Needed a way to shift my AW, didn't want to buy what was available so I made my own. The first one was using a Omron PLC(Programmable Logic Controller) it worked great, I had switches mounted on the steering wheel.
I got to thinking that since you are only controlling two solenoids the PLC seemed overkill. My first thought was a lever that had notches on a radius to turn micro switches on and off at the right time. Lots of machine time involved with that idea so I moved onto a rod with notches for the micro switches, two aluminum blocks machined that fit together with a Z/S gate pattern on the top. Tada shifter, finished size is 3/4" x 2" x3" long.
Mounted in the center console area. Added a separate switch for TC lock up and now no computer needed. Simple and easy to make.

 

where do you connect it to? What was the total cost? How much would you sell one for?

 

http://radesignsproducts.com/default.aspx

 

that's really cool. so you can basically control an A340 much like a tip-tronic setup?

 

Yes you can shift your auto, 1-4 with just this unit connected to solenoid wiring from transmission. Very simple and didn't cost a lot to make.

 

I didn't see a cost...

 

I think it is the 80.00 in red lettering

 

yeah, I missed that completely on the first round.

 

can someone please explain TC lockup to me?

 

I searched for this ages ago and I cant remember the results in detail enough to comment on, but there is tonnes of readings and explanations on when to use TC lockup with your overdrive button and such. Use the search words ECT and overdrive ..you should get plenty of reading.

 

Let me try and feel free to correct me. Readers Digest version: The lockup is the torque converter actually locking directly to the trans thus eliminating slippage and lowering engine rpm. If you could stop with converter locked the engine would stall.

 

Are you still working on a mechanical / electric shifter that will replace the factory mechanical shifter and still have manual control of 1-4 shifting.

My girlfriend and I are slowly building a 1990 4runner with a 22re and are planing on swapping in a A340/4.7 gear driven case. We paid awshifting for a shifter but they seemed to have vanished. So we still are in need of a way to shift the transmission and it sounds like you are working on a nice version of what we need. Do you have any teaser pictures?