Paddle shifting the 4T65E (Page 1/2)
phonedawgz MAY 23, 01:12 AM
4T65E paddle shifting. Since the 4T65E shifts are electronically controlled, and since it can be done, thoughts on converting to manual paddle switching? Ok, a few things come to mind. Arduino controlled, manual/automatic switch somewhere, and programming in the Arduino to make sure I don't blow up the tranny with a shift to a low gear while moving at speed. Questions up for discussion - Pressure modulation, any targets other than just let it run full pressure all the time? Next, is how exactly to do the switches at the wheel? A display showing gear would be nice, including lock-up of the TCC. Best way to communicate between the paddle shifter/display and the Arduino? Clock spring or? A clock spring would mean a different steering column.
OldsFiero MAY 23, 08:03 AM
06-09 Grand Prix GXP, 06-09 Impala SS, 06-07 Monte Carlo SS, and 08-09 Lacrosse Super had tap shift. Using one of those PCMs would allow you to keep pressure control, trans adaptive pressure strategy, ect.
Dennis LaGrua MAY 23, 01:37 PM
Paddle shift was an option on the vehicles mentioned. As you may already know not all 4T65eHD transmissions came with it. The paddle shift conversions that I have seen just work with a shift box/panel with a two button switches-one up and one down. I am not sure about the electronics but I would assume that the push button activates an electrical circuit that can only allow shifting one gear at a time.
There is a guy that did it on a Pontiac Fiero. It looks like his control module is based on an Atmel Tiny series microcontroller.
Paddle Shift Fiero
You might try asking him how it was done.


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" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
"THE COLUSSUS"
87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H
" ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "

[This message has been edited by Dennis LaGrua (edited 05-23-2021).]

olejoedad MAY 24, 09:05 PM
The paddle shifted 4T65's were not happy to be run that way, and had problems.

Just FYI.....
Dennis LaGrua MAY 25, 08:59 AM

quote
Originally posted by olejoedad:

The paddle shifted 4T65's were not happy to be run that way, and had problems.

Just FYI.....



I believe a possible problem with manually shifting an automatic transmission is downshifting or upshifting at improper speeds thereby overloading the clutch packs and bands. You may be able to guard against this in the PCM program but it would require a dual shift mode transmission and quite a bit of experimentation. Since today's automatic transmission are computer controlled they should optimize the shifting points based upon speed and throttle position but some driver still like to shift manually.

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" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
"THE COLUSSUS"
87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H
" ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "

Blacktree MAY 25, 09:51 AM
If you can find one of the cars with tap-shift, and transfer the PCM and shifter into your car, that should get you most of the way there. The PCM will be programmed for manual shifting. And you can piggyback the paddle shifters onto the upshift / downshift switches. If you can fit the instrument cluster from that vehicle, you'll have the gear display as well.
OldsFiero MAY 25, 08:38 PM

quote
Originally posted by Blacktree:

If you can find one of the cars with tap-shift, and transfer the PCM and shifter into your car, that should get you most of the way there. The PCM will be programmed for manual shifting. And you can piggyback the paddle shifters onto the upshift / downshift switches. If you can fit the instrument cluster from that vehicle, you'll have the gear display as well.



I agree. That should be the simple way out. I'm sure there are hacks out there so you can fine tune to suit your needs.

Marc
Dennis LaGrua MAY 26, 05:00 AM
If the OP wants this option I will go along with Blacktree, seek out a Grand Prix GXP that came with this option, remove all of parts from the system including the PCM and transmission and go from there. Be advised that the Tap shift 4T65eHD and the standard 4T65eHD are different. To what degree I do not know but they are two different part numbers. The PCM on the tap shift GXP also included a traction control mode and an engine RPM governor that keeps the engine under the redline. I guess Tap shift could be done with a standard 4T65eHD but couldn't you just do this by using the shift lever?

------------------
" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
"THE COLUSSUS"
87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H
" ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "

phonedawgz MAY 27, 08:34 PM
It's amazing how much times have changed.

Programming Arduinos are a breeze compared to what it was back in the day.


quote
Originally posted by Dennis LaGrua:

Paddle shift was an option on the vehicles mentioned. As you may already know not all 4T65eHD transmissions came with it. The paddle shift conversions that I have seen just work with a shift box/panel with a two button switches-one up and one down. I am not sure about the electronics but I would assume that the push button activates an electrical circuit that can only allow shifting one gear at a time.
There is a guy that did it on a Pontiac Fiero. It looks like his control module is based on an Atmel Tiny series microcontroller.
Paddle Shift Fiero
You might try asking him how it was done.
phonedawgz MAY 27, 08:46 PM
The idea of directly controlling the 4T65E is really intriguing me. I do feel that I am going to the point where I will make a stand alone manual controller for my use.