reverse pattern shifters?

[PABrian]

Too lazy and too much to drink for search... What the hell is the difference between the reverse pattern and normal auto shifters (such as the Art Carr/Winters Units)?

 

[Dusty]

Well first of all the shifter being reverse pattern doesn't do anything for you unless you have a reverse pattern valve body. With that, it gives you P-R-N-1-2-3. As for the Art Carr or Winters shifters, the only difference is the gate, which is interchangeable. You can retrofit a standard shift shifter with a reverse pattern gate if you already have the shifter and want to go to a reverse pattern valve body.

Dusty

 

[PABrian]

I have a TCI built C4, so if I want the "reverse manual" do I have to do anything? Do I want the reverse manual? what are the advantages/disadvanteges? I am talking about a bronco that will see 70/30(trail time 70) east coast...

Thanks for the reply Dusty it's nice to hear from actual vendors that care about our passion.

 

[Scoop]

The reason for going reverse shift pattern is to have first and reverse close together to save time shifting between them. Mainly when you are in a situation where going from first to reverse needs to happen quicker than going 1-2-D-N-R when a split second can prevent a rollover or endo. If you think you might get into this kind of situation or if you plan to seriously compete in rock crawling events, then you might need one. And then you'll have to live with a reverse manual pattern for the 30% you drive on the street. But there is that cool factor!

If you've already had your C-4 rebuilt, then yes, you'll need to R&R it and have the valve body replaced. I think the Art Carr reverse valve body is around $200 when I priced it a few year's back. Plus the Art Carr/Winters shifter is another $200. I decided not to do this. Broncoloupy runs this in his comp buggy.

 

[Broncobowsher]

Also note that the manual part of the valve body generally eliminates all automatic functions. You will need to shift all the gears yourself.

Something else, many times these are set up for drag racers. They are set for no engine braking in 1 or 2. This way at the end of the track they and shift into nuetral and shut the engine down. You have to go through 2 and 1 to get to N. If you want engine braking you will have to find a valve body set up with engine braking. But this will prevent shifting to nuetral at speed.