community at large comes in:

I need the SR wire harness from an automatic equipped S13 redtop SR20DET. There are certain plugs and inputs specific for the automatic transmission that only comes on the A/T SR20 wire harness. I can trade you the one I have for yours but those plugs must not be tampered with. Can ya’ll please help me complete this project? I would like to get this car on the track in November.

Edit: The car is finished and so is this project.


Modified by moyea at 2:56 AM 8/13/2008