Slapstick • The Dodge Challenger Message Board

by **1974CH** » 12 Oct 2008 17:33

Hello everyone, may be an odd question, but whats exactly a slapstick shifter ? And what are the differences between the normal one and the slapstick ? :oops:

by **dave-r** » 12 Oct 2008 20:51

The console mounted automatic transmission shifter in Challengers was designed to only upshift one position at a time like a race shifter. It was called the "slapstick" because you could just hit it and it only moved one position.

This was different to the normal operation of the trans shifters in "normal" cars of the time. Only the performance cars had it.

From 1st gear, and without depressing the button, the shift handle can be moved to 2nd as fast as desired without overshooting. After pulling back slightly on the lever (just a couple of mm) the shifter is then ready to shift to Drive (3rd) and again you could shift it as fast as you like without overshooting into neutral or, God forbid, reverse.

by **dave-r** » 12 Oct 2008 20:54

Here is a scan from the original owners manual that came with the car.

by **david340** » 13 Oct 2008 11:50

thats interesting to know as i often wondered the same thing myself and nowi know

by **drewcrane** » 13 Oct 2008 12:16

yes my biggest problem is when i get in to a car that doesnt have that option, and i have to press the button, my toyota has that luxury,it is strange habit to get used to :s024:

by **dave-r** » 13 Oct 2008 13:44

My problem with the stock shifter was when shifting the other way.

When it came to pulling down from Drive into second. It sometimes shot into first instead. Not a problem in a stock car with a stock transmission and normal axle gears.

But in a car with 4.30:1 axle gears and a modified transmission that allows you to shift down at ANY speed it was a liability. So I changed the shifter to a Hurst indent type shifter.

by **jh27n0b** » 13 Oct 2008 21:04

Cool shifter Dave. What is the red button for?
Now about your avitar. I hope that is a girl and not the back side of David Bowie. :lol:

Bob

by **drewcrane** » 14 Oct 2008 2:03

that is a nice shifter dave,no accedental shifts with that, but maybe a heat seeking missle with the red button :s003:

by **dave-r** » 14 Oct 2008 9:07

You can use the red button for anything you like. NOS for example.

I use it for the line lock to do the burnout. I also have one of the two rpm limiters on the MSD unit wired into that so I don't over-rev during the burnout.

Oh yes that is a girl in the avatar alright. Just my type. I though it was a very taseful image compared to some of the avatars I have seen on here lately. Plus the colours are very seasonal don't you think?

by **1974CH** » 14 Oct 2008 16:04

, Thanks Alot for the explanation !