Paddle Shifts

The GTM cockpit is not spacious. My strategy is to leverage technology (e.g. Smart Mirror, inTOUCH screen) to provide space. I would like to have a center console similar to the one in my Corvette.

Gary Cheyne's GTM fitted with paddle shifters to Porsche G50/20 transaxle.

One place to regain some space is to eliminate the gear shift between the seats. The way to do this is to go with a paddle shift solution. The C5 Corvette (base donor car for the GTM) does not have paddle shifts. So I am reading through the blog posts on SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) and come across a post for Master Shift.

Paddle shifter unit. t uses the horn wire to send signals to the controller unit.

Master Shift makes paddle shifters for automatic and manual transmissions (including the Porsche G50/20). The hardware is available for C5/C6/Z06 steering columns. They have already installed the system in a Factory Five GTM. It can be retrofitted to a variety of older and component cars.

Shift hardware that converts the G50/20 from shaft driven to cable driven .

This is how it works:

1. Shift command is transmitted via the horn wire to a electronic controller.
2. Two cables are connected from the controller to the shift hardware mounted on the transmission.
3. Shifts are not executed until the clutch is engaged. 
4. Safeties are built in to prevent neutral and reverse shifts
5. The controller is programmable.
6. A dash display indicates current gear.

Synergy

I'm zooming down I94 in the Boxster (freshly liberated from storage at the Barn), thinking about integrating GPS into an 11 year old car. I have a very nice Garmin Nuvi on a pedestal mount that I use in the van and the Boxster. Unfortunately the pedestal mount tends to land in the passenger seat on tight turns at speed.

Somewhere north of St. Cloud, it hit me. The Escort SmartMirror is the solution. All I need is power to make the SmartMirror to work, and there is power 2 inches from the mirror mount. The research for my previous post After Market Goodies gave me the answer.

Myrtle Beach Garage

Maple Grove Cave

Another preparatory step is getting the garage ready for the build. The idea of being on the back under a car on a concrete floor in the midst of a Minnesota Winter just doesn't do it for me. I plan to install a non-skid Swisstrax floor. I already know that it works. I have installed this floor in Myrtle Beach garage and the Maple Grove cave. I have had the Corvette on jack stands multiple times. There is no skids, slips. Each tile is rated to 6000 lbs. Neither floor took more than 4 hours to put down.

If you go with a Swisstrax floor, list Traci as your sales agent. She has done super job on my orders!