Automakers have begun
replacing traditional shifters by installing knobs or buttons. Let us have a
look at some of the fancy and different kinds of gear knobs and automatic shifters
available in auto world.
No car is complete
without a gear box. The gearbox basically sends the power produced by an engine
to the wheels. After steering wheel, shifters are main point of interface with
your car. Gear shifters produced by automakers are quite fancy but only look
and feel is not everything, as a bad gear can damage engine or driveline or
even can kill you in worst cases.
In this article we will
discuss about auto gear and its types along with some of the fancy gear knobs
or shifters available in auto world.
Automatic gearbox
quickly came into limelight as it emerged as easy alternative to manual gear
box. There are different kinds of gearbox ranges as CVT, DSG and AMT. before,
the gearshift level used to have neutral, drive and reverse slots in it. But in
automatic gear there are different ways to change a gear like rotary dial and
steering column stalk etc. aftermarket products are quite popular as remanufactured car's steering gear kit
and other components of transmission.
Let us read about some
of the types of shifters in the auto market.
PUSH BUTTON SHIFTER
They are the uncommon
types of gear shifters available at market. They do not have complex design.
You can simply select the gear by pushing the button.
STICK SHIFTER
It is the most common type of shifter
that can be found in the automobiles across the world. It is a gearbox with
regular auto gear stick as that of manual gearbox. It can be
slotted to reverse, drive or neutral gears by moving in linear direction or in
gated format. Example - Honda Jazz.
MONOSTABLE SHIFTER
Monostable or joystick shifters have
refined functionalities and rich looks. The gear knob remains in the same
position even after you have slotted it in different gear. Expensive automakers
like Audi and BMW provide this shifter. Example- Audi A4, BMW 3 series.
ROTARY SHIFTERS
These are one of the gorgeous forms
of gear shift knobs and yet very uncommon. The rotary wheel can be rotated to
shift the gear. Jaguar, Land rover and Renault offer rotary shifters in their
cars.
STALK SHIFTERS
Stalk shifter stays in its position
and offer the functionalities of monostable shifters at the same time. It is
generally installed below the wiper on the steering column. Fiat, Mercedes and
BMW offer this gear shifter in some of their cars. Example - Mercedes Benz C Class,
Mercedes Benz GLA Class.
Now you know the types or designs of
gear shifters. Let us know about some of the best automatic shifters that offer
rock solid feel, high performance with gate operations and safety features.
ATI PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS
It uses high quality parts throughout
and is a gate type unit with extremely smooth action. It will work on two to
three automatic transmissions.
Applications- Ford C6, C4,
Powerglide.
HI TECH STREET BANDIT
Hi tech street bandit is and ultimate
B&M performance product for high tech street cars with automatic transmission of car. It features gated mechanism with slots as backup light
switch, interchangeable billet knob and neutral safety switch. It is usually
used in any domestic two, three or four speed automatic transmission.
PRO RATCHET
The B&M Pro ratchet is easy to
operate and features NHRA and IHRA reverse lockout, neutral safety switch,
backup light switch and 5 foot super duty shift cable. It is the easiest
shifter to double shift with and the stick will always return to the centre position
after slotting a gear.
PISTOL GRIP QUARTER STICK
The Hurst pistol grip quarter stick
is designed for comfortable and firm grip. Along with the qualities of quarter
stick it features controlled detent activation, one hand operated reverse lock
out mechanism and a neutral safety switch.
TCI FAST GATE
It is a universal design used in any
three or four speed application. It is stylish and durable. Its installation is
quite simple. It fits more popular three or four speed GM, Chrysler and Ford
applications.
PCS PADDLE SHIFTER
It provides paddle shifting
capabilities with look and feel of an OEM system. This paddle shifter is easily
available aftermarket. Paddle shifter interacts with transmission control unit
via wireless receiver module. It also optionally displays information like
throttle position, vehicle speed, current gear and manifold pressure etc. these
can be applied on any electronically controlled domestic transmission and five
six or nine bolt steering wheel.
MSD TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE
It easily modifies some parameters of
late model electronically controlled automatic transmissions. It has a plug in
harness and OEM style connecters. You can also adjust shift points, torque
converter operation, shift firmness and can set it up for auto, manual or dyno
modes.
A good shifter should be gated for
safety and provide good linkage so that you don’t have to focus on your speed.
I hope with some more research you
could get a good gear box for your car. For more aftermarket purchase of automatic
transmission module and steering system components visit Parts avatar.
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