Shift lights - who uses them and what do you think?
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From: At arms length....
Shift lights - who uses them and what do you think?
I have been contemplating a progressive shift light and am curious who uses a shift light period and what type you use.
This is the one I am looking at (made for motorcycles but uses the same wiring)....
http://www.bohnarmor.com/rider....html
Nash
This is the one I am looking at (made for motorcycles but uses the same wiring)....
http://www.bohnarmor.com/rider....html
Nash
Neat product
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From: Snellville, Ga, USA
Re: Shift lights - who uses them and what do you think? (rambler)
I co-drove for a guy with a shift light last year, VERY nice to have one is being added to my car. Those type seem cool, but I would rather have the traditional type, that ONLY come on when it was time to shift. I think I could ignore the sequential type, much like a tach.
The only time I ever REALLY need the light is on starts, when i tend to forget things, so maybe i am just weird.
The only time I ever REALLY need the light is on starts, when i tend to forget things, so maybe i am just weird.
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From: Cragsmoor, NY, USA
Re: Shift lights - who uses them and what do you think? (rambler)
try this one.....it very simple, inexpensive and the guy that makes them is a world of help if you need.... http://www.dkselectronics.com/
just call him and he even calls you back.
just call him and he even calls you back.
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Re: Shift lights - who uses them and what do you think? (Maxx44)
Someone out there should have made a diy for a honda shiftlight by now... unless the signal is digital...
I've been trying on and off to hack one together...
There's a blue wire in my EP (which desparately needs a shift light with its low red-line) for a technician to hook up a tach to (according to helms) but it gives me no signals when I tested it...leading me to think I needed to ground it somewhere other than the battery (the blue wire has only one lead).
This "blue wire" was also found on earlier civics, and is sometimes used for aftermarket tachs... if anyone has any input on how to tap the signal from this wire, please help!
I've been trying on and off to hack one together...
There's a blue wire in my EP (which desparately needs a shift light with its low red-line) for a technician to hook up a tach to (according to helms) but it gives me no signals when I tested it...leading me to think I needed to ground it somewhere other than the battery (the blue wire has only one lead).
This "blue wire" was also found on earlier civics, and is sometimes used for aftermarket tachs... if anyone has any input on how to tap the signal from this wire, please help!
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From: Tire Wall Turn 6, NHIS, USA
Re: Shift lights - who uses them and what do you think? (hatch2k)
Pivot also makes both normal and sequential lights (That don't need a monster TACH).
I happen to have the single light that plugs into the lighter (yup not a typo) It works great (I have no idea how) and is infinatley adjustable ( I set it for my launch RPM for Drag Racing).
got it from http://www.JDMSPECPERFORMANCE.COM $100 I think
I happen to have the single light that plugs into the lighter (yup not a typo) It works great (I have no idea how) and is infinatley adjustable ( I set it for my launch RPM for Drag Racing).
got it from http://www.JDMSPECPERFORMANCE.COM $100 I think
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From: Pac NW
Re: Shift lights - who uses them and what do you think? (rambler)
Nash...
For Solo1 stuff it might be a good application. The problem I see with those is they might not be noticable when you're door to door with some loud-*** car (in my case, Mazdas).
I like my flashlight size auto-meter just for that reason. If I can't hear my engine and am in a tight battle (where my attention is outside the cockpit), I am still very aware when the light comes on...
For Solo1 stuff it might be a good application. The problem I see with those is they might not be noticable when you're door to door with some loud-*** car (in my case, Mazdas).
I like my flashlight size auto-meter just for that reason. If I can't hear my engine and am in a tight battle (where my attention is outside the cockpit), I am still very aware when the light comes on...
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From: Springfield, Va, USA
Re: Shift lights - who uses them and what do you think? (rambler)
I think I'm going for the big autometer light I can mount right in my field of vision. Otherwise I'll never see it. Just a pain that you have to buy not only the light, but the sending module and RPM pills as well.
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From: assville, MI, USA
Re: Shift lights - who uses them and what do you think? (Geezer)
I have a dial adjustable one from proshift or some company like that. I only use it on AutoX days, and I have to readjust it after every run as the dial tends to move a little bit durring heavy jolts.
Not real important when what you are doing only requires 1-3 shifts at most
Not real important when what you are doing only requires 1-3 shifts at most
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Re: Shift lights - who uses them and what do you think? (StyleTEG)
I used one last season and I liked it. I am back to T2 this year and it is not allowed. I have one bit of advice. Mount it so that it can't be seen by the car behind you. I have used a cars shift point (along with their braking point) to my competitive advantage by being able to see their big light on top of the dash light up when I'm behind them.
Victor Penner
Victor Penner
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From: Elkton, MD, 21921
Re: Shift lights - who uses them and what do you think? (Victor Penner)
slightly OT, but barely....
i used to own an old 85 RX-7. those cars' engines basically sound the same from 5k to 9k rpm; they don't give you the same auditory "feel" as a piston engine as they rev up. therefore, Mazda equipped them with a redline "buzzer" that beeps when redline is reached. very neato.
fast foward about 8 years since i had that car. i noticed that the Fields unit in my H1 car had a programmable buzzer feature.... i have this set at 8200 rpm. even over the racket of the engine (and other cars) I can hear the "meeeeeeeeeep" sound when it goes off. this says to me -- "shift, dummy!". I can keep my eye on the racecars around me, and I still get the warning. nice.
of course, last year, at Summit Point, in PS-0 class, it was going "meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee eeep" about half way down the straightaway, due to the fact that I didn't want to shift into 5th with the Carrera right next to me. it was screaming "shift, you f@#$ing idiot!". shortly thereafter, it went "ping, clank, clang, brrubbbarbg. putt." so, if i had heeded the buzzer, it probably wouldn't have blowed up....
i like the buzzer when racing.... (and the competition can't see it!).
todd
ps i have a light that looks like a shift light in the car (i built it out of a min-mag light that i found when camping at the track!). it is actually connected to an auxillary oil press switch; if it goes off (very bright red light) this means "shut down immediately! emergency!!!". i installed this due to the fact that i only glance at the oil press gauge rarely; usually once a lap on the main straight. if then. hopefully will save me from total destruction (if that goes off, the motor is already hurt; hopefully not destroyed though).
i used to own an old 85 RX-7. those cars' engines basically sound the same from 5k to 9k rpm; they don't give you the same auditory "feel" as a piston engine as they rev up. therefore, Mazda equipped them with a redline "buzzer" that beeps when redline is reached. very neato.
fast foward about 8 years since i had that car. i noticed that the Fields unit in my H1 car had a programmable buzzer feature.... i have this set at 8200 rpm. even over the racket of the engine (and other cars) I can hear the "meeeeeeeeeep" sound when it goes off. this says to me -- "shift, dummy!". I can keep my eye on the racecars around me, and I still get the warning. nice.
of course, last year, at Summit Point, in PS-0 class, it was going "meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee eeep" about half way down the straightaway, due to the fact that I didn't want to shift into 5th with the Carrera right next to me. it was screaming "shift, you f@#$ing idiot!". shortly thereafter, it went "ping, clank, clang, brrubbbarbg. putt." so, if i had heeded the buzzer, it probably wouldn't have blowed up....
i like the buzzer when racing.... (and the competition can't see it!).
todd
ps i have a light that looks like a shift light in the car (i built it out of a min-mag light that i found when camping at the track!). it is actually connected to an auxillary oil press switch; if it goes off (very bright red light) this means "shut down immediately! emergency!!!". i installed this due to the fact that i only glance at the oil press gauge rarely; usually once a lap on the main straight. if then. hopefully will save me from total destruction (if that goes off, the motor is already hurt; hopefully not destroyed though).
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From: Boca Raton, FL
Re: Shift lights - who uses them and what do you think? (Todd Reid)
I used to use the flashlight style autometer, then I switched to the the sequential style w/ six lights. I liked it so much I became a dealer....
http://www.race-sport.net
very easy three wire instal and quick adjustments are what I like best about these units...
http://www.race-sport.net
very easy three wire instal and quick adjustments are what I like best about these units...
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From: Pacific Northwest, USA
Re: Shift lights - who uses them and what do you think? (amweiss)
The most important thing to consider IMO is the ability to see the thing (even in bright sun light). In my limited experience driving in traffic, your eyeballs aren't always fixed over the dash, so the brighter, the better. The big *** Autometer one I have is impossible to miss. I also think sequential lights would be too distracting taking your attention off the road. I like the one light then shift method.
example #1:
"Okay... the 2nd green light just came on... that means I'm still good for a while...... oh boy, the 1st yellow just lit... that must mean I'm close. Should I shift now, or keep watching for the last yellow light.... or should I wait for the first red one? Hmmm, I haven't checked my mirrors for a while, so should I take a peek, or wait until I see that stinkin' red light!? What color flag was that guy waiving?"
example #2:
"Hey, there's the light. Shift."
Modified by johng at 12:50 PM 6/10/2003
example #1:
"Okay... the 2nd green light just came on... that means I'm still good for a while...... oh boy, the 1st yellow just lit... that must mean I'm close. Should I shift now, or keep watching for the last yellow light.... or should I wait for the first red one? Hmmm, I haven't checked my mirrors for a while, so should I take a peek, or wait until I see that stinkin' red light!? What color flag was that guy waiving?"
example #2:
"Hey, there's the light. Shift."
Modified by johng at 12:50 PM 6/10/2003
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From: Seattle, WA, USA
Re: Shift lights - who uses them and what do you think? (johng)
http://www.stackinc.com/st700.html
Check this out. gets you all those gauges you want with a intergrated shift light
Check this out. gets you all those gauges you want with a intergrated shift light
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From: Valley Forge, PA, USA
Re: Shift lights - who uses them and what do you think? (Todd Reid)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Todd Reid »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">shortly thereafter, it went "ping, clank, clang, brrubbbarbg. putt." </TD></TR></TABLE>
For those who don't know him, I highly recommend asking Todd to tell you this story in person at the track some time. He will actually make all of the above noises for you, as well as show you the intensity of the associated shaking. Highly entertaining....
Matt
For those who don't know him, I highly recommend asking Todd to tell you this story in person at the track some time. He will actually make all of the above noises for you, as well as show you the intensity of the associated shaking. Highly entertaining....
Matt
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From: Phoenix, AZ
Re: Shift lights - who uses them and what do you think? (speedracer33)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by speedracer33 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
For those who don't know him, I highly recommend asking Todd to tell you this story in person at the track some time. He will actually make all of the above noises for you, as well as show you the intensity of the associated shaking. Highly entertaining....
Matt</TD></TR></TABLE>
LMAO! Racers really are the animated type aren't they
Especially in the first couple minutes back into the pits when the adrenaline's still flowing.
For those who don't know him, I highly recommend asking Todd to tell you this story in person at the track some time. He will actually make all of the above noises for you, as well as show you the intensity of the associated shaking. Highly entertaining....
Matt</TD></TR></TABLE>
LMAO! Racers really are the animated type aren't they
Especially in the first couple minutes back into the pits when the adrenaline's still flowing.
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From: Omigawa,, Japan
Re: Shift lights - who uses them and what do you think? (goern-R)
MY .02
I like my shift light. Not necessarly when everything is good but when things aren't good. in the grass, a good dog fight or when cars fenders are getting touchy feely.
Mounts right on the steering column.
I have it wired from the back of the instrument cluster. using the stock wiring harness to run through the car.
Maybe its not needed but i like having it. My 5" tach is not needed, but it holds my shift light up
.
I like my shift light. Not necessarly when everything is good but when things aren't good. in the grass, a good dog fight or when cars fenders are getting touchy feely.
Mounts right on the steering column.
I have it wired from the back of the instrument cluster. using the stock wiring harness to run through the car.
Maybe its not needed but i like having it. My 5" tach is not needed, but it holds my shift light up
.
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From: I started it
Re: Shift lights - who uses them and what do you think? (rambler)
Ya know when I first saw this thread my initial reaction was "Bah! That's what the revlimiter is for!" and "I just kinda know when to shift by sound." But then I remember things like being side by side with Phil during ECHC round 1 and forgetting to shift.
Now I'm leaning towards getting a shift light. This $100 sequential thingy looks tempting.
Now I'm leaning towards getting a shift light. This $100 sequential thingy looks tempting.
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From: Fairfax,, Va, USA
Re: Shift lights - who uses them and what do you think? (Accord94DX)
Just make sure that if you use an Autometer shift light, you put the cap on at night.... I had one in my hybrid CRX, and at night it would BLIND me....
Dan
Dan
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From: River of garbage, Tokyo
Re: Shift lights - who uses them and what do you think? (Lt. Dan)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Lt. Dan »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Just make sure that if you use an Autometer shift light, you put the cap on at night.... I had one in my hybrid CRX, and at night it would BLIND me....
Dan</TD></TR></TABLE>
No tracks around my area are open at night.
Str33t racInG aRouNd h3Re is mAd wHaCK!!!
Dan</TD></TR></TABLE>
No tracks around my area are open at night.
Str33t racInG aRouNd h3Re is mAd wHaCK!!!
Re: Shift lights - who uses them and what do you think? (Accord94DX)
I use a sequential one, but it only has 4 lights
Copy+Paste -http://www.we-todd-did-racing.com/wetoddimage.wtdr/i=wOTQ4MzI2czQxM2RmZDMxeTU0MQ%3D%3D (yes, my car USED to be an auto)
it comes in handy, you can aim the leds towards your eyes and itll be noticeable and pretty bright even during the day, everytime i've been out on track its been a great tool, and its not blinding like the larger autometer ones
Copy+Paste -http://www.we-todd-did-racing.com/wetoddimage.wtdr/i=wOTQ4MzI2czQxM2RmZDMxeTU0MQ%3D%3D (yes, my car USED to be an auto)
it comes in handy, you can aim the leds towards your eyes and itll be noticeable and pretty bright even during the day, everytime i've been out on track its been a great tool, and its not blinding like the larger autometer ones
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From: Boca Raton, FL
Re: Shift lights - who uses them and what do you think? (SlicedBread)
we used an autometer for the 12 Hour...it was so bright at night, even w/ the cap on, that the crew guys said when I drove past the pits they could see the whole interior light up....
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From: Chiba city, Japan / Vancouver, BC
Re: Shift lights - who uses them and what do you think? (speedracer33)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by speedracer33 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
For those who don't know him, I highly recommend asking Todd to tell you this story in person at the track some time. He will actually make all of the above noises for you, as well as show you the intensity of the associated shaking. Highly entertaining....
Matt</TD></TR></TABLE>
haahahaha.
For those who don't know him, I highly recommend asking Todd to tell you this story in person at the track some time. He will actually make all of the above noises for you, as well as show you the intensity of the associated shaking. Highly entertaining....
Matt</TD></TR></TABLE>
haahahaha.
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From: East Coast, NY,NJ,CT, USA
Re: Shift lights - who uses them and what do you think? (SUPERAUTOBACS)
I can't live without mine on the track nor at the autox's.
I bought mine from here: its a homemade peice but works very well. No need to purchase pills .... its customizeable via dip switches. (in 100 rpm increments)
http://www.harlan-engineering.com/store/
I rewired mine to use a 2.5mm headset jack with the female jack in my cluster bezel. I did this so that when I'm not racing, I simply pull it out.
talk about bright ...... 7 LED's im your face.
-Nick
I bought mine from here: its a homemade peice but works very well. No need to purchase pills .... its customizeable via dip switches. (in 100 rpm increments)
http://www.harlan-engineering.com/store/
I rewired mine to use a 2.5mm headset jack with the female jack in my cluster bezel. I did this so that when I'm not racing, I simply pull it out.
talk about bright ...... 7 LED's im your face.
-Nick