Paddle Shift
We noted on the Keisler website that a paddle shifter arrangement is offered as an option on the A-41. Without any previous experience with such a device, we thought about whether or not it would be worthy. After all, our old Mopar made good with nothing but a floor-mounted Slap Stik shifter. With an electronically controlled transmission, the shift functions are all commanded by the control unit. This opens the opportunity to tell the control unit what to do through the same electronics. That is basically what the paddle shifter does--command the transmission via an electronic signal to shift now, and it has to oblige. With the switching for this manual control right at hand, and the transmission reacting at the speed of the electronic impulses, the result is a transmission that will follow your commands to shift up or down, one gear at a time--instantly.
After some debate, we opted to include the paddle shifter, and without it you really don't know what you're missing. Our trans was built with an engine-braking function, so the result is much more mechanical than the normal free-wheeling feeling of an automatic. Up or down--just a quick flip of the paddle and you grab the next gear. One thing we didn't realize is that the multi-function display included with the paddle shifter provides a digital read out of a multitude of chassis and engine functions. Besides the current gear position, the display shows the engine, driveline, and turbine rpm, the trans and engine temperature, and vehicle speed among its many functions. No question about it, the paddle shifter is a worthy addition to the A-41 transmission.
Keisler's conversion kit comes...
Keisler's conversion kit comes with a custom driveshaft for the application. We went with the optional aluminum driveshaft due to the inherent advantage in smoothness at high driveline speeds in comparison to standard steel.
There are a variety of shifter...
There are a variety of shifter options with the Keisler transmission swap, including the option of retaining the OEM shifter. We elected to retain our factory console-mounted Slap Stik. Keisler provides a new detent plate that makes it work the extra gear.
A new four-gear indicator...
A new four-gear indicator lens is also available when retaining the factory shifter. Our original was aged and chalky in contrast to the crystal-clear replacement.
The Keisler A-41 shift selector...
The Keisler A-41 shift selector is operated by a control cable rather than the OEM mechanical linkage used with the factory Slap Stik installation. The required bracket and cable adaptor are part of the Keisler kit if the Slap Stik is retained. Given the shabby looks of our old shifter, in retrospect we should have just upgraded to a new shifter from Keisler.
At the transmission end, the...
At the transmission end, the cable terminates at the shift selector unit. A sturdy and direct mount anchors the cable to the transmission at the pan flange, and there is plenty of adjustment provision to allow a perfect synchronization of the gear detents to the shifter indicator.
While we retained the radiator's...
While we retained the radiator's OEM internal transmission cooler, we also added Keisler's accessory transmission cooler to the circuit, mounting the unit to the radiator right behind the valance grille.