Hey all:

Just wondering, I've got an idea I've been kicking around - but I need a volunteer. I think I could find a way to fabricate paddleshift for you 5AT guys, but I have a 6MT so I havnt been able to test anything out.

So what I would need:

Someone who lives in the NYC area.
Someone adventurous enough to go through with it, and preferrable someone mechanically inclined (two heads are better than one).
Someone who drives a Z/G
Someone who wants a paddleshift Z/G, and is willing to pay for the supplies necessary to make it happen (the work and design aspects would be free for this person, though I can't pay for the parts needed)

So anyone interested? Anyone think there would be any interest in this at all? Questions/Comments...

 

I think someone on this forum has already done it.

I think Nissan should of followed Porsche's lead and made the 5AT shiftable from both the steering wheel and from stick.

 

I agree. I hate having to take my hand off the wheel to shift.
I would have loved paddle shifters.

 

what's paddle shifting?

 

Good luck with the project Jetpilot...I'm too far away and would not cut the mustard on the mechanically inclined criteria.

 

ohhh, paddle shift would be sweet. and how would this work?

 

Thanks Shep, I'll let ya know if I get to try this out!



Without being able to test this out, I have a theory of how I could do this.

The manumatic mode is electrically operated, meaning that for example, when you shift from 1st to 2nd in manumatic mode, somewhere a circuit is being closed. IE - a "button" is being pressed.

The idea behind my paddle shift would be to simply relocate the "button". Its obviously not as simple as it sounds, but thats the general idea.

All I would need of the test subject is to take a look at the 5at manumatic gate, (if thats where the actuator switch is). This may become complicated if the switch is somewhere INSIDE the A/T, but I doubt this. Im pretty sure the shifter is just contacting sensors when you move it up or down, so if I could tap into those sensor circuits and relocate the switch (which would become the paddle), then paddleshifting will be possible.

As far as parts, once the idea is proven I will see if there are any aftermarket companies that make this type of product (there probably are, because someone has to make em for rally/race cars)

Ehh so we'll see what happens... still lookin for a brave soul in the NYC area...

 

hmmm, not a bad idea. could you incorporate reverse into the paddleshift? would you also need a need steering column or a new wheel to bolt the paddles to?

 

Dont think I could do the reverse thing (without a full re-do a la SMG M3). The paddles would most likely be strictly right paddle/upshift, left paddle/downshift.

I would like to mount em behind the two spokes of the wheel that are at 3 and 9 degrees when the wheel is centered.

But I dont wanna give too much away. If you're interested in this, PM me. If I spill all of my ideas out, then no one will be able to say they were the first 5AT Z with paddleshift

 

The paddle shift idea sounds great I wish I had them on the 350Z. The Ferrari paddles are the best ones out there. The buttons from Porsches and Toyotas are OK, but not as fun or as quick at the Ferrari type paddles. Sounds like a good idea Nissan should look into. Heck even the RX-8 has a paddle, but it only 4 spd.

 

Do you think you could add the paddle shifters and still have the the gear changes happen as fast as shifting from the stick? That's something that would be great. N74DV did the steering wheel shifter thing for the 5AT before but, he said it slowed down his shifts to the point that he had to pre-plan when he wanted to shift instead of just slapping the shifter and having it happen.

Here's a website that does paddle mods for BMWs. You might be able to get some ideas from them.

http://www.bmw-paddleshift-retro.com/

Good luck Jet, keep us informed on your progress

 

here's the thread on the paddle shifter that was done ...

https://my350z.com/forum/showthread....t=paddle+shift

 

.

 

I really like the idea, but would not want any more delay between shifts. It would be much more convient when driving the twisties.

 

DV had a nice approach to it, and I am glad to find out that the part I was worried would be hard (locating the microswitches) was actually easy.

I can assure you that if I am able to run the wires my way, there would be the same amount of delay that currently exists from the normal mode of shifting.

I can also find a way to either use the shift lever only, or use the paddles only, or shut both off completely (a la 3-way switch). However I don't think it would be possible to have the paddles and the shifter work simultaneously (without computerized intervention anyways).

 

If I lived in NY I would let you try it our. I think it would be a hot set up.

 

The G35 in japan comes with a paddle shifter.

 

So......there must be a JDM set up available???