Button shifting a C-4

[Happy Pappy]

I am running a C-4, no torque converter, kind of running out of room in the cockpit so I am thinking air or electric shift on the wheel. Is there such a solenoid type system that uses only 2 buttons, one for the 1,2,3 shift then the second button to slam it back to neutral. 
Always appreciate the help...

Thanks, Chris

[RidgeRunner]

     I think it will be worth your time to check into what these folks have to offer:  https://precisionperformance.com/performance-shifters/

     I had major shifting and operating space issues with our home built set up in the 7172 Lakester with a C-4 first time out at Loring last July.  Installed a Kwik Shift 11 [without the air shift option] and had no problems with it in September.  The shifter and handle assembly is very compact compared to most, you might even be able to get away without the air shift option like we did.

               Ed

[panic]

If you think a non-converter shift might upset traction, the same solenoid can signal an MSD retard to knock the spark back 10 degrees for .5 seconds.

[Happy Pappy]

Yea, it's that traction thing's that got me wondering  . Start in neutral, push, get up to about 25MPH... 1st., 2nd, 3rd. through the lights and a quick pull on the stick & back to the neutral stop. No gate, just detentes. It's that 321N at speed that's got me concerned, maybe about nothing?
 The AIR Class does not allow any electronics. The push button thing just isn't gonna happen. The closest I could find was from Master shift. Super nice people but not gonna work for me.
I have talked to a few guys running this same C-4 configuration and so far they have not had problems.

Appreciate the help.
Chris

[RichFox]

The Jack Costella built 788 car has a C4 and is very tight. You might ask him of Rick to show you what they are doing.

[Happy Pappy]

Yeap, Rick is one of the first guys I talked with awhile back. Very informative, willing to spend the time talking with me, a really nice guy. He has had no problems running back through the gears on there C4.

Chris

[Stan Back]

"It's that 321N at speed that's got me concerned, maybe about nothing?"

Are you talking El Mirage or Bonneville?

Not to worry about stopping at Bonneville.  You can coast all the way to the mud.

If it's El Mirage (I checked the 2017 Rule Book and the Compressed Air Roadster record was 179), I'd think with an adequate parachute and decent brakes, you have no problem, either.  We've had a parachute mishap at about 190 there, and our astute piloto stopped our roadster with 2-wheel rear brakes with no problem.

I didn't know those old Studebaker, Oldsmobile, Rambler and Nailhead-powered cars were that fast.

[Happy Pappy]

For sure El Mo, Bonneville... well that depends on conditions and Ed's float plan. I do however have a spot reserved at the KOA in Wendover just in case.
I am not to concerned about slowing down, it's the running the shifter forward through the gears from 3,2,1,N at the end of the run. That's why no gate stops, just detent's so I can swiftly push the handle forward from 3rd to neutral. (I stated pull back in earlier post, that was incorrect).

Chris

[desotoman]

I didn't know those old Studebaker, Oldsmobile, Rambler and Nailhead-powered cars were that fast.

Stan,

You forgot DeSoto. 

Tom G.

[n49racer]

We used a shifter designed for an od trans on our TH350, it has one more detent which was used for N. 3 bumps forward put it in neutral. as long as it's not reversed pattern.

ted

[Stan Back]

Tom –

How could I forget DeSoto?

I ran DeSoto parts in my roadster in the 80s!

Stan

[Happy Pappy]

Hey Ted.
Yeah I am kinda kickin' myself. After some thought I should have maybe had a standard pattern that way I start in N get a push-off, start shifting from 3,2, and into first, then at the lights just go from 3rd. to N never have to pass through 2nd & 1st. Just seems a little safer & easier on the Trans.

Chris

[n49racer]

Sorry Chris, I should have read all the posts. Didn’t see the part about the reverse pattern

Ted

[bbarn]

Check out TMC transmissions. You can also reach out to robfrey here or Rob Freyvogel on FB (under carbinite lsr).

He worked with TMC to design and build a valve body and computer combo that works really well. We used it in our liner and at the drags prior. Easy install, just replace the valve body and the wiring is minimal.

Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk

[ronnieroadster]

Tom –

How could I forget DeSoto?

I ran DeSoto parts in my roadster in the 80s!

Stan

    When did Desoto move the intake and exhaust ports? LOL