Gear shifter for a Baumann controlled 4r70w

[66resto]

I'm installing a Baumann in my '66 mustang and was wondering what alternatives there were for a gear shifter. I wanted something that could also be used to speed shift/paddle shift. My 08 MDX would be a good example, slide over while in drive and shift manually. Any creative ideas? Not looking for TCI style setup. Would like it all to be contained within the shifter. Does it have to be a Ford to work?

[SilverFox]

http://twistmachine.com/Paddle_Shifters.html

Twist machine is an option I hear a lot of FFR Cobra guys use.

The Baumann has pushbutton shifting, you can invent anything you want to work possibly easy IMO.

[66resto]

Yeah, saw the twist machine before, very nice and easy setup. However, I was really hoping to get something "cool" in my center console, something besides the stocker shifter from a '00 with a twist machine on the wheel.

For the up/down paddle shift, yeah, I don't think it would be too difficult to make something work. I talked with Baumann once and they said even just two buttons, 1 for up and 1 for down, would do the trick, just need contact points. I am really hoping to be able to use more of stock setup for my custom look (that doesn't sound right, but this is in a '66 so it would be custom to it). The thing I don't know about it having the shifter being able to talk to the Baumann to from PRND21..and then slide over for the "paddle shifting".

Something more along the lines of a Mercedes or Lexus shifter...here is my MDX, which would be my first choice (in black). Love the boot and would look good in a custom console, moved closer to the driver.

Also uploaded a Prelude gear shift, not my first choice but you get the picture. I acuatlly think this might work if you could modify the linkage...

Is the shifter for a 4r70w all electric? No cable, no rod correct? Or is it only that the shift points are electronic and it still uses a linkage? Does it plug into the stock shifter? Could you take a stock shifter harness and rewire it somehow for one of these shifters? Or are we talking microchips and crazy talk?
Would a shifter from a newer Ford "Sportshift" work better? Maybe something that talks to a 4r75?

My realistic option is this Lokar piece (http://www.amazon.com/Lokar-COS64R70WEM-Operated-Mushroom-Transmission/dp/B003JBGFAQ), just would need something to indicate drive letters, maybe that will have to be "custom" enough.

May need to talk to Baumann again and see if anyone somewhere has came up with something.

[SilverFox]

You need mechanical connection, in 1st you can have 1-2 via the computer, in 2nd you can have 1-2 as well, you can not get 3rd until you shift to the 3rd detent however, there will not be any pressure to that clutch until done so. The electronics simply command 2 solenoids....on and off...that simple. I know guys that drive thier 4R with switches so long as the shifter is in the 3rd detent...easy stuff.