Where do paddle shifters fit into the culture of classic cars and customs? From a performance stand point they offer an alternative to traditional transmission systems and in the case of manual transmissions offer an arguably faster and more efficient means of cycling gears.

We asked the guys at the MasterShift booth what they thought about the demographic split between their manual and automatic conversions. They told Rod Authority that the folks that like cruising as well as the older crowd are the ones they see picking up the automatic kits while the performance driven car owners are the ones picking up the alternative.

Paddle shifters are a unique transmission technology in that they blend car-driver connectivity with efficiency and convenience. In terms of personal satisfaction, paddle shifters may not provide the same exhilarating experience as manuals but what they may lack in excitement they make up for in quicker and more consistent shifts, far more efficient then what a human could ever achieve. Check out some product info on their manual and automatic kits.

Paddle Shifter For Manual Transmissions & Transaxles

These kits start at $2,400 and include a MasterShift manual shifter, black steel paddles for 5/6 bolt steering wheels, a wiring loom, programming cable, an installation manual, and CD. Push and pull cables are sold separately. If you check out MasterShift’s website they have a list of options and accessories to further hone your kit.

Paddle Shifter For Automatic Paddle Shifters

The automatic kit starts at $1,950 and includes all the same items as the manual kit. You can also refer to MasterShift’s website for additional accessories and options to add to your package such as a dash mounted gear indicator for $249, a push button gear selector that allows you to select any gear at any time for $299, and a sequential bump shifter for console mounting for $499, the options are limitless.

MasterShift was the winner of SEMA’s best new engineered product and SEMA’s best new custom car or street rod product. Check out their website if you’re interested in shifting gears over to the next level of performance.