Some of the most exotic cars on the market lately have been outfitted with paddle shifters, and the public sees that type of shifting as a very cool feature. Many enthusiasts prefer the manual trans, but want something that improves shifting and makes it quicker. MasterShift has answered the call, and their shift conversion kits have the exotic feel of the best cars in the world, and brings paddle shifters to performance musclecars.
The electronic shifters remove the factory gearshift lever and replace it with cables that are operated with the MasterShift control unit, with built-in safety features that prevent over revving the engine, and provide positive up or down shifting at the touch of a paddle or a button. The shifting is based on speed, not engine RPM, and the computer prevents shifting to a lower gear.
An optional bump shifter is also available for those who don’t want the paddle shifters, but like the convenience of an electronic shifter that eliminates searching the standard shift lever. The kit is available for many factory and aftermarket transmissions, and includes software and instruction for installation, and requires no internal modifications to the transmission. Depending on options, the kits can run between $3,500 and $4,500.
Also shown at SEMA this year, MasterShift brought out its automatic transmission push button shifting kit that will work with almost any automatic transmission, and will also work with GearVendors Over/Underdrive units. The automatic kits come in around $1,950, and also have features to help protect the engine and transmission.
Shifting to park or reverse is disabled until the speed is less than 1 MPH, and shifting can be done from the steering wheel or the MasterShift panel. Check out the MasterShift web site for more information on these kits, and how to purchase one for your manual or automatic transmission.