07 The actuator mounts to the bracket using this stud and jamb-nut setup. The stud must be cut to the proper length, ensuring that the actuator is parallel to the mounting bracket.07 The actuator mounts to the bracket using this stud and jamb-nut setup. The stud must b 08 For our setup, the stud, and thus the actuator, is fastened to hole No. 2; the actuator then swings up towards the shift arm ...08 For our setup, the stud, and thus the actuator, is fastened to hole No. 2; the actuato 09 ... where the adjustable actuator rod bolts to the shift arm via this heim joint. At this stage, the rod should be adjusted so that the actuator doesn't bottom out at either end ("Park" at one extreme, "1st gear" on the other).09 ... where the adjustable actuator rod bolts to the shift arm via this heim joint. At t 10 Programming, done through the shifter keypad, is actually pretty easy. The keypad must be plugged into the Smart Shift box, and the DIP switches along the edge (arrow) must be configured for your particular transmission. Switches 7 and 8 must be on to indicate programming mode.10 Programming, done through the shifter keypad, is actually pretty easy. The keypad must 11 From here, the procedure is actually pretty simple. The shift arm is manually moved though each gear-make sure the actuator isn't bottoming out and isn't binding. At each gear position, the appropriate button: "P" for park, "D" for drive, etc; is pushed. The LED will flash, at which point you press "S" to save the position. Our shift arm has been moved to first gear. Remember the LED in the last photo? One light indicates first gear, so this position is ready to be saved.11 From here, the procedure is actually pretty simple. The shift arm is manually moved th 12 We decided to place the keypad in the center console in place of our original shifter. To facilitate this, we made a cardboard template of the console opening, then transferred the pattern to black ABS plastic. Voila, we had a new console top! The keypad mounting bolts run through the bottom and into the keypad bezel.12 We decided to place the keypad in the center console in place of our original shifter. 13 We used the original Torx head screws fasten it all down and match the rest of the cockpit fasteners. The keypad takes the place of a "normal" shift lever, and almost works the same way. To engage Drive or Reverse from Park, you depress the brake pedal and press "S." When the button flashes, it's safe to put the car in gear. Once in motion, you can let the tranny shift itself or do it manually via the keypad.13 We used the original Torx head screws fasten it all down and match the rest of the coc 14 With the Smart Shift portion of this install in place, we moved on the Paddle Shift. The shifter electronics are self-contained and powered by a long-life battery; you'll receive yours pre-programmed to work with your transmission setup. The RF receiver next to the shifter plugs into the keypad. Note Retrotek Speed's new and improved finish on the Smart Shift box and actuator.14 With the Smart Shift portion of this install in place, we moved on the Paddle Shift. T 15 At this time, the stock Camaro steering wheel won't accommodate the Paddle Shift; a 3-, 5-, 6-, or 9-bolt wheel is needed. We chose a Grant Evolution GT model, PN 1080, and also ordered the appropriate installation kit (PN 3196).15 At this time, the stock Camaro steering wheel won't accommodate the Paddle Shift; a 3- 16 Grant's instructions are pretty straightforward, so we'll cut to the chase. The adapter hub and post cover take the place of the stock pieces; the paddle shifter takes the place of the GT adapter and boot, and bolts to the adapter hub. Don't forget the horn button ground wire!16 Grant's instructions are pretty straightforward, so we'll cut to the chase. The adapte 17 The wheel itself, along with the horn button retainer, is then fastened to the Paddle Shift unit using the flat head Allen screws included in the Grant installation kit.17 The wheel itself, along with the horn button retainer, is then fastened to the Paddle 18 In our humble opinion, the final result looks pretty slick, almost like these two were meant to be together. The steering wheel's thumb contours jibe almost perfectly with the shifter paddles. It looks racy, and believe us when we say it feels that way when you grip the wheel and start flipping through the gears.18 In our humble opinion, the final result looks pretty slick, almost like these two were SOURCES Grant Products 700 Allen Avenue Glendale CA 91201 213-849-3171 800-952-6947 Retrotek Speed Corona CA 9-51/-737-2006 retrotekspeed.com « | 1 | 2 | View Full Article Enjoyed this Post? Subscribe to our RSS Feed, or use your favorite social media to recommend us to friends and colleagues!
