MY gf has both rx7 auto and paddle shift auto rx8. I was thinking how hard would it be to wire up the paddle shift auto to the fd? Is it rx8 ECU dependant? Anyone tried this yet? The box shld bolt up fairly easily. But wiring etc will be a nightmare I think?

 

i think it would be a pretty big job, as the FD a/t control box doesn't have the inputs for something like that, so you could maybe use the Rx8's, but then it won't run the FD trans. you could put the Rx8 trans in there (probably), and then it all might work, but thats a huge job...

alternatively there may have been a car that used the FD trans, or a variant, with paddle shifting. the trans is made by Jatco, and the basic FD transmission was also in things like the pathfinder.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jatco_4R01_transmission

 

I've seen kits made for other cars, but not an FD

Paddle Shifters for Hot Rods - The Shrifter

Would probably be "easiest" to get a sequential gearbox with paddle shift capabilities.

 

Yeh, I was totally planning on using the rx8 tranny.
But I'm not sure if the rx8 tranny is ecu dependant. Ie may not work without the rx8 ecu.
It should bolt up ok.

Looking for other vehicles using the fd tranny but with paddle shift could be the go. I'll suss that

Not real sure how much power the rx8 auto can take but it the gfs car so it doesn't get punished, cept when I drive it lol

 

Really, anything after '96 is going to be at least looking for an ECU because of the OBD regulations. As the RX-8 is electronic throttle, the tranny will probably be trying to give commands that if aren't at least acknowledged by the ecu, will throw it into a tizzy. You'll definitely lose any kind of rpm matching like a throttle blip on downshift.

 

You don't want the RX-8 steering wheel/paddle shifter.

I have an auto RX-8 and it sucks.
Each side of the steering wheel has up and downshift on it instead of up on one side and down on the other.

In addition, the paddles are on the steering wheel so you can't reach them when you move your hands on the wheel to steer around any tight corner you will be downshifting in (you can't downshift before the turn as you get locked out of 1st until speed dips below 30mph).

Basically, the steering wheel buttons turn into a liability when you are racing using the shift **** for up and down. You do learn really fast not to flail with your hands on the steering wheel though.

This can be fixed to a real column mounted two paddle system with the Works Bell paddle shift kit for the RX-8, but thats more $$.

Works Bell -- USA | Paddle Shifter NEO

You could rig something with a generic paddle shift steering wheel hub adapter for the switches inputing "up" or "down" commands to a smart relay programmed to output "R,D,1,2,3" accordingly.

Works Bell -- USA | PADDLE SHIFTER KIT

Edit- followed the link by the previous poster and it was kits of what I describe building above.

 

The RX8 paddle shifters are a very poor design. The switches are built into the steering wheel itself rather than a fixed position like the steering column. You will find it difficult to tell which way is shift up and shift down once you start turning the wheel. I think I'd rather slap a center tunnel mounted auto stick up or down. Were the RX8's ever offered in an auto stick?

 

Yes, RX-8 has the stick and the wheel buttons, but no way to disable wheel buttons when in manu-matic mode.

 

I actually like the rx8 paddle set up! Mid corner I use the stick, but all other times it's the paddles. I am used to it I guess, at the start I thought "Jeeze this is ****", but yeh u get used to it.

It's is a 4sp auto. She only drives auto and really likes the paddle, so I thought it wld be great if I cld get it to work in her fd. I really like the smoothness of gear changes and the ratios are pretty good, tho I am told the 6sp is the shiz.

Just have to figure out the electrics. Umph!!!

 

the 6 speed auto is WAY better.

 

I tried getting an aftermarket paddle shifter for my auto FD. It ended up causing a ton of problems. So I eventually went back to the original set up after spending a ton of time and $$$... Definitely stay away.

 

There used to exist a company in the US who made paddle shift conversions for the auto FD. Supposedly they were pricey and used microswitches, but from looking at the links, this was nearly 10 years ago and I doubt they are still around now.

Its easy enough to just depress the 'Hold' button on the gear stick, and then use the shifter to shift between gears manually as you wish.