DIY: Installing Stark Performance Shift Paddle Extensions for the A/T FRS/BRZ
 

Hey Guys!

NEW UPDATE: September 2015!!! Price drop and now on par with OEM type parts! The new Shift Paddle extension that Amazon now carries are now Injection molded-improving manufacturing process for OE quality and a better value-these look like OEM parts+a price drop to boot.

Find them HERE On Amazon! In Stock, and ready to ship!

Here's a quick little write-up about DIY install for the Stark Performance Shift Paddles for automatic transmissions in the FRS, BRZ and GT86!

First off, did you know that the automatic trans equipped cars have paddle shifters? They're super tiny silver flappy things behind your wheel! Quick! Go run outside and look...They really are there! Weird, right? I mean, those things are tiny! Time to fix that.

NEW INFO: The shift extensions are made out of polyurethane Shore 80D, and the double sided tape is 3M VHB

These are the Stark Performance Shift Paddle extensions, which are available at Amazon.

Anyway, on to the install!
Lets take a look at the package and whats in it:
http://www.modbargains.com/images/FR...riteup/new.jpg
http://www.modbargains.com/images/FR...teup/new-2.jpg

You will find the Stark Shift Paddle extensions wrapped up in bubble wrap(and made right here IN THE USA!!!!), instructions and two alcohol pads/wipes.

http://www.modbargains.com/images/Pr...-(8-of-10).jpg
http://www.modbargains.com/images/Pr...-(3-of-10).jpg
http://www.modbargains.com/images/Pr...-(9-of-10).jpg

Now, lets take a peak at those stock paddle shifters
http://www.modbargains.com/images/FR...teup/new-7.jpg
http://www.modbargains.com/images/FR...teup/new-8.jpg
http://www.modbargains.com/images/FR...teup/new-9.jpg

Now, using the included alcohol pads, wipe down those paddle shifters to get off any dirt, dust, grime, fingerprints or any other stuff thats gonna keep the shift extensions from staying put.

http://www.modbargains.com/images/FR...eup/new-10.jpg
http://www.modbargains.com/images/FR...eup/new-11.jpg

Once you've wiped down the paddle shifters(I did mine one at a time, to ensure ultimate cleanliness) its time to put them on! Peel off the tan colored backing of the paddle shift extension(tape has been pre-applied for you) and carefully lineup the new paddle shift extension with the OEM paddle. The Stark Performance paddle shift extensions have been carefully made to have great fitment to the stock piece, and the extensions are made for both the Left and Right sides(ie, the left extension goes on the left side, and the right extension only fits on the right side).

http://www.modbargains.com/images/FR...eup/new-12.jpg

Once everything is lined up, press the paddle shift extension and the OEM paddles together. Hold them together snug for 30 seconds-1 minute to allow them to really "seat" together.

http://www.modbargains.com/images/FR...eup/new-13.jpg

Now, repeat for the other side!

http://www.modbargains.com/images/FR...eup/new-14.jpg

Lastly, enjoy your new Paddle Shift Extensions!

http://www.modbargains.com/images/FR...eup/new-15.jpg

http://www.modbargains.com/images/FR...eup/new-16.jpg

The paddle shift extensions really stand out now, and make "performance" driving much easier. The stock paddle shifters tend to get "lost" when you're cranking the wheel back and forth, but with the shift extensions installed, its quite easy to click into the next gear.

Visually these paddle shift extensions make a HUGE difference, and they really help showcase the coolest feature of the auto-cars...by showing off the paddle shifters!

Reserved for future photos/updates!

kinda pricey for two pieces of plastic

Nice mate, thanks for the write up:thumbsup:

construction material added!

Put mine in today. Could have been a little bit longer but that inch extension really does make a difference.

Before anyone gets any ideas, no, that is not what she said.

LMFAO!!!

Too bad you caught that before the fun started.

No matching silver finish?

Have a car with an automatic? Does it have flappy paddles for gear changes?

Well, if it's a BRZ or FR-S you'll notice how small those flappy paddles are.

Now, go take a look at the flappy paddles for some of the other cool cars out there. Notice how they are bigger? Notice how small yours are.

Yeah. That sucks. I mean really, don't you feel inadequate.

Don't you wish they were bigger? Heck, even if you've never thought about it now you have.

Now that you have, and you're sitting there at work feeling all depressed and inadequate, TiC can offer a ray of sunshine with a couple bits of information.

First, we're pretty sure you're at your desk at work reading this. Even if you're not you will at some point in time. Don't let your boss catch you.

Second, Stark Performance has a solution for you.

It's these totally awesome flappy paddle extensions.

Get them and instantly feel better and be bigger.

You'll love it, and the chicks will too.

This is a win from turn in concepts!! I bought these justbecause of this lol!!! This is how they describe the product!

Okay, NEW and IMPROVED Stark Performance Paddle Shift Extensions are here! Check out the photos below! Plus, the price has dropped for these!

The new Shift Paddle extension that Amazon Has are now Injection molded-improving manufacturing process for OE quality and a better value.

http://www.modbargains.com/images/Pr...-(8-of-10).jpg

http://www.modbargains.com/images/Pr...-(3-of-10).jpg

http://www.modbargains.com/images/Pr...-(9-of-10).jpg

I already ordered these yesterday. I will let you know how they look/feel in person

Hey guys. Just put these on today. Install is obviously easy and the fit and finish was better then I thought it would be to be honest. I really really like them! That little extra inch or so makes all the difference (and yes that is what she said). So far they seem to stick on perfect but winter is coming so we will truly test them then haha. Overall very happy with a very nice product. Does it make you faster... no but it sure makes shifting feel that much better.

Ordered a set the other day and can't wait for them to show up. The stock shifters (along with my hands I guess) are just too damn small!

lmfao if I had an auto, I'd buy these for the same reason you did. Spot on TiC about work :bellyroll::bellyroll::bellyroll:

@sillierabbit

IKR thanks for reminding me about this

I just installed mine and went for a run through the local twisty bayou road. Very impressed with the fit, the ease of install, etc etc.

Fun notes: With you hands on the steering wheel bumps (10 and 2 o' clock-ish) you can shift with your pinkys. There's more of an audible *clack* sound when making a shift which is very pleasant to my ears. The wide curves on the back of the extensions are pretty comfy with a nice satin finish to rest your fingers on when you don't need to grip the wheel tight.

As others have mentioned once they received their set, the price is completely justified. They are plastic, but they are SOLID. Like big Lego brick solid. They fit on the stock shifters like Legos too; perfect. If you drive in manual mode 100% of the time like I do you need these in your life. 10/10 would buy again.
:burnrubber:

woohoo, bump for this! Plus, there was a price drop!

Who else has them installed?

im going to get them tomorrow!

Hey, @Shutter any way you could hook some Canadians up with a deal on shipping? Been interested in these since I got the car in Dec '14, but the dollar has been so bad, and shipping is absolute robbery to Canada from most places. I can probably get at least one more in to buy a set.