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paddle/ cable shifter

motobob - 15/9/05 at 02:57 AM

anyone done a cable or paddle shifter conversion? i dont like the feel of the bellcrank on mine ..waaaaa...

ReMan - 15/9/05 at 06:59 AM

I've just made myself a cable shift from scratch, which i'm quite pleased with.
I wanted one, A) to be different and B) I thought the MK kit looked a bit "agricultural" and would spoil the enginebay, which i'm trying to keep tidy.
I was concerned acout the "feel" but although its not on the road yet i'm well happy, used a 3 series cable from http://www.cable-tec.co.uk/ which is the smallest they do an is almost friction free.
When i've finishd it (fri/sat) i'll post some pics.
Wherabouts are you?
Colin

adam_moore - 15/9/05 at 08:13 AM

I have a cable operated system for my fireblade indy. See pictures in my archive. I used a cable from the same company but used the next size up. It works a treat and the feel is perfect and it doesn't require any excessive force to operate it.

I've only been running it about a week but so far so good. A lot of the running has been around town so lots of changes without any problems.

Coose - 15/9/05 at 08:44 AM

See mine here....

http://www.ne7ers.co.uk/modules.php?set_albumName=albun01&id=Bart_R1_021&op=modload&name=Gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php

Also see the previous picture, which shows my 'temporary' paddle (i.e. been in use since March!). I have a luvly CNC machined JB7 item sat on a shelf in my dining room....

It works beautifully!

Avoneer - 15/9/05 at 11:07 AM

And have a look at my new toy:

http://www.locostbuilders.co.uk/viewthread.php?tid=31391

Pat...

Winston Todge - 15/9/05 at 11:22 AM

I'm putting together some ideas to use a paddle shift at the moment... I was just wondering what the general concensus was on travel? 2 inches I hear is about the norm?

What is the distance from the pivot point on the paddle to the pick up point for the bulkhead end of the cable, Pat?

I would have thought this makes a big difference to travel / force required to change up and down?

Thanks,

Chris.

andrew.carwithen - 15/9/05 at 03:37 PM

My gearchange cable assy. arrived from AB Performance yesterday.
Not cheap, but it's not as posh as Pat's paddleshift!

Andy.
Rescued attachment blade gearchange assy 1.jpg

ReMan - 16/9/05 at 07:32 AM

Doh!
I take it all back, that makes my solution look agricultural - sorry MK!
I may have to reconsider my cable mounting at the engine end now

Who is AB performance? Website?
Roughly how expensive is expensive?

andrew.carwithen - 16/9/05 at 07:50 PM

AB Performance is run by Andy Bates and is situated in Bury St Edmunds.
He's a former British sidecar champion and knows all there is to know about 'blade engines, having raced them for 10 years.

These days, he supplies the RGB boys and kit car builders with 'blade engines, performance parts etc. (I got my engine package off him.)
He's involved in racing a blade engined westfield and as part of this has developed/improved parts as time's gone on.
His tel. no. is 01284 703101 (no website)

The gearchange assembly isn't cheap at Ł200 but is very good quality.
The gear lever is lazer cut and is mounted on a bearing to make it very smooth in operation.
The cable is teflon lined and uses top quality rose joints.
The plate at the engine end is mounted to the sump to give a secure fixing.

I've also bought a clutch cable assy off him which uses a modified actuating lever at the engine end. This alters the pedal ratio giving a better 'feel' to the clutch pedal. (I've not fitted this yet, though.)

Andy is a really nice guy to talk to on the phone and is all too willing to help with problems/queries you may have with your blade engine etc.

I believe he's on holiday at mo' for a couple of weeks if you were thinking of phoning him.

Cheers,

Andy.

Rorty - 19/9/05 at 06:21 AM

quote:
Originally posted by andrew.carwithen
The gearchange assembly isn't cheap at Ł200 .....
Andy.

Did you walk in wearing a clown's hat? Holy shit!

ReMan - 19/9/05 at 07:12 PM

quote:
Originally posted by andrew.carwithen
AB Performance is run by Andy Bates and is situated in Bury St Edmunds.

Andy.

Thanks for the info Andy.
I spent the weekend making a engine mounting plate like yours, ish

Its 3kg lighter than my previous design

Already got the cable and the gearstick end will do, but after seeing yours thought I could improve on the engine end.
Going to make the Mk2 out of 4mm alloy now, rather than 3mm, (just a bit of flex in it)
Thanks again
Colin
Cheers

Lotusmark2 - 19/9/05 at 07:56 PM

Must say I share Rortys thoughts a little, It does look VERY nice BUT Ł200!!!!!! OMG, can I have a loan please!

ReMan - 19/9/05 at 09:29 PM

Here my Mk1 alloy job, not quite finished, but you get the drift....
Mk2 has been cut and bent will post a finished pic tomorrow
Rescued attachment 162_6240sml.jpg