Twist Machine Paddle Shifter 3 Configuration and Options Guide

Overview

The Twist Machine Branded Paddle Shifter 3 is the latest version of the paddle shifter. In contrast with earlier versions, the new design has an HGM design transmitter and receiver and replaces mechanical relays with solid state ones, but for the most part it works and is sold the same way as the previous generation.

Theory of Operation

The paddle shifter is really nothing more than a fancy pair of steering wheel mounted pushbutton switches. Any transmission control system that can use a shift up and shift down pushbutton can typically be fitted with this paddle shifter system. There are paddle shifter harnesses to suit transmission control system that use resistor combinations or voltage levels as a trigger, including the GM 6L80E.

The implementation of the two switches comes down to somewhat like a keyless remote for a car, with a shift up and shift down paddle instead of a lock and unlock button. Inside the body of the paddle shifter are two radios, one for each paddle, left and right. These radios only transmit when the paddle is pulled, and are equipped with a CR2032 battery that should last 5 years under normal use. Tools to change the battery come with the paddle shifter.

The receiver is paired to the two transmitters and actuates the appropriate relay when a paddle is pulled.

Configuration and Options

The basic configuration options for the paddle shifter are as follows:

• One body option that mounts to a GM style steering column with a 11/16"/.690” x 36 spline shaft.

• Two paddle shapes: sport and D9.

• Two color styles: silver / aluminum and black anodized

• Two finish styles: brushed and polished.

Three types of steering wheel bolt patterns are supported:

• 9 bolt, built directly onto the paddle shifter body flange face

• 5 bolt, using an adapter

• 6 bolt, using an adapter

The 5 and 6 bolt adapters used to be two different part numbers, but the current design consolidates that to a single part number that does both.

A bare hub can be special ordered by customers who need to their own bolt pattern.

Hubs must be purchased in the same color and finish options as the paddle shifter body and paddles in order to form a matching set.

Part Numbers

Here are the component part numbers for this product:

The following are replacement parts or used during manufacturing only.

Paddle shifter kits are shipped partially assembled, as the paddles are easily damaged during shipment and installation. This also means that paddles can be stocked in pairs separately and added during final kitting for customers.

Harness Options

Three are several harness options available now:

• Regular harness that provides a pair of wires each for the shift up and shift down relays, plus a power and ground connection.

• Ford specific harness that has terminals to wire into the a Ford 6R80E or Ford 10R80E transmission ECU.

• GM specific harness that has a single tap up / tap down (TU/TD) wire that connects to the input on a GM 6L80 or 6L90E transmission.
  Note that this needs to be enabled via HP Tuners or other tuning package.

• HGM COMPUSHIFT dedicated harness - plugs directly in the COMPUSHIFT controller without splices