Stark Performance Paddle Shifter Extensions Install(10-3-14)
When this product came out last month, I was excited to try it out as I have always wanted someone to make some paddle extensions for the 86. The stock paddles are good, and has taught me to keep my hands in a great position on the steering wheel while on the track. Sometimes though, I wish the paddles were a bit bigger to make it easier to reach during some high speed turns.
This is where the Stark Performance Paddle Shifter extensions come in. This kit is one of those things that you think should have come sooner or you could have made yourself. It's not that hard to do, but no one did it until Stark and a handful of japanese tuners. The reason is that the AT users are in a minority, and most of them don't care about the paddles anyway. I'm in a minority of that minority. I fuss over the small details and think how things could be improved on more.
The kit comes with the left and right extenders, an alcohol swab, and the double sided tape already in place in the extensions. Just clean the stock paddles with the swab, peel off the tape, and stick.
Before:
[IMG]http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af165/Tyrone300/IMG_9511_zpsa1799***.jpg[/IMG]
Now for a $100, I expected more out of the kit actually. When I opened the box and inspected the extensions, I noticed the paddles were poorly finished and had a bit of paint overspray left on them. The back part of the extensions were also poorly finished that when you touch them, you can feel the roughness of the finish. It seems that it would do the kit a great favor if I would wet sand it some more and top it with clear coat. You could see the overspray in this picture here.
After:
The fit is not that great either, with my left paddle sitting flush, but the right paddle would not stick on good and it seems the stock paddle is not seated perfect.
Overall, the kit does it's job, but it fails in the fit and finish department. If it was around $30-$50, I would not have gotten my hopes up. But at $100, it seems it's not worth it's price. I hope Stark Performance would correct the kit's shortcomings, and if they do, then the price would justify the cost.
UPDATE:
Stark Performance paddles part two
As promised, here is my updated review of the Stark Performance Paddle shifters. I wanted to do Mike's effort justice after he replaced the first set of paddles he sent me. I broke out my macro lens to document all the differences of the new paddles from the old ones.
The package is still the same, paddles come in this white box as pictured. The extensions, cleaner, and instructions are same except some new additions of Mike's calling card and a sticker.
Looking at the new set, it is apparent that the finish is a lot better than the first batch as Stark mentioned. The surfaces are smoother, and edges are sharper this time around. For example, here is a comparison of the old vs the new.
The old paddles have a lot of bubbles from the casting process.
The new ones have a smoother and consistent surface.
The old ones have a bubble right where the stock paddles meet the extensions, and is visible even from afar when installed.
The new batch has eliminated the bubble.
The tip of the old extensions have overspray and bubbles, plus the edges are inconsistent.
The new ones have a better finish and shape overall with minimal paint imperfections.
The new ones are molded better and fit the stock paddles more evenly.
Overall, the new batch are light years ahead of the old ones and way more worth the asking price, which was my complaint from the beginning. I want to commend Stark Performance for standing up for their product and providing excellent customer service. I understand that they-or he, is just a new company in the game, but with this attitude, will win over new customers easily. Thank you for going the extra mile for this customer!