Paddle shift.

[Al Wohlstrom]

Has anyone had experience with a paddle shift for a Ricardo? Here are a couple of sites I found, the video is pretty cool.
Pro-Shift's YouTube Channel Showcases Videos Of Customers And Their Paddle Shift Systems - ProShift Technologies Ltd
K-M-P Motorsport Products
Geartronics - Sequential gearbox electronic systems - Pneumatic paddle shift system

 

[Cam]

Al, looks awesome. any idea what they cost $?

 

[Al Wohlstrom]

Al, looks awesome. any idea what they cost $?

One was around $4,000 pounds, I imagine $8k to ???. It would be slick though, that video gets the heart going.

 

[domtoni]

Hydraulic shifting of manual gear boxes is not the best idea. These transmissions are called AMTs, and were/are used by Smart, BMW (one of their automated gearboxes), Alfa Romeo, Maserati and Ferrari. The Fiat system was developed by CRF in Torino and they spent alot of money on the program. The road system used some obvious carry over early F1 technology. I think you are all aware that Maserati swapped the F1 gearbox in the Quattro Porte a few years back for a 6 speed ZF full automatic. I am sure Ricardo could have developed the technology (or their UK software supplier) but, I am just speculating here, the box may not suit electro-hydraulic controls.

If it was my money, I put the extra 4000 Sterling into more engine mods.

 

[Julian]

A number of these pneumatic/hydraulic shifters have surfaced and almost all can be adapted to gearboxes that use a cable shift. Another brand is Mastershift, which seems to be more reasonably price around $3K.

I looked at the Mastershift for my Ultima, but like many came to the conclusion it was more of a gimic than a real advantage. The downfall is that it still requires use of the clutch and those that don't have resulted in destroyed gearboxes as a synchromesh box simply won't stand up to the abuse.

IMO if you want a paddle shifter, go the whole nine yards and get a fully sequential box.

 

[Brad R.]

Hydraulic shifting of manual gear boxes is not the best idea. These transmissions are called AMTs, and were/are used by Smart, BMW (one of their automated gearboxes), Alfa Romeo, Maserati and Ferrari. The Fiat system was developed by CRF in Torino and they spent alot of money on the program. The road system used some obvious carry over early F1 technology. I think you are all aware that Maserati swapped the F1 gearbox in the Quattro Porte a few years back for a 6 speed ZF full automatic. I am sure Ricardo could have developed the technology (or their UK software supplier) but, I am just speculating here, the box may not suit electro-hydraulic controls.

If it was my money, I put the extra 4000 Sterling into more engine mods.

I have a friend that used to own a 07 QP (totaled it on a rainy day)
and hated the transmission. I used it did not fancy it either. Felt
cumbersome at times.